This 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible is the only vehicle in the world equipped with variable valve timing based on U.S. Patent 7,171,930. The technology that helped Honda achieve great success with its VTEC system in the early 1990s was adapted for this vehicle through this invention.
General Motors didn’t want this invention, Ford didn’t want it, Chrysler didn’t want it, and major aftermarket companies like Edelbrock, Brodix, or AFR didn’t want it either. Even Hot Rod magazine didn’t deem it appropriate to publish or mention this invention in their magazine.

This vehicle was acquired in 2008 by Alberto Keel, the inventor of the Vari-Lift rocker system, so that after all the setbacks and disappointments he had experienced, he could use his own invention for himself. After a meticulous, two-and-a-half-year complete restoration, this vehicle was first put into operation in the spring of 2010 with a Vari-Lift prototype engine. It was driven on the roads for 7 years with the same engine, during which time the variable valve timing operated 100% reliably and, from the outside, completely unnoticed.

Unfortunately, during the periodic inspection conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles in the fall of 2016, the engine was found to be producing excessive power. As a result, the inventor’s official operating permit for the vehicle was revoked.

To avoid having to disclose the invention to the Department of Motor Vehicles, he decided to reinstall the original engine. Prior to this, he restored it in such a way that the installed components would allow for the potential installation of the variable valve timing system and would also be able to withstand it.

In October 2017, the vehicle was presented to the Department of Motor Vehicles with the freshly restored original engine. The vehicle regained its operating permit and, moreover, was even granted the coveted classic car status.
After the inspection, the original engine was also equipped with the Vari-Lift rocker system. The variable valve timing has remained undetected to this day.

This unique vehicle, which has been in the inventor’s possession for 18 years, is now offered for sale here.

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Odometer at installation of prototype engine 2010:                    40,700 km (25,290 mi)
Odometer at installation of original 407 cu in engine 2017:          91,005 km (56,547mi)
Odometer now 2026:                                                                       121,000 km (75,186 mi)

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