Frame Up Restored Lemans GTO 400 V8 M22 4 Speed

One of the most aggressive looking GTO's ever built the 1972 model had a pile of comfort and style while retaining much of the bite of its forebears. This very cool Lucerne Blue number retains all of its original body panels, its original 400ci engine, is exactly as the Pontiac Historical Society documents lay it out and it's a four speed - that's the way you want one. Great cars to drive these tigers are collectables on the rise!

The build sheet laid out, with multiple codes given if different on the body tag:

* 334 GTO option
* 35G 4 Speed HD transmission (M22)
* 361 Safe-T-Track limited slip differential
* 403 AM/FM radio
* 411 Rear speaker
* 431 Center console
* 434 Body color outside mirrors
* 464 Formula steering wheel
* 474 Rally II wheels
* 531 Soft-Ray glass, all windows
* 654 Custom trim (GTO fenders, nose, trim)
* 692 Heavy duty battery
* 714 Tachometer
* 724 Handling package (G60x15 white letter tires, power steering, special shocks, springs and sway bars)
* FF/26 Lucerne Blue exterior
* 761/276/A51 Black bucket seat interior
* WK 400ci 4bbl engine
* XH 3.55:1 Safe-T-Track rear axle

You'll see the first item on that list is the GTO option - 1972 was the return of the GTO nameplate to an option rather than a separate model. Read the rest of the list, though, and you'll see that option or model this one's done right!

Underneath, you'll find an exceptionally clean chassis. This isn't a full frame off restoration - it didn't need one! Those are the original, clean floors, rust free frame and original rear end and handling package suspension. A quick evaluation is all that's necessary to see the original brake and fuel systems were up to their tasks and required no major replacement. That's the original undercoating you're looking at! So many of these cars died an early death it's refreshing to see one that's so clean!

Deep blue paint covers the rock solid, original exterior. The front end is definitely the best part with its straight body color bumper, excellent deeply inset grilles and aggressive hood. The GTO exclusive fenders with rear air extractors add interest to the sides of the car and look awesome with the mint Rally II wheels and new Firestone G70x15 Wide Ovals. The body is straight - care taken during its cosmetic restoration is evident. The trim and chrome is in excellent shape and is mostly original to the car. Bodywork was minimal and the finish work was done to a high standard. This is an attractive car with no hidden gremlins.

Comfortable black vinyl seats with new covers are the order of the day in the restored interior. The sculpted, clean dash pad covers the fully functional and clean original gauge cluster and nice original engine turned finish panels. Original door panels with original armrests are very nice, interior chrome is original and excellent and there's new carpet at your feet. The factory Formula steering wheel is in excellent shape and feels great in your hands. The center console with its Hurst shifter is also a clean original - there are no complaints from in here. The cabin's simply a great place to spend time!

Open the trunk to find a brand new Wide Oval mounted to a fifth, mint Rally II wheel. There's a new mat on the floor, the proper jack, new weather-stripping on the rail and a fresh coat of spatter paint underneath. Like the interior and undercarriage, there are no problems and no surprises.

Pop the hood and find the original, numbers matching engine in a detailed engine bay. That's the correct original air cleaner on top of the rebuilt mill. Some liberty was taken with the internals as the compression's up to around 10:1 and there's a RA IV spec cam to get the power up to where you'd expect a 400 to be. Those are original chrome valve covers on the motor, a restored vacuum booster and master cylinder on the firewall and a new battery and correct spring clamp cables tucked away in the corner. New belts and hoses (with correct tower clamps) are reliable replacements in this excellent GTO!

Solid, original body and engine cars are tough to come by. So are desirable cars with great color combinations and manual transmissions. And, so are cars which are still affordable! This car's all three and it's only going to get more valuable over time! Don't wait on this one!