1972 Pontiac LeMans and GTO 455 Y Code Registry

   

    I've been thinking about this idea for a few years at least.Decided to do it following the sad, near destruction of a super rare 1972 Y Code GTO this summer. Ironically that very car was purchased. restored and put up for sale. We have documented the whole deal on this registry.Y Code GTOs and LeMans are named after the fifth position letter code of their VIN number which is the engine code. 1972 is the first year GM used the VIN to specifically tell you what engine your car came with from the factory. Before 1972 you needed your sales invoice, a PHS document or build sheet to determine what engine was put in the GTO. It is a boon for high performance buyers, no guessing games there. What one hand giveth, the other hand taketh away. GM dropped the GTO as a series and made it an option for the LeMans series instead, So you do need to contact PHS to determine if your car is a GTO that year. The nice thing is PHS also tells you what options, where it was sold new and rarity breakdown if available. We are also issuing a Y Code Registry Certificate for owners of cars with  actual PHS documentation, cowl tag and proof of ownership.Having the car listed on the Registry is no cost, the Certificate can only be obtained once documentation has been shown.
So...what is a Y Code Engine anyway?
Good question! For the 1972 model year, Pontiac Division decided to use three engines in their GTO line; the base unit was a T code 400 dual exhaust 4 barrel making 250 horsepower. The top of the line engine was the X code 455 High Output engine making 300 horsepower. Right in between those two players was a base 455 dual exhaust engine making 250 horsepower. Unlike the 400 T code or 455 X code, the Y code 455 only came with a  TH400 automatic transmission engine.
  The Y code engine uses D port cylinder heads, a regular  distributor without HEI, a dual snorkel air cleaner without any ram air system and the engine blocks are differently coded from the 455 HO units.The basic idea behind this engine offering was to give the buyer looking for some extra grunt to haul gear around and drive power accessories such as air conditioning without dealing with high performance  premium engine hassles. The 455 engine Y code did do a number of things to the car order that made it a nice package. For instance, you automatically got a 12 bolt rear end, the 455 frame and engine mounts,a PY coded TH 400 transmission which was basically a heavy duty unit.

  Externally, the Y code  455 LeMans differed from the 455 HO car by using 455 CID rear quarter panel decals and on the passenger side trunk lid. On the LeMans cars only they used die cast 455 emblems installed in a weird place..right behind the front side marker lens! A factory picture of a Quezel Gold GTO Y code shows both quarter panel decals AND fender die cast emblems. We now believe this was actually a Lemans air brushed to resemble a 455 GTO and the air brush artist forgot to remove the fender badges.

    I haven't seen a 1972 GTO yet with die cast engine call out emblems anywhere. I suspect its the LeMans cars   that have the die cast badges. I spoke with Dan Jensen about this very topic and he is of the opinion that the fender badges were the only set ups used for Y code LeMans.  GTOS got quarter panel decals either as 455 HO or 455 CID. He doesn't recall seeing a rocker panel badge call out used on GTOs ever. Only LeMans cars got those and only in 350 and 400 configurations. So my car and the Flemings Ultimate Garage examples are custom fabs. They look stock because the 350 and 400s used them but they didn't come that way from Pontiac. We really need to see more examples of survivor cars to figure out exactly how Pontiac built them. So far, the current belief is that Y code GTOS were decal call out cars only. After speaking with Jim Luikens and conferring with Lloyd Tex and Pat Brown, it appears that only LeMans cars with either Y code or X code 455 engines used those die cast fender badges. The GTO cars used decals only.

