and chassis architecture. Its base
engine unapologetically didn’t set
performance records, but that wasn’t its
intent. The six-cylinder engine was a rather
revolutionary alternative of the era: A
250-cu.in. overhead-cam powerplant that,
with a one-barrel carburetor, was rated for
175 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque.
The “cammer,” slang used by gearheads for
the engine, provided just enough power to
move 3,400 pounds of metal, plastic, and
fabric, which kept fuel costs low and
drop-top driving pleasure high.
The combination of sleek looks, eco-
nomical power, and $3,015 base price
was enough to attract 8,820 buyers dur-
ing the year, or 6.47 percent of the total
136,297-unit Le Mans production run. An
argument could be made that this convert-
ible was somewhat rare, and therefore
deserved to be saved from a scrapper’s
future. But for those none the wiser, there
was another factor working in its favor:
sentimental value.
Recalling part one of this saga,
which appeared in last month’s issue, this1968 Le Mans had been gifted to Vickie
Needles Good in June 1968 upon her high
school graduation. Her parents ordered
the convertible through S&H Pontiac in
Harrisburg, optioned with a Super Turbine
200 two-speed automatic transmission,
undercoating, power steering, radio, cen-
ter console, front fl oormats, interior Décor
group, door edge guards, and whitewall
tires. Finished in Verdoro Green, with a
white top and two-tone Morrokide green
interior, this car had a price line reading
$3,679.73 before taxes, fees, and dis-
counts were calculated.
The Pontiac served Vickie daily,
save for a brief period just two months
into ownership when the original engine
suffered a mechanical failure and was
replaced under warranty. In the years that
followed, the Le Mans was an integral part
of Vickie’s life, including her marriage,
the birth of her only child, Matt, and theHemmings.com I OCTOBER 2019 HEMMINGS CLASSIC CAR 85