1979 · Pontiac · United States
1979 Pontiac LeMans: the 301 four-barrel leads
The downsized LeMans offered its strongest powertrain in the 301 four-barrel (L37), the only V8 listed with a four-speed manual.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own dek states that the downsized LeMans offered its strongest powertrain in the 301 four-barrel L37 for 1979, the only V8 listed with a four-speed manual. This record's own overview states that Pontiac's 1979 Buyer's Guide lists the LeMans coupe and sedan and the Grand LeMans coupe and sedan, with the base Buick-built 3.8-liter 231 V6, coded LD5, and a floor-shift three-speed manual, Federal alternatives of a four-speed manual or automatic with the V6, the 301 two-barrel L27 with automatic, and the 301 four-barrel L37 with a four-speed manual or automatic, and California cars limited to the V6 or a Chevrolet-built 5.0-liter 305 four-barrel LG4 with automatic, also the high-altitude V8.
This record's own key facts state that the 1979 LeMans was listed with the 301 four-barrel and four-speed manual in Federal form at a 2.73 axle ratio, and that with the automatic the L37 came with a 2.29 axle, with 2.56 available fitted with the trailer-towing package. This record's own production rows document an uncited compiler total of 131,052 for the LeMans line, whose inclusion of Grand LeMans and Safari wagons is not stated.
Those same production rows document six separately scoped catalogue body totals, from 13,020 Grand LeMans two-door coupes to 28,577 Grand LeMans four-door sedans, each an all-engine total this record's own notes state must not be added into a series total. Those notes state that no production split by body, engine, or transmission was found for 1979, and name the Standard Catalog of Pontiac, Pontiac Historic Services, and the 1979 Pontiac MVMA specifications as the best remaining sources.1
This record's own prices section documents twelve catalogue price points across six body styles, from $4,608 for a V6 LeMans coupe to $5,755 for a V8 Grand LeMans Safari. This record's own engines section documents the LD5 V6, the L27 301 two-barrel automatic-only, the L37 301 four-barrel with a four-speed manual or automatic, and the LG4 305 four-barrel for California and high-altitude counties, automatic only, alongside a transmissions section documenting the standard three-speed with the V6, a four-speed with the V6 or L37, and automatic as the only transmission with L27, LG4, and in California.1
Sixteen exterior colors are documented for the year without production counts, including Dark Charcoal and Blue Metallic, both specific two-tone-only colors, and seven interior trims are documented with their own color codes, from LeMans standard Dover II cloth in blue, camel tan, and carmine to Grand LeMans Windsor II cloth in four colors. This record's own specifications section documents the 108.1-inch wheelbase, a 198.6-inch overall length, a 72.4-inch width, a 16.6-cubic-foot trunk, standard P185/75R14 tires, and a 2.93:1 axle ratio with the V6 manual.
This record's own identification section documents that each engine carries its builder's own code, LD5 by Buick, L27 and L37 by Pontiac, and LG4 by Chevrolet, and documents five specific two-tone order-code pairings for LeMans, from Platinum over Dark Charcoal to Claret over Carmine. This record's own performance and conflicts sections are both empty for the year, a documented gap rather than an assumption that no such data exists.
Fact sheet · 1979 · United States
The numbers
1979 Pontiac LeMans — The downsized LeMans offered its strongest powertrain in the 301 four-barrel (L37), the only V8 listed with a four-speed manual.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- The 1979 LeMans was listed with the 301 four-barrel and four-speed manual (2.73 axle) in Federal form; with the automatic, the L37 came with a 2.29 axle, and 2.56 was available and fitted with the trailer-towing package.
