1972 Lemans GT 455 HO
 

Fred Simmonds documented in 1989 that in 1972 Pontiac built:

10 455 HO M22 4 speed Lemans GT Hardtops
2 455 HO M22 4 speed Lemans GT Convertibles

4 455 HO M40 Auto Trans Lemans GT Hardtops
5 455 HO M40 Auto Trans Lemans GT Convertibles

Curious to see, if any board members have pics and PHS on these rare 72 GT's?

If so, post pics and PHS.

2 of the three convertibles known to have survived....

Yellow GT Convertible - auto

http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1bc1df33.jpg

Sundance GT convertible - auto

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...5&d=1437995378

Forrest has the third too.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...mans+GT+455+HO

Here are the PHS invoices for Forrest's car and the Monarch Yellow car.

I don't believe that I've seen any docs for that Sundance GT HO 'vert.

Also a photo of Forrest Fulton's awesome Cameo White HO GT 'vert!

Thanks for posting guys.

So these 72 455 HO GT's only had a diecast 455 emblem on leading ends of front fenders?
Would 72 GT's with D port 455 have the same diecast 455 emblem as well?
400 and 350 GT's had engine call on rocker panel or nothing at all?

Thus,no 455 HO decal like 71 GT -37's?

Hey Rich -

Fender-mounted die cast emblem only on the 455-equipped non-GTO optioned 1972 LeMans.

Non-GTO optioned 350 and 400 1972 LeMans had rocker-mounted die cast engine callouts.

No 1972 GTO had die-cast engine callouts. The L75 455 GTOs had the quarter panel "GTO 455 C.I.D." decals, and of course the HO GTOs had the quarter panel "GTO 455 H.O." decals. The standard engine L78 400 GTOs used the "GTO" quater panel decals.

Hope this helps!

Yes, the D-port 34W L75 455 got them too.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...4&d=1370279513

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...2&d=1147839626

Can only find 1 Hardtop so far.
Don't remember whose car it is or how/where I got the Invoice from.

White / Black Vinyl Top
455HO Automatic
Sport Option
GT Option
Endura Option
Y99/724 Handling Pkg Option

What did the Sport Option get you ?
What did the GT Option get you ?
Was Sport a requisite in order to get GT ?


Have a file copy of the Yellow 72 GT 400 mag test with Ducktail and Y99.
But it seems to have some errors written into the article.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1438034874

Answered one of my own questions.
Stripper GT with Special Paint in Tarheel Blue that Harper once owned.
Black Bench Interior, 3spd Manual
No Sport option.

Noticing the 350 2bbl was an option in addition to the GT Option.
Wonder if that was a requisite , or if could get GT with Strait 6cyl. ?

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1438035860

The HO might be Gary's car Todd.

I have a copy of that (pre-PHS) invoice as well, Todd. MY file name "tag" indicates that it is/was indeed Gary Daniel's car Chris.

Here's the GT option contents, among others. A minimum of the 350 V8 was a "forced" option, witness the dual side-splitter exhaust which was part of the GT option.

Sport option included buckets, console, up-level door trim panels with pull straps, etc.

One did NOT need to order the sport package to order the GT option.

HTH!

I've cut up and parted three '72 350 2bbl LeMans GT hardtops that had std interior and bench seat. The sport package added bucket seats and the up level doorpanels.

yes that's mine. it is a triple white car. still has the splitter exhaust tips on it.

in the Pontiac sales book, it says the gt is not available with the sport option for some reason. which is obviously wrong.

My memory's failing Lloyd, thankfully it's not all gone. ;)

Like you guys, I need to write more stuff down.

Any chance you could grab a couple pics of the car for us Gary? You can text them to me & I'll post them if it's easier.

Thanks Lloyd
You say 455 CID and or 455 HO decals were on rear quarters, below GT whale stripe?
Anyone have a pic of that?

You're welcome, Rich.

Here are a couiple shots of John Skwirblies (sp?) gorgeous SO '72 GTO. Complete with it's 1-of-2 factory installed ducktail spoiler. Not a 455 or HO car, but the decal placement would be the same.

