The 1970 Pontiac LeMans is an iconic American muscle car known for its blend of stylish design, versatile body styles, and a range of powerful engines, including options up to a 455-cubic-inch V8.
Overview and History
The 1970 model year marked a significant evolution in Pontiac’s intermediate lineup, which included the Tempest, LeMans, LeMans Sport, GTO, and GTO Judge series. The LeMans name had become its own distinct model since 1963, evolving from an upscale trim package into a full model line. In 1970, Pontiac reshuffled its offerings, renaming the previous top LeMans series as LeMans Sport while introducing updated styling cues such as Firebird-inspired front bumpers, wrap-around taillights, and crease-style body lines. Pontiac manufactured over 156,000 LeMans and LeMans Sport models in 1970, including around 4,670 convertible models, making them sought-after collectibles today.
Body Styles and Design
The 1970 LeMans was offered in a variety of body styles to cater to different buyers:
- Two-door hardtop coupe
- Convertible
- Two-door barreled coupe (pillared)
- Four-door sedan
- Four-door hardtop
- Station wagon (LeMans base)
Trim levels ranged from the standard LeMans to the more feature-rich LeMans Sport, which included additional luxury touches such as padded dashboards, Morrokide seats, rear armrests, and optional air conditioning.
Engine Options and Performance
- Base 250 cu in six-cylinder (Chevrolet-built OHV) – 135 hp
- 350 cu in V8 – 2-barrel carburetor (~255 hp)
- 350 and 400 cu in V8s – 4-barrel carburetor options, with the 400 cu in delivering up to 330 hp
- Optional 455 cu in V8 – producing up to 335-370 hp
Transmission choices included 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, or a heavy-duty floor-mounted manual. Rear-wheel drive (FR layout) and durable suspension components made the LeMans a nimble performer for its class.
Special Packages and Versions
- LeMans GT-37: Introduced in 1970, this package included Rally II wheels, white-letter tires, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, VIN-specific badging.
- LeMans Sport: Equipped with more luxury and comfort features compared to the base model.
Production Numbers and Collectibility
- Hardtop sedans: 52,304 units
- Sedans: 15,255 units
- Coupes: 5,656 units
- Two-door hardtop coupes: 3,872 units
- Station wagons: 7,165 units
Collectors value original color schemes, service histories, and rare packages such as Sport or GT-37. Current prices range from $15,000 to $40,000+ for restored low-mileage models.
Cultural Impact
The 1970 Pontiac LeMans appeared in films, TV, and had celebrity owners such as Tom Cruise, Richard Pryor, Steve Coogan, and James Mason. Its role in The French Connection chase scene cemented its muscle car legacy.
Key Features Summary
- Layout: FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive)
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Length: ~207 inches
- Engine Choices: 250 cu in I6, 350 & 400 cu in V8, 455 cu in V8
- Transmission: 2-speed, 3-speed, 4-speed manual or automatic
- Body Styles: Coupe, hardtop, convertible, sedan, station wagon
- Trims: Base, Sport, GT-37 package
- Market Range Today: $15,000 to $40,000+
In conclusion, the 1970 Pontiac LeMans represents a perfect synthesis of muscle, style, and versatility, offering collectible appeal for its trims, powerful engines, and historical muscle car significance.
The 1970 Pontiac LeMans Specs
| BODY | |
|---|---|
| Body Maker: | Fisher |
| No. Of Doors: | 2 |
| Model Number: | 3537 |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length: | 202.5 inches |
| Width: | 76.7 inches |
| Height: | 52 inches |
| Wheelbase: | 116 inches |
| Weight: | 3,265 lbs |
| ENGINE | |
| Type: | Inline 6, OHV, Single downdraft, Fully synchronous 3-speed manual |
| Displacement: | 250 cu. in. |
| Cylinders: | 6 |
| Bore And Stroke: | 3.875 & 3.53 inches |
| Compression Ratio Standard: | 8.5 to 1 |
| Horsepower Brake: | 155@4200 |
| Horsepower Rated: | 36 |
| Torque: | 235@1600 |
| Valve Lifters: | Hydraulic |
| Lubrication: | Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin |
| Carburetor Make: | Rochester |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Type: | 3.5 Pints |
| Drive: | Rear wheel drive |
| Clutch Type: | Single plate dry disc |
| Clutch Size: | 9.125 inches |
| Gear Ratios (Total): | 3 |
| Gear Ratios First: | 2.85 to 1 |
| Gear Ratios Second: | 1.68 |
| Gear Ratios Third: | 1 to 1 |
| Gear Ratios Fourth: | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios Fifth: | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios Reverse: | 2.95 |
| AXLE | |
| Type: | Semifloating |
| Differential Type: | Hypoid |
| Differential Ratio: | 3.23 to 1 |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front: | Independent ball joint with coil springs |
| Rear: | Coil link |
| BRAKES | |
| Service Type: | Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums |
| Service Front Size: | 9.5 inches |
| Service Rear Size: | 9.5 inches |
| Emergency Type: | Rear service brakes |
| Emergency Size: | 9.5 inches |
| FUEL | |
| Type: | Regular |
| WHEEL & TIRES | |
| Tire Size: | F78 x 14 |
| Spare Location: | Trunk |
| CAPACITIES | |
| Fuel: | 21.5 Gallons |
| Oil: | 4 Quarts |
| Rear Differential: | 3 Pints |
| Front Differential: | Not applicable |
| Transfer Case: | Not applicable |
| VIN/ID | |
| Serial Number: | Starting 235370a600001 |
| Total Digits: | 13 |
| Digits 1: | Make |
| Digits 2-3: | Series |
| Digits 4-5: | Body style |
| Digits 6: | Model year |
| Digits 7: | Assembly plant |
| Digits 8-13: | Production number |
| EXTERIOR COLORS | |
| Polar White, Palladium Silver Metallic, Starlight Black, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Lucerne Blue Metallic, Atoll Blue Metallic, Mint Turquoise Metallic, Keylime Green Metallic, Palisade Green Metallic, Verdoro Green Metallic, Pepper Green Metallic, Sierra Yellow, Coronado Gold Metallic, Baja Gold Metallic, Granada Gold Metallic, Palomino Copper Metallic, Castillian Bronze Metallic, Cardinal Red, Burgandy Metallic | |
| OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT | |
| Hardtop Coupe: | Opt |
| Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: | Opt |
| 400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: | Opt |
| Power Windows: | Opt |
| Air Conditioning: | Opt |
| Power Brakes: | Opt |
| Power Steering: | Opt |
| Power Seats: | Opt |
| Radio: | Opt |
| Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: | Opt |