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeMans total (series scope not stated by compiler)2 LeMans line (scope not stated) · not stated by source Uncited compiler figure; whether Grand LeMans and Safari wagons are included is not stated. | 131,052 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeMans 2-door coupe (D27)1 LeMans · 2-door coupe (D27) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 14,197 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
| LeMans 4-door sedan (D19)1 LeMans · 4-door sedan (D19) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 26,958 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
| LeMans Safari wagon (D35)1 LeMans Safari · 4-door 2-seat wagon (D35) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 27,517 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
| Grand LeMans 2-door coupe (F27)1 Grand LeMans · 2-door coupe (F27) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 13,020 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
| Grand LeMans 4-door sedan (F19)1 Grand LeMans · 4-door sedan (F19) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 28,577 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
| Grand LeMans Safari wagon (F35)1 Grand LeMans Safari · 4-door 2-seat wagon (F35) · not stated Catalogue production total for the body style, all engines. Rows are separately scoped by body and must not be added into a series total unless a source states one. | 20,783 | not stated (catalogue production total), model-year | Reported |
No production split by body, engine or transmission was found for the 1979 LeMans. The single total below is an uncited compiler figure whose series scope is not stated.
Best sources that would close this gap: the Standard Catalog of Pontiac 1926-2002, Pontiac Historic Services, and the 1979 Pontiac MVMA specifications.
Body-style rows from the Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 are catalogue production totals of unstated accounting basis and do not identify sporting packages; they are separately scoped from any secondary totals already in this record and must not be combined with them.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Factory price, LeMans 2-door coupe (D27), V-61 | $4,608 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, LeMans 2-door coupe (D27), V-81 | $4,803 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, LeMans 4-door sedan (D19), V-61 | $4,708 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, LeMans 4-door sedan (D19), V-81 | $4,903 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, LeMans Safari wagon (D35), V-61 | $5,216 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, LeMans Safari wagon (D35), V-81 | $5,411 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans 2-door coupe (F27), V-61 | $4,868 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans 2-door coupe (F27), V-81 | $5,063 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans 4-door sedan (F19), V-61 | $4,993 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans 4-door sedan (F19), V-81 | $5,188 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans Safari wagon (F35), V-61 | $5,560 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
| Factory price, Grand LeMans Safari wagon (F35), V-81 | $5,755 | factory price (catalogue column), base car before options; catalogue price note: figure left of the slash for the V-6, right for the V-8, 1979 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD5 · 3.8-litre (231) V6, 2-bbl (Buick) 231 cu in · two-barrel | base; Federal with 3-speed or 4-speed manual or automatic; California with automatic | Not yet sourced | |
| L27 · 4.9-litre (301) V8, 2-bbl (Pontiac) 301 cu in · two-barrel | Federal, automatic only | Not yet sourced | |
| L37 · 4.9-litre (301) V8, 4-bbl (Pontiac) 301 cu in · four-barrel | Federal, 4-speed manual or automatic | Not yet sourced | |
| LG4 · 5.0-litre (305) V8, 4-bbl (Chevrolet) 305 cu in · four-barrel | high-altitude (UPC NA6) and California, automatic only | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual, floor shift | base with the V6 (Federal) | Not yet sourced |
| 4-speed manual, floor shift | Federal, with V6 (2.93 axle) or 301 4-bbl L37 (2.73 axle) | Not yet sourced |
| Automatic, column or floor shift | all engines; the only transmission with L27, LG4 and in California | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
W50RPO |
Specific two-tone paint treatment with paint-break body stripes (LeMans and Grand LeMans among others) | — | Not yet sourced |
NA6UPC |
