• The 1971 Pontiac LeMans was the top-of-the-line factory option from Pontiac during that year. Though first introduced as a version of the erstwhile Pontiac Tempest, in 1971 the LeMans became the primary design for' all compact to intermediate-sized vehicles developed by Pontiac. Built on an "A" body platform, the LeMans series included the compact Tempest T-37, as well as the Grand Turismo Omologato (GTO). The GTO was an intermediate-sized high performance muscle car built with a large engine block and a sporty design. Ideally suited for the power-seeking younger generation, the Pontiac LeMans was very popular amongst the baby boomers of the 70s.
  
  

Trim and Features

• The 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport was available as a two-door convertible and coupe, as well as a four-door sedan. The T-37 was available in its original Tempest trim; a two-door hardtop coupe, as well as in two and four-door sedan body styles. The powerful GTO was available only as a two-door hardtop coupe and convertible. A second generation option of the GTO, the Pontiac Judge, was also available in 1971 as a four-door station wagon.
  
  For better handling in high-speed turns, the GTOs were equipped with front and rear anti-roll bar suspensions on a 112-inch wheelbase. Standard factory options for the LeMans included power disc brakes, optional power steering, air conditioning, power windows and cruise control.
  
  

Engines and Performance

• The base engine for the 1971 Pontiac LeMans was a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder OHV inline engine that generated 145 hp. Other engine options included the 350 and 400-cubic-inch V-8 engines, which delivered 250 to 300 horsepower respectively. A 455-cubic-inch 325 hp V-8, originally used on the GTO, was also available as an option for the Pontiac LeMans series.
  
  The standard engine on the GTO and the Pontiac Judge was the 455-cubic-inch eight-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine, which was able to produce 335 hp at 4,800 rpm. It had a compression ratio of 8.4-to-1 and a torque of 480 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm. The GTOs were equipped with standard four-speed manual transmission and optional three-speed automatic transmissions, while the Pontiac T-37 had a three-speed manual floor shift transmission.
  
  

Pricing

• As of 2010, a two-door 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport with a 350-cubic-inch V-8 and an automatic transmission can cost around $12,500 to $16,500. On the other hand, a LeMans GTO convertible, with a 455-cubic-inch HO engine and power steering can cost between $16,000 and $17,500.