"Age old question"

[OldR8cer]

Hi All, I was a member here a few years back, but had to liquidate due to kids/family/blah blah blah. Anyway, short question is, what do you think of '72 Le Mans? For some reason the Le Mans has caught my eye, but I have not seen any on here. Why? I realize they will (most likely) never reach the price point of Chevelles, but I am not doing this for profit (as if any of us are, right?). Isn't this car pretty much the same as '70-'72 Chevelle?

Thanks!

[camcojb]

First off, welcome to the site. 72 Lemans are great looking cars, and there's a ton of suspension, brake, etc. kits available for them. I say "do it". :thumbsup:

[Zspoiler]

Its your car .Build it how you like to.And if other people have a problem that is their problem.http://s1064.photobucket.com

[JKnight]

I don't have any pics at the moment but my dad has a 72 lemans that has the Judge rear wing and body color nose on a Ridetech level 2 coilover kit and it's a great looking/driving muscle car. If you like the look of the front end and the additional curves in the quarters, no reason to rule it out.

I happen to like me the deep inset grille panels of the 72 relative to the shallow inset of those on the 71, for what it's worth...plus I kinda like the fender vents. His are black and contrast with the carousel red body color and play off the black hood vent inserts.

[WSSix]

Welcome to the site! Build whatever car you want is what I say. There's plenty out there for the 72 LeMans. You may have trouble with Lemans specific parts but that just means you get to be creative and make the car your own.

[JKnight]

Had him send me some pics from the show they're at today. Can't get a good side pic because of the usual car show lineup.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/jknight16/Mobile%20Uploads/image_35.jpeg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/jknight16/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_35.jpeg.html)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/jknight16/Mobile%20Uploads/image_34.jpeg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/jknight16/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_34.jpeg.html)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/jknight16/Mobile%20Uploads/image_33.jpeg (http://s148.photobucket.com/user/jknight16/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_33.jpeg.html)

[OldR8cer]

:thankyou: The replies and the support and courtesy of the users on this site far outweigh other sites. I can't thank each of you enough for the feedback. I have my eye on a particular LeMans with a factory 4-speed. And then a friend of mine sent me info on a '65 Malibu SS that has me at a cross roads. I really like the style of the LeMans and the fact there are not that many on the road. BUT, I like the body style of the '65 Malibu, too. Too bad my wife won't let me have both. HAHAHA. The LeMans doesn't really need anything. Probably end up putting wheels on it, and eventually headers, cam, intake. Malibu doesn't "need" much, but I would not feel as shy ("disrespectful") modifying the Malibu as I would the LeMans since it already such a nice car.

I'm sure a couple of you might know where I am coming from. :hairpullout:

[JKnight]

Can't go wrong either way. The 65 would be more widely desirable and have better resale. You can decide how much that matters to you. 72 may handle better in stock form, but the 65 should be lighter which could make it more agile.

[JKnight]

You may have trouble with Lemans specific parts but that just means you get to be creative and make the car your own.

I believe the only issue with parts we've run into with the 72 is the tail light lenses. Most everything else is available as long as you're ok with reproduction parts. I think the rear valance may have been an issue if you want the wider exhaust cut outs. Digging way back in the memory bank on that one though.

[kidcope]

Nothing wrong with a Lemans. With not being a GTO you don't need to worry about keeping things original for the value. Perfect car to make your own. With the aftermarket industry where it is at now, you can build one really nice car. Remember it is not always about the car, but the drive..
Here is a nice 72 that sold at Barrett Jackson

[Rod P]

DO IT!:welcome3:

[WSSix]

welcome to the site too, kidcope. Good looking GT37 you posted.

Tough decision OP. I think either one is going to work well for you. It sounds like you're not looking for anything too radical anyway. I would go with your gut and not what anyone else thinks. It doesn't matter if your car gets lost in the crowd so to speak. All that matters is do you like it and enjoy driving it. That's it and to hell with anyone else. Though, really, we'll like which ever you choose and encourage you all the same. Good luck. post pictures with whatever you go with.