Y Code Production Totals:
    Let's talk production numbers. These cars are rare. They were scarce when new. Only 240 were made that year. 5 were two door coupes, the other 235 were hardtops. As you know, GTO didn't come as convertibles that year so it would be a LeMans Sport. Here's how it all breaks down numbers wise. Pontiac made 7 Y code LeMans coupes, 299 LeMans Y code hardtops, 36 LeMans Y code convertibles and 71 Luxury LeMans Y hartdtops.
For the WU62 GTO package, the numbers play out differently; 5 Y code GTO coupes and 235 Y code GTO hardtops for a total of 240 Y code GTOs.  There's a trim level in between to consider; the LeMans GT. The GT wasn't offered as a coupe, just hardtop and convertible; They made 24 hardtops and 2 ragtops. There's your shakedown.
   I know at least one Y code has been totaled this summer, a rare coupe as well! I'm going to try and track the remaining survivors and see how they shake out option wise and condition. This isn't an ego thing. It's not like I own the best remaining example and want to Lord it over others. Far from it! Miss Hot Stuff was raced, been through at least 17 owners before me and isn't completely stock anymore, Not only that, she came with genuinely weird stuff from the factory. Try this on for size, lazer stripes, Cardinal Red paint, black custom interior and....ching!....steel wheels with polyglas 15 inch tires!
Pontiac chose to use gloss black paint on a Cardinal Red car on their steel wheels with big chrome baby moon hubcaps. You know how gross that looks? Never was a beauty queen! Anyway, mine was definitely a factory freak and it made me wonder about the other Y codes. So here we are.
We have a bit of data on some of the survivors and one car that was totaled. In some cases the VIN numbers are available if owner shared them.
Verifying the Y code GTO or LeMans:
PY suffix code on TH 400 transmission.
YK or YC suffix code for 455 engine =250 hp dual exhaust D port engine.
cylinder heads usually are 7M5 castings. These may have been swapped.
frame is a 455 frame most likely open channel unless heavy duty frame ordered.
holes in fenders for die cast emblems present or filled in with putty. ( this would only apply to LeMans GT cars with or without stripes.)
455 CID  decal quarter panel call outs and on trunk lid.
No ram air equipment, just dual snorkel air cleaner and cast iron intake.
regular points distributor.
Fifth position of VIN will have letter 'Y' for engine code.
On PHS invoice, engine code will be 34W for RPO option and automatic transmission.
The rear carrier will be a Chevelle style 12 bolt unit with boxed control arms.
On LeMans cars only: front fenders will have die cast 455 emblems right behind side marker lens.
Ringers & Things:
Below is a list of possible situations that could confuse a novice buyer about what he is looking at. For instance, I've said that the Y code LeMans comes with die cast 455 call outs installed on the fenders just behind the side marker lens. This is true. In 1972 Pontiac offered the X code 455 engine in a LeMans GT package. If the car came with stripes there was no place for either the 455 CID  or 455 HO decal on the rear quarter panel. So Pontiac used the die cast 455 fender emblems instead and mounted them in the exact same place as the Y code  LeMans cars! These particular cars are very low production, in the case of the LeMans GT convertible, we're talking about 10 made! Only 3 are known to survive. However, I can show you these did exist. Here are two of them.
 

Because the 455 CID decal would be obscured by the GT sword stripe, these GT 455 HO cars got the Y code 455 die cast
emblems installed in the exact same location.

Here is another one. Note this didn't even get the GT sword stripe.

I bet you're wondering where exactly that die cast emblem should go. I bet you're also wondering what the part number is too. I happen to have pics that answer those questions. These images below came from The Boss on PY forums. The first shows the emblem itself and the part number on the box. As you can see this is NOS material from the 1970s.
 

This emblem is specific to the front fender assembly of T 41 LeMans cars. However, it can be
used when a 455 HO engine is ordered on a LeMans GT or D98 striped car and it was in every instance. Pic credit: Pat Brown

This shows you where it should be on a factory installation; behind side marker lamp and in line with top lens. Pic credit: Pat Brown.

 The second pic is a close up detail showing the front fender and die cast emblem installed. It is behind the side marker lens in line with the top lens.

:Registry:

 1972 GTO hardtop Quezel Gold, black interior, full hubcaps, factory promo car used for long lead press shots. location unknown. 2D37Y2P------

Long lead press photo of 1972 Pontiac "GTO" Y code 455. This one was Quezel Gold with full hubcaps, black custom interior,rocker panel trim and chrome mirror. Note the placement of the die cast 455 emblems right behind the fender side marker lamp. From recent information, we now believe this is a Y code LeMans, not a GTO.

