Pontiac Can Am LeMans

by Kathy K McClellan

Title

Pontiac Can Am LeMans

Artist

Kathy K McClellan

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Pontiac Can Am LeMans by Kathy K. McClellan is a photograph taken at Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville, AL (USA).

While waiting to board the boat for a sunset cruise at Joe Wheeler State Park (Alabama, USA), I noticed this classic muscle car pull into the parking lot. The owner said it was a 1977 model.

Research revealed that only 1,100-1,300 (depending on the source of information) 1977 Pontiac LeMans, out of the planned 5,000, were completed with the full Can Am package. The tooling used to make the rear spoiler was damaged beyond repair and Pontiac was unwilling to wait 90 days for a replacement of the tooling. The company cancelled the Cam Am program in mid-June of 1977.

The small number of vehicles that were built and awaiting the unavailable rear spoiler and other package details were shipped to dealers as Cameo White Le Mans Sport Coupes, mechanically outfitted as Can Ams but without the visual upgrades. They may be even rarer since there were no records kept on those vehicles.


Muscle cars were being phased out in the mid to later 1970s because of high gas prices and government regulations, not to mention sky rocketing insurance premiums of such cars. The 1977 Can Am LeMans was to be Pontiacs "spiritual successor" to the former GTO. Under the hood was a “W72” 400 cubic-inch D-Port V8 (burdened with emissions equipment)and an output of 200 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Any shortcomings in performance was addressed with style, including a special tri-color striping package, a T/A hood scoop, a three-piece ducktail rear spoiler and side louvers for the rear side windows.

There were other details, including interior options that made these cars special. The Radial Tuned Suspension, brake systems and tire specifications made for a smooth ride and superb handling.

Pontiac probably could have sold all 5,000 of these cars and produced them into 1978 if the snafu with the rear spoiler had never happened. As it is, that broken tooling made the Can Am LeMans a rare and sought after automobile among car enthusiasts.

Uploaded

June 9th, 2021

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