1971 Pontiac Le Mans

V8

3 speed manual

233371Z123396

THIS IS A VERY RARE 1971 1/2 PONTIAC LEMANS GT-37. This GT-37 was built at the Fremont California plant and delivered to Forrest Pontiac dealer in The Dalles, Oregon on June 13th, 1971. My GT-37 still bears the reflective stripes it came with, and the Lemans is for the most part is original. The full length reflective "SWORD STRIPE" GT-37's were only produced in the last half of the final production year of the 1971 Pontiac Lemans GT-37's program, and therefore the term 1971 1/2. It was originally thought that only about 50 1971 1/2 GT-37's were built at the Pontiac plant in Michigan, but there were also few being built at the Fremont plant in California, probably to reduce the cost of shipping for western buyers. The final production of the 1971 1/2 GT-37 is estimated to be not more than 100 total counting both plants, and probably not more than 30 or 40 of those originals exist today. Pontiac midway through 1971 dropped the GT-37 nameplates on front fenders in exchange for the new Sword Stripe, a full length decal with the GT-37 cut outs for the front fenders section instead of the standard name plates. The Sword Stripe is very awesome looking and gets lots of attention from strangers. The stripe kits ares still available for those wishing to restore their GT-37. The T-37 and the GT-37 were built to be an option for buyers wanting GTO's or JUDGES, but could not afford them. " THE POOR MANS GTO " The GT-37 was an option created by Tempest line for a step up from their T-37 models. The GT-37 began it life midway through the 1970 Tempest line up which amounted to a little over 1400 built. (aka 1970 1/2 GT-37). Lemans assumed the roll of producing the T-37's as well as the GT-37's for 1971. The GT-37 total production for 1971 was a litle over 5800 including the rare last 100, 1971 1/2 GT-37,s. The first part of the Vin number 233371 is the same on both the T-37 as well as the GT-37. My GT-37 came as a basic 350 V8 motor with a 2 bbl carburetor, heavy duty 3 speed manual on the floor, 3:23 rearend gearing, dual pipes with chrome extensions., Soft Ray front windshield, bench seat, hood locking pins, rally gauges, rally wheels without trim rings, dual sport mirrors, name plate on deck lid, radio, power steering with variable ratio, deluxe steering wheel, locking reverse transmission key release system, vinyl accent stripe including decals on the front fenders. My car color is Lucrene blue and with a white cordova vinyl top. The standard T-37 or GT-37's were mostly low horsepower cars compared to the big motors that came with the GTO's or Judges, so the insurance companies were able to give better insurance rates, even though you could order special, the higher horsepower motors, as well as nearly every other options made available to the GTO,s or Judges. Little known was the fact that the T-37 and the GT-37's were reported to turn faster quarter mile times, using identical factory equipment that was available to all A-body cars in 1971, of course the 37's having a lighter weight than the GTO or Judge, helped a lot. The condition of my GT-37 is as follows: The body is straight, some original paint and stripes are still there. Some preventive body work has been performed to reduce further damage to the metal parts. There is presently white primer on the upper portion of the body. The pictures show where masking tape has be applied over the holes on body for the chrome trim pieces to mount in the future. All trim is good condition including those that are not shown and are being stored to prevent damage during restoration. All window glass is in great condition. Floors are solid and had some repair along the line. Trunk floor has a few rust original and are in great condition with nice raised letter tires. The drive train is in good condition and can be driven anywhere. NO leaks, no knocks, no smoke and is original. Drive train would require only minimal restoration and is the best feature of my car. I love to drive it. Did not come with hood insulation, but that was part of Lemans weight reduction program. Everything appears to be original in the motor bay including the water flaps attached to the inner fender wells. The power steering works very well, as well as the manual drum brakes. Head lights, turn signals, heater, all work. Radio and clock does not work. Doors open and close nice, keyed locking works good, windows roll up and down. Dash pad needs to be replaced as part of the interior restoration. The bumpers are straight and the chrome on the front is good, but the rear will eventually need chroming (not pitted or peeling, just lost its luster on the upper rail and placing a 2" reflective bumper strip would hide the problem). The rear valance is missing, but can be purchased from Ames Performance Parts. I know once it is restored, the will new owners receive the utmost attention from others for their labors of love. The values on these GT-37's will continue to increase in the future, especially the 1971 1/2 GT-37's. Many people have never heard of the GT-37's including dyed in the wool muscle car buffs. I have included picture of a 1971 T-37 from an article published by High Performance Pontiac Magazine in 1994. The T-37 optioned for the factory stock 455 HO and ran 12.8, give or take in the quarter mile. Not to shabby. The reason I am selling my GT-37 is that I was born in 1937, and now I need restoring also. One of us has to go, hopefully not me first. Thank you for reviewing my GT-37. I am keeping my reserve at a reasonable minimum. Please ask questions or come look at the GT-37 before bidding. Please do not bid if you do not plan on purchasing the car. The GT-37 is located in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area. The GT-37 is sold as is and where is. Seller states condition to the vehicle to his best knowledge. All information regarding the condition of the vehicle is based upon the opinion of the seller and seller will not be responsible for any unkown factors. $1000.00 within 72 hours after Winning bid, excluding weekends and holidays. Final payment balance within 7 days of the winning bid. Details to be worked out between buyer and seller.