1972 Monarch Yellow LeMans convertible: T 41 front end, honeycomb wheels, wheel well moldings, tinted glass, tuxedo custom interior, side belt moldings, rocker panel trim. Notice the die cast 455 emblems on the front fenders right behind the side markers? Owner of this car says he bought it this way and it's highly original. This would be correct for a LeMans car.Would love to see how a Y code LeMans with the base front end came! VIN 2D67Y2P------.

Note that the 455 die cast emblem placement on this T 41 optioned LeMans Sport is behind the side marker lamp. This and the press photo car are the only two in the Registry with the factory placement of emblems. 

1972 GTO Sundance Orange hardtop: NOM engine very well optioned car (33) from factory with;  am radio, power steering, power disc brakes, custom cushion strg wheel. custom interior, console, tinted glass, lazer stripes, hood molding, luggage lamp, ashtray lamp, hd radiator, hd air cleaner, rear bumper guards, positraction, rear seat speaker, visor mirror, honeycomb wheels, frt floor mats, rear defogger, under hood lamp, rally gauges +clock, glove box lamp, trim package PDL,wheel well moldings, door edge guards, rear bumper guards, body color sport mirrors, susp & handling firm ride, Z49 Canadian Equipment location: Wyoming, USA.Originally Sundance Orange with custom interior. VIN 2D37Y2P******. To date this is the most optioned Y code yet.
 

A former Kirk Harbarger Collection car, this GTO has the distinction of being the most loaded Y code on the registry. It was originally Sundance  Orange with black interior.

  1972 GTO hardtop Sundance Orange, black custom interior. drum brakes, basic gauge set, rally 2 wheels, M35 sports mirrors with driver remote control, positraction axle, power steering, basic gauge set, AM radio, pedal dress up,  custom cushion steering wheel, console, bucket seats, added deck spoiler, hood tach, engine turned metal on console top, trio gauges. Sold in Maryland, VIN 2D37Y2P******.                                              

This example sold out of Flemings Ultimate Garage in Maryland. was a mix of base and optional goodies. Additions done to the car include rear spoiler, console trim plate and trio gauges. Sold unit 5 years ago, location unknown.

 

A view of the Flemings car inside. 

1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop Starlight Black, black interior, Peachland, BC. This car has the latest build date for a Y code GTO or LeMans in the database, exceeding my car's fifth week of May
by one week. Definitely a last batch built car as was mine. I have no info on options as I only saw a photo of it online and wrote to the owner. I've lost contact with him since. VIN 2D37Y2P2------.

 
1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop Cardinal Red, black interior. options: power steering, power disc brakes, AM FM stereo, 8 track, console, custom interior, custom seat belts, rear window defogger, positraction, white lazer stripes, tires G60 x 15 raised white letter, clock, non stock additions, hood tach, Judge spoiler, honeycomb wheels. Ontario. VIN 2D37Y2P------.
         

How Miss Hot Stuff appeared when she was new in June 1972. 

More details on this particular car can be viewed at phscollectorcarworldblogspot.ca. It is known as Miss Hot Stuff
and is very likely going to be the factory freak of the registry. A strange mix of base and optional goodies. Note the incorrect 455 HO quarter panel and Ram Air decals. Should be plain hood and 455 CID call outs. This car was cloned to some degree to resemble an X code 455 HO. 

1972 Pontiac GTO coupe, Monarch Yellow, covert vinyl top, covert bench seat interior, tinted glass, air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes,stereo radio, 8 track, custom cushion steering wheel, side belt moldings, rally 2 wheels, chrome mirror. This car was totaled summer 2015 in Florida near Ft Pierce after a hard rear end collision at 65 mph. Update: This car is currently on auction at ebaymotors following a repair to the rear end. It is quite comprehensive in nature and more images and details are in a separate blog post. ebay number 131650709198. The vendor is listed as premier motorsports in Connecticutt.  The vendor, Premier Motorsports revised their listing to include the nature of repair work and a link to phscollectorcarworld blog post on the car. The disclosure should put fans of the marque at ease. On 29/11/15 with last recorded screen capture of $13,100 USD. Car is re listed again due to bidder without funds. Latest update 07/12.15 sold at high bid of $15,879.72 USD.
VIN 2D27Y2A******.
 