Altitude emission equipment | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Trailer-towing package (V8 axle ratios) | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Instrument-panel gages including trip odometer (not with V6) | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
11 |
Cameo White | Not yet sourced |
15 |
Platinum | Not yet sourced |
19 |
Starlight Black | Not yet sourced |
29 |
Nocturne Blue | Not yet sourced |
63 |
Sierra Copper | Not yet sourced |
69 |
Heritage Brown | Not yet sourced |
77 |
Carmine | Not yet sourced |
21 |
Sky Mist Blue | Not yet sourced |
54 |
Montego Cream | Not yet sourced |
79 |
Claret | Not yet sourced |
22 |
Glacier Blue | Not yet sourced |
40 |
Willow Mist Green | Not yet sourced |
44 |
Jadestone Green | Not yet sourced |
61 |
Mission Beige | Not yet sourced |
16 |
Dark Charcoal (specific two-tone lower colour with 15 Platinum) | Not yet sourced |
85 |
Blue Metallic (specific two-tone lower colour with 22 Glacier Blue) | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
24B2 |
LeMans standard full-width seat, Dover II cloth, blue (coupe and sedan) | Not yet sourced |
62B2 |
LeMans standard full-width seat, Dover II cloth, camel tan | Not yet sourced |
74B2 |
LeMans standard full-width seat, Dover II cloth, carmine | Not yet sourced |
24R2 |
LeMans extra-cost Sierra vinyl, blue | Not yet sourced |
62R2 |
LeMans extra-cost Sierra vinyl, camel tan | Not yet sourced |
74R2 |
LeMans extra-cost Sierra vinyl, carmine | Not yet sourced |
|
Grand LeMans standard custom notchback seat, Windsor II cloth: 24C5 blue, 44C5 green, 62C5 camel tan, 74C5 carmine | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in | coupe and sedan (2745 mm) |
| Overall length | 198.6 in | coupe and sedan (5041 mm) |
| Overall width | 72.4 in | coupe and sedan |
| Tread, front/rear | 58.5/57.8 in | coupe and sedan |
| Trunk capacity | 16.6 cu ft | coupe and sedan |
| Standard tires | P185/75R14 black fiberglass-belted radial | LeMans; 205/70R14 among available tires |
| Axle ratio, V6 manual | 2.93:1 | 3-speed and 4-speed manual, Federal |
Identification
- Engine building division in the order code
- Pontiac's 1979 buyer's guide marks each engine with its builder: LD5 3.8 V6 by Buick, L27 and L37 4.9 V8 by Pontiac, LG4 5.0 V8 by Chevrolet.
- Two-tone order codes (W50) for LeMans
- 15U/16L Platinum over Dark Charcoal; 61U/63L Mission Beige over Sierra Copper; 22U/85L Glacier Blue over Blue Metallic; 40U/44L Willow Mist Green over Jadestone Green; 79U/77L Claret over Carmine.
Identification
Read a 1979 Pontiac VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1979
- AMC AMX The Spirit liftback carried the AMX name for 1979 with color-keyed flares, Rally-Tuned suspension and the 258 six or 304 V8. An unattributed secondary report puts deliveries at 3,657.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The Spirit liftback carried the AMX name for 1979 with color-keyed flares, Rally-Tuned suspension and the 258 six or 304 V8. An unattributed secondary report puts deliveries at 3,657.
- Buick Regal Turbo, Grand National and GNX The two-barrel turbo was dropped, the four-barrel Quadrajet became standard at 170 hp, and 21,389 turbo Sport Coupes were built.
- Buick Riviera Front-drive E-body Riviera and Motor Trend Car of the Year; the S Type brought the turbo 3.8 V-6 (185 hp).
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova Final year of the 1962-1979 chronology. Enthusiast-compiled production: 97,721 cars.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS RPO Z15 Super Sport trim on the fifth-generation El Camino; no production count from a verifiable source was found.
- Ford Ranchero GT In the Ranchero's last year a secondary source reports 12,159 GTs among 25,010 sold, a lineage no primary Ford record read here confirms.
- Ford Thunderbird The 400 was gone; a 302 V-8 with SelectShift was the standard power team and the Heritage replaced the Diamond Jubilee.
- Mercury Capri RS and ASC/McLaren The Fox-platform Capri generation, whose trims included the RS and Turbo RS, began; a secondary source puts 1979 output at about 110,000, some 9,500 of them Turbo RS.
- Mercury Cougar Outside the muscle focus: 172,152 Cougars for 1979 per Wikipedia's table.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The Hurst/Olds returned on the downsized Cutlass Calais, built entirely by Oldsmobile with a 350 V-8: 2,499 built, 1,165 white and 1,334 black.
- Plymouth Road Runner A low-volume Volare appearance and performance package.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The peak: 211,453 Firebirds, 117,108 Trans Ams, and 7,500 Tenth Anniversary cars.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The last year of the SJ with a 301 4-barrel as the top engine.