Vehicle Description
As a top retailer of Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs and MoPars, RK
Motors makes it easy for you to find a cool version of the usual
suspects. With that in mind, we're also the outfit that strives to
bring our clients a variety of unique and well-done offerings that
exist on either the fringes of a marque or the fringes of the
hobby. On that note, our latest one-of-a-kind classic is this chic
1962 Tempest LeMans: a traditional American icon that's been
restored to exacting standards.
A lesser known marque that's essentially unparalleled in both
innovation and performance, the Tempest is a stalwart classic that,
looking back, also served as a cornerstone of the Pontiac brand's
first golden era. For starters, the original 'rope drive' Tempest
could be purchased as a sedan, coupe, convertible or station wagon.
In 1961, the line spawned Pontiac's perhaps better known LeMans
trim, which would quickly become the brand's bread and butter
offering. In 1964, it spawned the beloved GTO. In 1969, it spawned
the coveted, one-year only Custom S. And that's not even talking
about the awesome 1963 Super Duty cars that stormed NHRA
competition.
That said, in the world of collector cars, most enthusiasts want
big power. But power isn't everything - especially in the realm of
style and exclusivity! The product of a detailed, ground-up
restoration, this imitable Poncho backs correct Trophy 4 motivation
with a smooth 3-speed, a fully independent suspension and all the
glory of an open-air driving experience. And if you're a discerning
enthusiast who's looking for old school fun wrapped in head-turning
flair, it's just the 'more' you're looking for!
SUBSTANTIAL LEMANS STYLE
First impressions are important, and this striking drop-top
certainly makes a strong one. For starters, Pontiac did a great job
whittling their brand-defining Wide Track aesthetic into an
appealing compact profile that directly supported the marque's
performance and practicality. Naturally, that profile was fully
reworked during this car's high quality restoration. Once those
surfaces were prepped and carefully aligned, correct Cameo Ivory
two-stage was capped in Burgundy vinyl and detailed with Burgundy
pin stripes. And today, this sweet Y-Body can be summed up as
clean, capable and just plain neat!
Given the popularity of The Judge and recent offerings like the WS6
Trans Am and Holden-sourced GTO, Pontiac is pretty much a go-to
brand for any classic or performance car enthusiast. And since the
division did such a great job of sticking to their corporate
renegade mantra, this Tempest's sporty appearance feels perfectly
natural. At the front of the car, clear parking lamps light a
mirrored bumper, which hangs NOS guards under one of the first
applications of the brand's iconic split grille. That NOS grille,
balancing halogen headlights opposite traditional "P O N T I A C"
lettering and an ornate arrowhead, meets a sculpted hood that's
paced by polished fender toppers. Those toppers lead a handsome
profile, which centers traditional handles in front of an accessory
fuel door guard. Top-option LeMans trim sails bright badging in
front of polished louvers and polished quarter fins. A classy
factory mirror reflects stainless-trimmed glass that's cleared by
polished wipers. And at the back of the car, a second ornate
arrowhead shades bright taillights, a third LeMans emblem and a
second mirrored bumper.
EXCLUSIVE TROPHY 4 POWER
Pop the hood and you'll find exactly half of Pontiac's legendary
389 cubic inch Trophy V8. While that descriptor might be a bit more
figurative than literal, it is fairly close to how the division
created motivation for this innovative compact. Engineers took one
bank of the brand's Trophy V8, so named for its extensive success
in motorsports, and created a new 4-cylinder engine for use in the
entire Tempest lineup. Also dubbed the Indianapolis 4, that super
cool mill was only available for the three years the
first-generation Tempest was produced. Drivability is greatly
enhanced by a smooth 3-speed transaxle, which, along with a fully
independent suspension, creates a coveted 50/50 weight
distribution. Lucid steering leads requisite drum brakes. Exhaust
is, like the rest of the car, factory-correct. And momentum comes
courtesy of Cameo Ivory steelies, which spin 205/70R15 Cooper
whitewalls around polished trim rings and polished hub caps.
DREAMY DROP-TOP DRIVE
Open the doors and a correct Red interior remains largely the way
the factory planned it. The first thing you'll notice is a duo of
bucket seats that, back in 1962, were one of the main selling point
of this car's top-option LeMans trim. True to Pontiac fashion, a
tasteful dash tilts intricate telemetry above a requisite Delco
All-Transistor radio. Stylish side panels frame fresh carpet, which
is garnished with a custom console. In front of the driver, a
factory steering wheel laps a standard column. And behind the
passengers, a matted trunk hides a fifth wheel and full-size spare
tire.
Easy to cruise and fun to look at, this awesome Pontiac should make
every enthusiast smile. It backs exceptional Americana with acute
restoration that's ready to sail the strip and stop the show! Call,
click or visit http://www.RKMotor.com for more information.
HIGHLIGHTS
Correct first-generation Tempest LeMans that's benefitted from a
detailed, ground-up restoration
Correct 195 cubic inch Pontiac Trophy 4 4-clyinder
Correct 3-speed automatic transaxle
Correct 4-wheel drum brakes
Correct fully independent suspension with 50/50 weight
distribution
Correct Red vinyl interior with a custom console and LeMans bucket
seats
Correct Cameo Ivory paint with Burgundy pin stripes
Power-operated Burgundy vinyl top
15-inch painted steel wheels
Restoration receipts
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