Here is a super rare restored 1972 Y code GTO coupe. Finished in Monarch Yellow with covert tan vinyl roof and bench seat interior. 

 Here is a pic of the car at present 11/12/2015 in Connecticut.

As you can see the car was repaired and looks to be in good condition. Additional pics can be seen in a separate post on this car dated 12/11/2015.

1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop: Car is factory Cardinal Red hardtop. Equipped with a/c, black bench seat interior, radio, rocker guards, tilt steering(?), pedal dress up, chrome driver side mirror, door edge guards. Missing original engine and rear axle, might be missing original transmission. Has quarter panel and trunk lid rust. Needs complete restoration. Atlanta built in late March and found in northern Georgia in farm field. Offered online with high bid of $4,500.  VIN:2D37Y2A******. Location, Ranger, GA. online seller, Seidler.

Found in Northern Georgia in farm field. Missing original engine and rear axle. Car is factory Cardinal Red with black bench seat interior. This is still listed for sale.

1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop: Lucerne Blue,Parchment Morrokide bench seat interior. 455 4 barrel D port, TH400 transmission column shift, power steering, Safe T Track 12 bolt, AM radio, rear seat speaker, body color sport mirrors, vinyl body trim, rear window defogger, glove box lamp, electric clock, GTO option, G70x 14 white line fiberglass tires, Rally II wheels,  Soft Ray tinted windshield, ash tray lamp, heavy duty radiator, Canada Equipment (rear defroster, -35 antifreeze) Car was restored by Dan Simon, Ontario Canada, Canadian sold unit. Currently has bucket seat interior, custom interior panels, console and floor shift. VIN: 2D37Y2P******.
                 

 
1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop: Lucerne Blue with Parchment interior Morrokide. Power steering and power disc brake car. Has a 1974 NOM 455 engine with 1971 455 HO cylinder heads, Holley four barrel carb, aluminum intake, aftermarke camshaft, rear spoiler, Rally II wheels. Car is located in Saline, Michigan and owned by Mark ___. VIN 2D37Y2P******.This car will soon be available for sale in the Saline, Michigan area. Seriously interested parties can contact me.
   

1972 Pontiac GTO hardtop: Shadow Gold with Pewter interior, Custom interior Expanded Morrokide vinyl bucket seats, power disc brakes, power steering, remote control driver mirror, custom sports steering wheel, air conditioning, tinted glass, underhood lamp, wheel well trim, rocker guards, sports mirrors. Car was sold in Hoover Alabama  around 2011, Current owner & location unknown.

1972 LeMans Sport convertible: 2D67Y2P******.
Owner: Dom Sawicki, MA. Factory special order paint car, Iris Mist metallic, parchment interior with black accents, options; custom cushion steering wheel, power windows, tinted windshield, L75 455 four barrel V8, TH400 transmission, console, electric clock, T41 special front end package, Rally II wheels- 14 inch, radio, rocker panel moldings, wheel well moldings.
     

   Two owner car from new, purchased from owner's daughter and given restoration. Warranty replacement engine circa 1974 with Y code block, original floor pans, partial replacement interior with new exhaust and tires.
     

    Owner has PHS documentation confirming special paint order and Y code status. This is the highest VIN Y Code in the registry to date and is possibly one of the last Y Code cars made.




This is all the Y Code LeMans and GTOS we have listed at present. If you have one,                                    contact Pat Smith a phscollectorcarworld@gmail.com
*information collated from PHS MEDIA ARCHIVES and various phscollectorcarworld articles already in print. (c) 2015