Vehicle Description
1964 Pontiac Tempest Convertible
Up until 1963, LeMans was the upgrade option package for the
Tempest and as sales accounted for 50% of Tempest sales, it was
split into its own series in '63. That was the year a 326ci V8
option became available. In 1964, the Tempest would be enlarged
from compact to intermediate and the popularity of the 326ci HO
gave way to the GTO. Yes, the 1964 Tempest can be considered the
genetic precursor to the king of muscle cars.
For consignment, a 1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom convertible showing
an unverifiable 80,785 miles. Just 7,987 2 door convertibles were
produced in 1964 and other than the series station wagon and GTO,
is the lowest production model of the Tempest for that year.
Exterior
Resprayed 10-12 years ago per our consignor, White Metallic covers
this car like a lab coat and is adorned with three horizontal trim
pieces on the front quarter panel and a stainless strip over the
shoulder line. In front, dual headlights sit side by side and it
would be the last time as they went stacked starting in '65. In
back, simple tail lights cap the fenders and can be seen from the
side, while a striated trim piece stretches across the latch panel
and hides the gas cap under a Pontiac branded hatch. The black
canvas top is in good shape and so is the plastic rear window
embedded in it. 14-inch chrome steel wheels occupy the corners and
are tied together by the polished rocker panel trim. A fantastic
326 emblem complete with V and checkered flag is on each front
fender. The back bumper has less than perfect chrome, there's a
spot of obvious body work at a wheel opening and some bubbling in
one spot.
Interior
The red interior starts with vinyl door panels showing a bit of
patina and some fading of the carpeted lower. The covering of the
split bench seat is probably looser than it was new with some
compression of the driver's side, but otherwise clean, intact, and
red with maroon inserts. The back bench copies the pattern, and the
sidewalls pick up on the door card design. An X is formed by the
four spokes of the steering wheel which has a crack in the rim and
wears streamlined stalks on the column. This all leads to four
round gauges arranged linearly, knobs on the lower dash, and an AM
radio in the dash and an AM/FM/CD unit mounted underneath. The
black dash looks somewhat out of place as the only black feature of
the dash surround. The open floor is covered with red loop style
carpet, showing some age but no tears or staining and the trunk is
completely barren.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a 326ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor tied to an
ST300 2-speed automatic transmission sending power to the 10 bolt
rear axle. Power brakes are provided and are drums all the way
around.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical surface rust and some oil
present on the front crossmember and flywheel cover as well as some
sling by the front driveshaft U-joint. True dual exhaust flows back
to a pair of Turbo mufflers before exiting via steel tail pipes
just before the rear bumper. Coil spring suspension is up front
with a 4 link and coil springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
A few pumps of gas into the 2-barrel and a turn of the key, and off
we ride in the Tempest. It sounds good and tracks straight, but we
do note some slop in the steering. 70 series tires help absorb road
imperfections and the car handles just fine. We don't know how far
we've gone as the odometer is not working but during this short
ride, all other items such as lights, radio, and gauges work as
they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
Here's a diamond in the rough that leaves you jewelers with some
options. Polish it up and restore to show quality or leave it as is
and drive the heck out of it without worry. As is, you're one of
about 7,987 ever created and we'd wager there aren't half that
still with us. Jonathan and Martha Kent raised a boy that would
become Superman. Well, Pontiac did the same with the Tempest which
would go on to become the basis for the mighty GTO.
814P297546
8-V8
1-Tempest
4-1964
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
297546-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07E-5th Week July
STYLE 64 2167-Tempest Custom Convertible
BODY PON05207-Pontiac Body #
TRIM 212-Red Vinyl
PAINT C2-Cameo Ivory, Black Top
2A-Foam Front Cushions
2P-AM Radio
4G-Unknown
5W-Retractable Seatbelts
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