Note the incorrect 1971 MY ribbed tail lamp lenses.

Lloyd, I know 455 cid or 455 HO decals were on rear quarters of 72 GTO, I was wondering if a 455 or 455 HO 72 GT received same decals on rear quarter under whale stripe?

GT got a solid stripe, not the whale or strobe stripe.

Correct. And below the solid (3M reflective material) stripe, NO engine callout decal on the GT.

Witness Forrest Fulton's properly "decalled" 455HO GT 'vert.

Where are you going with this Rich? Have you found one?

Now there's a good question!

Here's my all-time favorite '72 LeMans GT, complete with a factory-installed ducktail spoiler! As I've stated before, sure wish I knew where that car is today, if it even still exists.

Last page of that back in the day road test . . .

Great stuff!

Can you tell me please what magazine that road test was in. I have a 72 GT400 and I would like to try and find a copy of the magazine.

Thanks,
John

Sure thing, John.

Hot Rod Magazine, March 1972 issue.

I would disagree that ALL '72 LeMans GT's with the T41 frontend treatment received the D98 reflective sword stripes. A few LeMans GT's out of Lakewood plant are known to have originally received the 9 pinstripe style stripes. Not only have examined a few with my own eyes (these cars had all the tale tells) but nearly 25 years ago when I was reproducing the correct reflective sword stripes, received more than one request for the nine stripe style stripes to finish the restoration of T41 nosed LeMans GT's. i couldnt help them, and it was not till at least the mid 90's that Ralph at Stencil and Stripes came through with correctly screened reproductions of the 9 stripe D98 stripes.

Also take into account, out of the huge amount of '72 LeMans GT's made with the reflective sword stripes, not all of them rolled out of the factory with the GT cutout front fender stripes. Have ran across several original laquer paint '72 LeMans GT's that had been off the rode since ye late '70's which did NOT have the GT cutouts n the front fender stripes. Last, would note am very familiar with what plain D98 stripe optioned '71 LeMans and 72 LeMans were, no confusing any of the '72's for a LeMans GT.

It actually appears in Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine, March 1972.
Posted here:
http://www.gt-37.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=193

Thank you, I have managed to find a copy of the magazine.

John

does'nt unclejudge have a Lucy Blue one ?????

so what all did the gt package add to the sport package? I have a 72 lemans sport 455 HO 4 speed lucy over black and I cant really tell what the gt / sport HO got that the sport didn't other than the options listed on the phs between the two cars.

For '72, WU2 LeMans GT package was avail on LeMans 2 door hardtop or LeMans Sport convert. Required Pontiac V8 engine and dual exhaust

The option Included:
-floor shift HD Muncie 3spd (other transmissions were optional depending on engine)
-'72 splitter tailpipes
- specific spring rate springs (basicily same as '71 GT-37)
- G70x14 tires on 14x7 rally II wheels ( with trim rings), code KS (14x7 HC's were optional)
- body colored mirrors
- D98 tape stripes that were supposed to be reflective with the GT cutouts, but some odd things did happen. Reflective GT decal on right rear of deck lid.

Y99 suspension was optional on '72 LeMans 2door hardtops and 2 door posts, and included: boxed rear control arms, front and rear 1 1/8" sway bars, GTO spring rates, variable ratio PS, 15x7 wheels, and G60x15 tires. When optioned on a GT, the wheels were KR's with trim rings.

Sport pkg included Strato bucket seats and the fancy door panels with pull straps, but with he Sport pkg clicked off, there was a way to order a Strato bench seat (has the fold down arm rest)

Thank you guys for your input.

No, I have not located one of these cars.

I just find 72 GT's unique and interesting cars.

Jeff has a Sport Convertible, not sure if he has a GT as well.

Neat first hand info there Roger & would help explain the plain stripes on the Sundance convertible on page 1 - other than an incorrect application during a restoration. Likely a case of supply running out or just a post-liquid lunch deal at the Lakewood plant?

