Vehicle Description
The Pontiac Tempest changed a lot through the course of its 10-year
run from 1960 to 1970. It started as an entry-level unibody compact
car, which looked vastly different from the second- and
third-generation models. The second-gen version created from '64 to
'67 was a mid-sized A-body that spawned the GTO's creation. This
made the Tempest an easy target for those wanting to clone a GTO,
with many Tempests suffering this fate. It's refreshingly rare to
see an original Tempest Custom Hardtop "in the wild."
The 1965 Tempest offered here is the middle-tier trim package
called a Tempest Custom, which included optional upgrades like
tutone vinyl bench seats and a V8 (this one has both). The car
comes with a fair amount of documentation, showing it has been well
cared for. Sold initially by Neill Pontiac in High Point, North
Carolina, it was purchased by the current owner in 2014 (from the
owner of Art & Speed) with only 85,820 miles on the odometer. After
a full restoration, it now shows 87,000.
The Tempest was repainted with a base/clear in the factory Fontaine
Blue Poly with a red accent stripe on the stainless trim body line.
The body and paint are in terrific condition, with only a couple of
small door-ding paint chips on the driver's side quarter panel.
Original stainless and chrome trim showing little signs of age were
retained where possible; otherwise, aftermarket replacements were
installed. These include the bumpers, side-view mirrors, some
emblems, and chrome side molding. The weatherstripping and windows
seals are all new. The extremely rare Tempest-only grille remains
amazingly intact.
Ordered with a 326ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor signifies it
is the lower compression 250-horsepower engine, which doesn't
require premium fuel. Refreshed in 2015, the original
numbers-matching 326 runs strong with resurfaced heads, a valve
job, and new seals. Typical wear parts, such as the distributor,
plug wires, water pump, and fuel pump, were replaced with new. The
original two-speed automatic was resealed. A three-inch Flowmaster
dual exhaust now resides between the frame rails.
Simultaneously, a Vintage Air kit was installed to keep passengers
chilled, while an upgrade to four-wheel, power disc brakes makes
this Tempest stop on a dime. The rear end got new coil springs,
while the front end received new bushings, and the ride height was
lowered to give it a perfect stance. A set of 17-inch Rocket
Hypershot wheels shod with Falken Diamondback Classic redline tires
accent the red bodyline molding to complete the look. Even the
spare tire in the trunk matches!
The authentic blue interior was either repaired or retained
wherever possible, so it's not perfect but, it's only original
once. The headliner and carpet were beyond repair and replaced.
Upgrades to the interior include a Dakota Digital analog/digital
instrument panel, a Budnik GTO Split-Grip billet steering wheel
with matching blue leather, rear seat belts, and a new Pontiac
AM/FM radio. The Vintage Air adjusts with the original climate
controls.
With all of the work performed on this Tempest, its new owner will
be able to hop in and drive this car without worry. It is available
for viewing anytime at the Art & Speed showroom, so if you are
looking for a cool classic that stands out from the norm, come by
and see it today!
MECHANICAL
Original 326ci V8 (Recent Full Rebuild)
Factory Intake Manifold
Factory Two-Barrel Carb
Two-Speed Automatic Transmission
Factory Manifolds
True Dual Exhaust
CHASSIS
Four-Wheel Power Disk Brakes
Classic Performance Portioning Valve
Factory Power Steering
225/50R17 Diamondback Classic Redline Tires Front
235/55R17 Diamondback Classic Redline Tires Rear
17-inch Rocket Hypershot Wheels
Factory Sway Bars Front and Rear
EXTERIOR
Mostly Original Stainless Shows Well
New Chrome Bumpers
Fresh High-Quality Base/Clear Finish in Original Fontaine Blue
Finish Presents As-New
Passenger-Side Chrome Mirror
INTERIOR
All-Original Interior Upholstery and Door Panels in Tutone Blue
Fresh Loop Carpeting
Factory Blue Vinyl Split Bench
Custom Budnik GTO Style Billet Steering wheel
Electronic Dakota Digital Gauges with Analog Sweep
AM/FM Radio with USB input
Flawless Headliner Showing to be New
Dash in Good Condition
Door Panels Like New