[stoveboltgeek]

After decades of messing with 1955-57 Chevys, I’ve decided I want something different. So, I’m posting to see if anyone has been thinking about selling what I’m looking for. This is long-winded and admittedly very picky, so bear with me.

The short description is – I’m looking for a 100% stock ‘1968-72 LeMans, Custom S, or T-37. I would prefer a 2 door hardtop but am also open to a convertible. I’m looking for a nice turnkey driver – no project cars, please.

Now, for all the specifics…

Unlike many folks, I don’t feel the need for a GTO. (I don't want a "GTO tribute" car, either.) My ideal LeMans would be a numbers matching car with a 350. I prefer a factory THM automatic, but am okay with manual transmissions too. I prefer to avoid the 2 speed automatic and the close ratio Muncie. Creature comforts are good – PS, PB, and A/C are preferred. Bucket seats and console are nice, but I’m perfectly happy with a bench seat.

So, picture a LeMans 2 door hardtop with a 2 barrel 350, THM, PS, PB, and factory A/C. It’s not much for street racing, but it’s a perfect fun cruiser for someone like me.

Let me clarify what I mean by 100% stock. Picture the car as it sat on the showroom floor, Then, add the normal routine maintenance and repair parts the typical owner would have done by the neighborhood service station - tires, battery, etc. - over the first 5 years of ownership. That's what I'm looking for. I recognize that makes me "a little different", but that's what I want.

There are a few minor modifications from stock I'd be willing to accept. If it has a Flowmaster exhaust, no big deal. If you don't have factory wheels, well, those can be had (these cars look great with the factory rally wheels). If you've swapped the 2 barrel carb for a Holley carb and Edelbrock manifold but have all the original parts, I can swap that back at my leisure. But 4 wheel disc brake conversions, tubular suspension, LS engines, 700R4 or Tremec transmissions, etc. - thanks, but no thanks.

One thing I’m especially picky about is rust and rust repair. If I can find a never-rusted car, great. Otherwise, I want only minor rust repairs and for that to have been done with metal (no fiberglass and bondo, please). For this same reason, I prefer to avoid vinyl top cars, as they often rust out under the vinyl.

I’m reasonably flexible on colors. Rather than list my likes and dislikes across 5 different years, I’d rather take it on an individual case basis.

As far as price goes, it really depends on the specific car’s condition, the options, spare parts that come with the car, etc. I can afford a nice LeMans – just be reasonable. I’ve looked enough to have a feel for what’s reasonable and what’s not.

I live in North Carolina, but I will travel to see the right car. Just give me an honest description and have it ready for a reasonable inspection and test drive. (Yes, I’ve traveled hundreds of miles to see a car where the registration had recently lapsed, and another where the seller didn’t want to let me drive the car!)

Anyway, if you’re thinking of selling something that might be of interest to me, feel free to message me.

[Mr. G]

There is a nice looking '72 Luxury LeMans listed on Craigslist in Phoenix AZ. It does have some mods but you might want to look at the ad anyway.

[Mr. G]

Never mind. It's gone.