14.37 @ 98? We've done better than that since! ;)

What color is that car Lloyd - white? Did they get a blue or a black stripe in 72?

Jeff and Chris have Lucy Blue white on white LeMans 455 HO verts 4 speeds.

GT had a stripe to set it off from the sport?

Mine got the 9 stripe strobe decal from the factory, I think Jeff's did too.

Mike also has a Lucy/white/white HO/stick Sport Vert, & Ross has the Wilderness Green/White/White HO/auto Sport Vert.

I've also located another one of the HO Sport Vert's, an auto & it's also Lucy/white/white.

The GT stripe is the difference...

Unsure of the color, Chris. Guessing Cameo or Monarch?

Cameo GT's got the blue reflective stripe, Monarch cars got black.

OPH, I think you meant KS wheels "without" trim rings, correct? My '72 GT does not have them, nor evidence of them, and I have all 5 original KS wheels. :noidea:

Hey Todd - the "Y99" option included lots of suspension upgrades, as oPh posted above. Also included 15"x7" wheels and G60x15 bias-belted tires. Since the GT option included Rally II wheels, a '72 LeMans GT with the Y99 package would have been equipped with the 15"x7" KR Rally IIs.

Witness the attached Y99 package components from the 1972 LeMans order form.

Okay, that makes sense Lloyd. Thanks.

Mine doesn't have the Y99 package. No rear bar or boxed arms, and the smaller front bar (7/8"?). I have no idea what springs it has. But since mine is just a "base" WU2, I understand that means 14x7 KS Rally II's. In that particular config, I believe it's no trim rings, correct? Just clarifying. Thanks!

You're welcome, and correct, Todd. If not optioned with the Y99 package, 14"x7" Rallys - sans trim rings - and G70 tires would be correct.

One COULD order trim rings on a WU2 car as a separate option, as well.

My old, long-gone, '72 LeMans GT had trim ring-less 14x7 Rallys on it when I bought it. Pretty neat, Lucy Blue, 400 2V, M40 black bench column shift car. VERY few options.

One of the few Pontiacs I regret ever selling.

Article says it is Yellow. (Monarch most likely)

Have one more - Green/Black/Wht Buckets, Sport Vert 455HO Auto
Sold new in Antioch, IL. Nice resto , sold at a Mecum auction within past few years or so. Either Rick Hendricks sold it ... or bought it - iirc

I thought Mike at one time had a Sundance HO 4spd SportVert.
Maybe was Blue all along.

so based on this phs sheet, what wheels should my lemans sport / gt have?
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1438034874

The GT part , got you 14x7 Rally2 w/o Rings and G70x14 RWL
- as a Baseline Inclusive.

The Y99 / 724 Pkg upgraded that to 15x7 Rally2 with Rings.
Just like the Yellow GT400 magazine test car.
15x7 Rally 2 with Rings, and Raised White Letter tires.

Y99 / 724 on a Lemans Sport = $236 (15" steelies with RWL)

Y99 / 724 on a GTO = $186 (15" steelies with RWL)

Y99 / 724 on a GT = $159 (15" R2 with Rings and RWL)


The GTO and Lemans Sport both had 14" Plain Steel w/ Dogs and Blackwalls as standard.
But the GTO had better springs/shocks & Regular Size Frt / Rr sway bars.
That is the price variance between them on the option.

The GT had probably same spring/shock pkg as GTO - but no Rear Sway Bar.
The GT already had like a double upgrade on the wheels (14x7)
So those considerations made the price variance between them on the option.

14x7 R2's were $87
G70x14 RWL were $42

Y99 had its own spring/shock package above/beyond base GTO, and the huge frt and rr bars , Pwr Assist steering with fast ratio box, 15" base wheels and RWL tires, etc...

KR's.
Code 724 handling pkg aka Y99 includes the 15x7 wheels and there is no additional note on the invoice for honeycomb wheels.

Todd, WU2 GT package dig not get the car the GTO's springs.