The 326-powered Tempest made as much as 260hp, which put it just above the standard '63 Corvette in terms of output. The engine technically displaced a little more than 326 cubic inches, but because GM said no compact car could have a larger engine than the Corvette's 327 small block, the numbers were fudged a bit. There were a few different versions of the Trophy 4 available, including a hot version with a four-barrel carb that made 155hp.Ī small number of Tempests were even sold with Buick's 215 cubic inch aluminum V8, but the big change came with the 1963 model year when Pontiac introduced its 326 V8 as an option. Initially most were sold with a 195 cubic inch four-cylinder "Trophy 4" engine that Pontiac developed by basically cutting its 389 cubic inch V8 in half.
The Tempest's powerplant options were equally unconventional. Like most American cars of this era, multiple body styles were available, including two and four-door sedans, a station wagon and a convertible, and each of three model years has unique styling. There were other unique features the Tempest had, including a unique drum setup that used 15" wheels, which were large in 1961, especially on a compact car. And the lack of transmission tunnel helped give the Tempest a large amount of interior space for a car of its size. With the engine up front and transmission in the rear, the Tempest had near 50/50 weight distribution. Unlike the Corvair, the Y-platform cars would have traditional front-mounted water-cooled engines, but the Tempest stood out from the other Y cars by using a rear-mounted transmission (manual or automatic).Īlong with the transaxle, the Tempest would also have an independent swing axle setup in the rear, which gave the car four-wheel independent suspension. It would be called the Tempest, and it would share GM's new Y-platform with the Buick Special and Oldsmobile Cutlass, but the Pontiac project would very much be its own thing. So rather than trying to sell a re-styled and rebadged Corvair, Pontiac began developing its own, new, compact car. They may have shared platforms and some mechanical components, but each GM brand had its own engines, its own technology and its own engineering teams working independently of each other. Keep in mind that GM's brands were a lot more than just names back then. The Tempest was born out of a desire from Pontiac to capture the success its corporate rival Chevy had with the Corvair and its rear-mounted air-cooled engine. We are talking about the 1961-63 Pontiac Tempest, which might be one of the most under-appreciated American cars of the 1960s. But a few years before the GTO came onto the scene, we find that it comes from a pretty special car on its own. When it went on sale it 1964 it launched a performance revolution that and is considered by many to be the first true American Muscle Car. To see over 80 photos of the car, including under carriage please visit our website Pontiac GTO is widely considered one of the most groundbreaking cars in the history of the American auto industry. The other being a 280 hp 326 HO engine with a four-barrel carburetor which required premium fuel. One a two-barrel 250 hp regular fuel option. Optional engines included two versions of the 326ci Pontiac V8 introduced the previous year. Replacing the previous "Trophy 4" inline four-cylinder engine as standard equipment was a new 215ci Pontiac straight six with one-barrel carburetor. The unibody, curved driveshaft and transaxle were gone, replaced by a traditional front engine, front transmission, body-on-frame, and solid rear axle design used by all of GM's other cars but the Corvette and Corvair. In 1964, the Tempest was redesigned as a more-conventional vehicle and enlarged from a compact to an intermediate-sized car. Please call or email us today for more information on this vehicle. If you're in the market for an exceptional piece of American muscle you will be hard pressed to find a better example. Additionally, this example comes with a upgraded Alpine stereo, Crager wheels, upgraded suspension and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. Features of the Tempest include front disc brakes, power steering and working heat.
#1964 pontiac tempest full#
A full restoration is believed to have been completed by the previous owner. Powering this American icon is a strong 326ci V8 motor mated to a stout 2-speed automatic transmission. Both the paint and interior are in excellent condition. This absolutely immaculate vehicle comes in a stunning aqua blue paint job complimented by a matching interior. GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this exceptional 1964 Pontiac Tempest.
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