1963 Pontiac Le Mans

Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

263K6939

Gasoline

Well, here it is - one of the most beautiful cars of 60‘s - the rare and elusive 1963 Pontiac LeMans, in very original condition. It has the original 326 V8 (with matching numbers), auto transaxle with unique “Torque-Tube” driveshaft, and independent rear suspension (similar to the '63 Corvette). The '61-'63 Tempest / Lemans was designed, in part, by the famous John Z. DeLorean, and was praised for it's nice ride. The '63 Tempest was sometimes called a junior Grand Prix, and was succeeded by the famed GTO, in 1964. See many more pictures of the car at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47347707@N06/sets/72157623716816544/ The opening bid is now far lower than I ever expected the car to sell for. Unfortunately, I am moving out west soon, and can't take it with me. I have THOUSANDS more than my opening bid invested in this car, and countless hours of my own work. Someone may get this car for an amazing winter price. I bought this car in Colorado in the summer of 2008. It’s lived in Idaho, Colorado, and my garage it’s whole life. So, it’s almost completely rust-free and totally solid. It shows 91k miles on the odometer, and I believe that to be correct. I have many repair receipts going back to ’99. I have spent 2 years giving it the proper care and attention it deserves. It starts easily. The motor runs smooth and strong, and it drives beautifully on the highway. The exhaust is fairly quiet, but has a nice low, mellow V8 tone. I have been an antique car and motorcycle enthusiast and hobbyist for 25 years. You are buying the car from someone who cares. Every effort has been made to keep this car as original as humanly possible. It’s rare to find ANY muscular car from the muscle car era that hasn’t been modded, rodded, souped-up or otherwise customized. This one managed to escape. The only changes by previous owners have been the custom wheels, and lowering the front of the car by 1.5”. It gives it that slick custom cruiser look, but it also makes it less forgiving on all of Chicago’s lovely potholes and speed bumps. If you live where the roads are better, or you really dig the low-rider look, you’re in heaven. If you want it original, or to use as a cushy daily driver, I would raise it back up to original height (by replacing the front shocks and springs). Other than that, the car is very original inside, outside, and under the hood. I have been through most of the mechanicals and the entire electrical system, and it is very factory-correct. The new owner can just drive this car and enjoy it. I would consider it a great-looking daily driver or local car show / parade car. It still has plenty of little imperfections, but certainly nothing that needs immediate attention. The only 2 items missing on the car: a very small piece of trim from the gas filler door moulding (see photos), and a very small piece of interior trim from the top of the B-pillar (so small, I just noticed it, after two years!). I have a source for the gas door moulding (used). The chrome and stainless are in really nice shape. The paint still looks very nice overall, but it’s also 11 years old. There are some chips and cracks. I have included pictures of the worst spots, and even some of those are not readily noticeable. You will see several photos of cracking paint on the passenger door. When the light hits it right, you can see that the door was repainted (the color is just slightly different). Again, I just noticed this recently. Most of the time, you can't tell the difference. You will also see a bit of flash rust (surface rust) on the chipped areas by the rear window.This is NOT rust coming from the window channel. The paint chipped off from bad masking and age, not from corrosion underneath the paint. The only REAL rust I can find on the car are the two small bubbles on the lower left fender (see photos). That’s it! This car is very well-preserved. Just take a look underneath. It’s obvious the car hasn’t seen a salted road. I took the time to show you close-ups of most of the impefections on the car. PLEASE keep in mind, that they stand out a lot more in close-up photos. When you are standing next to the car looking at it, the car really looks sharp. I get comments, whistles, and thumbs-up CONSTANTLY when I take this car out. If you want to keep a low-profile, this is not your ride. :) The only evident mechanical issues are: 1. The AM radio. The light works, but that’s about it. Surprised? I didn’t think so. Hang a modern stereo discretely under the dash and enjoy some real sound. There is a custom-made speaker box on the floor of the back seat (see photo). It is not attached at all - you can remove it in seconds, if you like. 2. The bottom section of the dipstick tube is missing or bent, on the inside on the engine. Thanks again to Mr. BadWrench! So, when you insert the dipstick all the way, it hits the crankshaft. So, I keep the dipstick in the trunk, and insert it just to check the oil. No big deal, but eventually you’ll want to drop the oil pan (not a small job), and install or repair that last section of the dipstick tube. 3. The weatherstripping on the doors could use to be replaced. The other weatherstripping and window channels are in fair to very good condition. The rear window gasket looks great, and the front was replaced in 2000. As far as I can tell, that's it! Trust me, if I had more time, I would fix these last few items. But, then, I would raise my price on the car and keep you from having ANY fun. I’m not selfish like that. :) Like any old car, you will have to give it some attention here and there. It's not perfectly leak-free, but the major seals have already been replaced. I certainly haven’t replaced or repaired nearly everything, which means some other part may, and probably will, wear out before too long. That’s part of the adventure. As it is, I would drive it to California tomorrow, without a worry. I’ll tell you, this car turns heads everywhere it goes, and it is sure to put a smile on your face for many, many miles. I’m looking for a new owner that will appreciate what this car is. Oh, and keep it out of the salt! Thanks for looking. :) This car is being sold AS IS, with no warranty expressed or implied. After all, the car is older than me! Prospective buyers are welcome to have the vehicle inspected at their cost. There are plenty of local service shops. I will only sell to the USA and Canada, and shipping is to be arranged by the buyer. A $1000 deposit is due within 48 hours of auction close, the remainder due within 7 days, and the car picked up within 14 days, unless other arrangements are made prior to auction close. Please bid only if you are prepared to buy. Thanks! Here’s the long list of medical bills that you won’t have to endure: 2010 New front control arm bushings New rubber bumpers, driver's door Upholstery just cleaned (a big improvement! Updated photos to be added soon) Professional buff and polish of paint Installed new hood pad Touch-up kit for paint chips (work not done yet) Repaired short in turn signals Installed new windshield washer pump bellows repair kit Re-aimed windshield washer nozzles Installed rebuilt carburetor, and tuned Major tune-up (plugs, wires, rotor, points, condenser, distributor cap, oil & filter) Tightened front-end subframe assembly 2009 Installed new transaxle input shaft seal (correct part # this time!) Installed new rear lower control arm bushings Installed used original AM radio Rebuilt power steering cylinder & control valve, and re-installed Installed rebuilt power steering high pressure hoses (from cylinder to control valve) Installed new power steering pressure and return hoses (from pump to cylinder) Installed new power steering linkage bushings and greased Installed new rubber bumper, hood to fender ledge Installed new original turn signal switch Installed new original glove box & trunk lock set 2008 Tightened transaxle dipstick tube Re-packed front wheel bearings Replaced incorrect wheel studs & lugs, front & rear Installed new battery Installed new dipstick Installed new idler arm & bracket Installed new main bearings Installed new rod bearings Installed new rear main seal Installed new expansion plug on cam Installed new oil pan gasket Installed new transaxle input shaft seal (incorrect part #!) Installed new transaxle extension housing seal Installed used turn signal lens Re-attached speedometer needle & replaced instrument bulbs Replaced brake master cylinder Wheels balanced Wheel alignment performed Installed one new headlight Installed new oil pressure switch 2002-2007 No receipts or records. 2001 Installed new Blue Streak muffler & hangers Installed new alternator 2000 Installed new windshield Replaced steering column Converted car to power steering Front of car lowered 1.5” Replaced front & rear shocks 1999 New clearcoat paint job Engine painted Installed new carpet & trunk liner Installed new radiator