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1966 Pontiac Lemans

The '66 Pontiac Lemans: a cool, affordable muscle car! Its sharp lines and sporty stance made it a popular choice, embodying the era's youthful energy. A key player in Pontiac's muscle car rise, the Lemans offered performance and style without breaking the bank. Think sleek, aggressive, and undeniably 60s.

History of the 1966 Pontiac LeMans

Introduced as a sporty variant of the Pontiac Tempest, the LeMans made its mark as a symbol of innovation and performance during the mid-1960s. Under the watchful eye of John Z. DeLorean, the LeMans showcased the groundbreaking Overhead Cam (OHC) engine—an engineering feat that set a new standard for performance compact cars.

Photo of a 1966 Pontiac Lemans

1966 Pontiac Lemans Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Pontiac Lemans Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,568.00

Outstanding

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$37,000

Clean

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$26,600

Average

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$15,000*

Rough

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$8,200

1966 Pontiac Lemans Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 23717
Length: 206.4 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 53.5 inches
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Weight: 3,125lbs
Type: Inline 6 overhead cam, Single downdraft, Fully synchronous 3-speed manual
Displacement: 230 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3.87 & 3 1/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 165@4700
Horsepower Rated: 36
Torque: 216@2600
Main Bearings: 7
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 13/32 inches
Gear Ratios:
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
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.08 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
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
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 7.35 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 21.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 237176a600001
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
All colors may not be available in all models., Starlight Black, Burgandy, Cameo Ivory, Blue Charcoal, Fontaine Blue, Nightwatch Blue, Palmetto Green, Mission Beige, Reef Turquoise, Marina Turquoise, Barrier Blue, Montero Red, Martinique Bronze, Platinum, Candelite Cream
Hardtop Coupe: Opt
326 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
2-Speed Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Power Antenna: Opt

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1966 Pontiac LeMans Detailed Specifications

The LeMans was synonymous with versatility, combining style, affordability, and performance. Offered in various trims, its most notable option was the Sprint package, which included a hotter engine and sportier aesthetics. This powerful variant became a favorite for those seeking a fun yet practical driving experience.

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1966 Pontiac LeMans

Now, let's talk about the names that have added sparkle to the allure of this classic car. Ready? Here we go!

James Hetfield

Yes, you heard it right! James Hetfield, the Metallica legend himself, has a soft spot for the LeMans. Known for his eclectic collection of classic cars, Hetfield treasures the LeMans among custom-built hot rods and vintage models—a testament to his appreciation for timeless automotive design.

Errol Flynn

The swashbuckling star of Hollywood's Golden Age, Errol Flynn, also had a fondness for the 1966 Pontiac LeMans. Known for his adventurous spirit on and off the screen, Flynn's collection of stylish cars reflected his charismatic lifestyle, with the LeMans being a vibrant symbol of that era.

Rita Hayworth

Though not directly linked with the LeMans, Rita Hayworth's influence as a style icon added to the allure of cars like it. Known for her glamorous lifestyle, her choice of vehicles, like the Lincoln Continental, set a precedent for elegance and luxury that resonates with the LeMans's image.

Fun Facts about the 1966 Pontiac LeMans

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    Speed Enthusiast's Dream: The Sprint variant, with its upgraded 215 horsepower engine, was a showstopper in terms of performance. It catered to driving enthusiasts who valued speed and style.

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    Cultural Icon: This classic model has found its way into pop culture, appearing in TV shows like "The Monkees," adding a layer of charm and nostalgia.

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    Market Wonder: The demand for well-maintained models remains high, with prices ranging from $27,000 to upwards of $68,000 at auctions—proving its timeless desirability.

Photo of a 1966 Pontiac Lemans

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Explore Pontiac Lemans from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '66 Le Mans, it's a real looker! You'll notice the sharp lines, that's kinda its thing. The body style is easily recognizable; it's got that classic Pontiac styling, you know, the kind that just screams '60s. Think of it like this: it's the perfect blend of sleek and muscular. Plus, depending on the trim level, you might find some seriously cool features – bucket seats, maybe even a sporty console. It really depends on the options the original owner decided on, you see. But generally speaking, they're pretty sweet machines.

Okay, so under the hood, things get interesting. You had a range of options, from pretty tame to totally wild. The base engine was usually a straight-six, a dependable workhorse, but not exactly a screamer. Now, if you were feeling frisky, you could step up to a V8 – and those came in a variety of sizes and power ratings; some real thumpers in there. It was like choosing your ice cream flavor – you had lots to choose from, each with its own unique personality. Some were designed for cruising, others for, shall we say, more enthusiastic driving. It all depended on what you wanted to do with your sweet ride.

Finding a truly pristine '66 Le Mans? That's like finding a needle in a haystack, buddy. They're not exactly sitting on every corner. Many have succumbed to the ravages of time; rust, accidents, and just plain wear and tear take their toll. So a nice, clean one is a real treasure, a classic, and a serious investment; you've got to be pretty lucky. But don't give up hope! Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what might turn up. They're out there, believe me, just maybe a bit harder to find than some other classics, that's for sure.

Pricing varies wildly. It all hinges on the car's condition, the options it has, and, let's be honest, a little bit of luck. A barn find, needing total restoration? That'll be on the lower end, unless it's incredibly rare. A meticulously restored show car? Yeah, that'll cost you a pretty penny. Think of it as a spectrum, from a few thousand dollars to...well, let's just say the sky's the limit for those top-tier examples. A seriously nice, well-kept one, though? Now that's an investment!

Ah, yes, the mechanical side of things. These are older cars, so stuff can go wrong. You'll want to pay close attention to the usual suspects – the brakes, the electrical system (they can be finicky), and the engine. It's always a good idea to have a thorough inspection performed by someone who really knows these classics; some one who understands the nuances of older Pontiacs. That way, you can avoid nasty surprises down the road. Think of it as preventative maintenance, a good investment. You don't want to buy a money pit!