GTO it ain’t, but when you’ve only got five stacks to make a fun second ride happen, you don’t get the luxury of being choosy. That’s what makes this 1972 Pontiac LeMans so good…it’s the same shape, same A-body platform, and except the nose cone, same looks, same potential. Unlike a GTO that comes with a $5,000 price tag, however, not everything needs to be cut out and rust-repaired. Unfortunately, this LeMans does have the traditional A-body rot around the rear glass, but let’s look at the positives for a minute and see if you can overrule that bit of bad news.

First things first: the 1968-72 A-body itself, which needs no more explanation. Just buying into those classic lines is worth the coin to most. Then there is the “ratty muscle car” vibe that this LeMans is giving off. Which is more than just looks…this is a running, driving car that you can start to shake out the moment you get the paperwork sorted. A Pontiac 400 mill is handling motivation duties, so you’ve got something good to work with.

Summary: it’s a rough Pontiac that is treading the fine line between beater and killer awesomely. It’ll be up to you to push the built into the right direction, but one paint color for the whole car will make things look a hundred times better, and then you can focus on the interior. It’s no Judge, but it beats the crap out of every 1999 Grand Am on the Internet for sale, doesn’t it?

Craigslist Link: 1972 Pontiac LeMans