1976 Pontiac LeMans

The 1973 through 1977 Pontiac LeMans wore a GM intermediate body and had grown in size due to the federally mandated 5 mph crash bumpers and other required safety features. For 1975, the car was updated with trim changes which included new crosshatch grilles on the base and Sport models. The Grand Le Mans (renamed from luxury LeMans) received a vertical bar grille with more chrome. The Grand LeMans were given revisions to the interior including a wrap-around dashboard from the Grand Prix and Grand Am models with simulated African Crossfire Mahogany trim.

New for 1976 were quad rectangular headlamps in the front. The base and Grand LeMans lines came in two- and 4-door hardtop sedan form. The LeMans Sport Coupe was available only as a coupe. The LeMans and Grand LeMans were Pontiac's only intermediate offering; the Grand Am series was discontinued.

The standard engine was the Chevy-built 250 cubic-inch six. Option V8s including the 260 cubic-inch V8 which offered 110 horsepower, a 350 cubic-inch V8 rated at 160 horsepower, and a 400 CID V8 offering 170 (or 185 BHP depending on configuration).

Standard equipment on the LeMans included a three-speed manual transmission, rocker panel moldings, radial-tuned suspension, and dual horns. The Wagons had a 400 cubic-inch two-barrel V8 and a Turbo-Hydra-Matic transmission.

The Grand LeMans cars had either a Turbo-Hydra-Matic or a five-speed manual gearbox. The Grand LeMans and Sport Coupes had wheel-opening moldings with either bucket seats or a full-width seat.

New for 1976 was an 'Enforcer' police package on the LeMans sedans with either the 400 or 455 V8s that included Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, heavy-duty power front disc brakes, suspension tuning, and variable ratio power steering.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2014