Used 1968 Pontiac LeMans

1968 Pontiac LeMans: A Blend of Style and Substance

The 1968 Pontiac LeMans, a cornerstone of Pontiac's mid-size lineup, represented a significant evolution for the brand. Building upon the successful foundation of its predecessors, the '68 LeMans offered a compelling package of sporty styling, comfortable interiors, and potent performance options, making it a popular choice for a wide range of buyers seeking a stylish and capable American automobile.

Design and Styling: The New Edge

Pontiac's design team, led by John DeLorean, ushered in a fresh aesthetic for the LeMans in 1968, marking a departure from the more restrained styling of previous years.

• The "Coke Bottle" Silhouette: The LeMans adopted the new "Coke bottle" or "hips" styling trend that was sweeping the automotive industry. This design featured sculpted rear quarter panels that tapered inward before flaring out over the rear wheels, creating a visually dynamic and muscular appearance.
• Aggressive Front End: The signature Pontiac "split grille" remained, but it was subtly restyled with a more pronounced horizontal emphasis. Quad headlights were positioned within sculpted bezels, framed by a distinctive chrome bumper that wrapped around the front. The hood featured a subtle power dome on some models, hinting at the performance lurking beneath.
• Sleeker Profile: The wheelbase remained relatively consistent, but the overall body lines were smoother and more integrated. The side trim was often kept to a minimum, emphasizing the car's sculpted form.
• Body Styles: The 1968 LeMans was available in a variety of popular body styles to cater to diverse needs:
  • 2-Door Hardtop Coupe: The quintessential sporty model, offering a stylish and engaging driving experience.
  • 4-Door Sedan: A practical choice for families, still retaining a good measure of Pontiac's signature flair.
  • Convertible: The open-air option, perfect for cruising and enjoying the sunshine.
  • Safari Station Wagon: A versatile and family-oriented option, often equipped with dual rear-facing seats.

Interior Comfort and Features: A Driver-Focused Environment

The interior of the 1968 LeMans was designed to be both comfortable and driver-centric, reflecting Pontiac's emphasis on a premium feel within its mid-size offerings.

• Dashboard and Instruments: The dashboard was well-appointed with a comprehensive array of gauges, providing the driver with essential information. Instrumentation typically included a speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and oil pressure gauge. Optional tachometers were available for performance-oriented models.
• Seating: Front bucket seats were a popular option, particularly on sportier LeMans models, offering enhanced support for spirited driving. A bench seat was standard on many models. The rear bench seat provided ample space for passengers.
• Materials and Finishes: The interior featured durable and attractive materials, often including vinyl or cloth upholstery. Woodgrain accents were often incorporated into the dashboard and door panels, adding a touch of elegance.
• Convenience Features: A range of convenience features were available, either standard or as options, including:
  • Air Conditioning: A highly desirable option for warmer climates.
  • Power Steering and Power Brakes: Standard on most models, enhancing ease of driving.
  • AM/FM Radio: Providing entertainment and an upgraded audio experience.
  • Tilt Steering Wheel: Allowing for personalized driver comfort.

Powertrain Options: From Efficient to Potent

Pontiac offered a diverse range of engine options for the 1968 LeMans, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle's performance to their preferences and budget.

• Inline-Six: The standard engine for many LeMans models was a robust 250 cubic inch inline-six, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday driving.

• V8 Engines: The heart of the LeMans' appeal for many was its available V8 engines, which provided significantly more performance:

  • 350 V8: A popular and capable V8, offering a strong step up from the six-cylinder. Available in various states of tune.
  • 400 V8: This larger V8 engine was a common choice for those seeking more power and torque.
  • 428 V8: For the true performance enthusiast, the potent 428 cubic inch V8 was available, delivering exhilarating acceleration and highway cruising capability.

• Transmission Choices: Buyers could choose from a selection of transmissions:

  • 3-Speed Manual: The standard offering for many models, providing a direct connection to the road.
  • 4-Speed Manual: A desirable option for performance-minded drivers, further enhancing the sporty feel.
  • 2-Speed Automatic (Powerglide): Available on some six-cylinder models for added convenience.
  • 3-Speed Automatic (Turbo-Hydramatic): The preferred automatic transmission for V8 models, offering smooth shifts and robust performance.

Performance and Handling: A Sporty Edge

While not as overtly performance-focused as the GTO, the LeMans provided a sporty driving experience, especially when equipped with the larger V8 engines and optional suspension upgrades.

• Suspension: The LeMans featured a well-engineered suspension system that provided a comfortable ride while still offering competent handling. Optional performance suspension packages could further enhance its cornering capabilities.
• Brakes: Power-assisted drum brakes were standard, providing adequate stopping power. Front disc brakes were often available as an option, offering improved braking performance.

The LeMans in the Market: A Versatile Contender

The 1968 Pontiac LeMans successfully carved out its niche in the competitive mid-size market. It appealed to a broad spectrum of buyers, from families seeking a stylish and reliable car to younger buyers looking for a more performance-oriented and visually appealing option than some of its competitors. Its blend of modern styling, comfortable interior, and available powerful engines made it a well-rounded and desirable American automobile of its era.