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 sport coupe with a
title verified 92,559 actual miles. This car was restored in 2000
and was dressed as a GTO tribute and those emblems come with the
car if that's your goal too. It's back to being a true Tempest now
and packs a later model 428 and Muncie M20 along with PHS
documentation.
Exterior
It's a fantastic shade of original maroon here, known as two stage
Marimba Red and covers the large acreage of slab sided panels and
broad hood and decklid with panache. Red also forms the distinct
Pontiac nose which splits the grille and is flanked by quad style
round headlights while at the same time, giving way to a character
line on the hood that begins at a point and widens as it heads to
the windshield. Out back, tail lights protrude to form the columnal
end of the fender and bookend a black detail on the latch panel,
all over a straight, chrome bumper. 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels
carry 225/70R14 tires and feature red topped lug nuts and PMD
center caps. Imperfections include some impurities under a section
of paint, chips, a rust spot on the C-pillar, scratches, paint
runs, checking, touched up chips, and some bubbling on the
decklid.
Interior
The red carries into the interior where we find stitch patterned
red vinyl panels sandwiched by body colored sills and red carpet
lowers and both present in very nice condition, setting the stage
for entry and onto fantastic vintage style red vinyl buckets. The
arrowhead is also stamped into the back seat, framed by patterns
that are uniquely diagonal and a scuff on the passenger bucket and
light compression on the driver's are the only flaws we find. Up
front, old meets new as the vintage style steering wheel frames the
Dakota digital gauges which look right at home in the spun metal
faceplate of the cluster and an AM radio is front and center. The
floor wears black looped carpet and is home to the Hurst shifter
with white ball topper that's ready for action. Our perforated red
headliner is in very nice shape and the trunk has a fitted carpet
remnant that covers a rust free floor.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a good looking 428ci V8 from 1968/'69 topped with
a 4-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers, and featuring headers
to start the exhaust. It's backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual
that sends power to the 12 bolt rear. The car has power brakes and
power steering.
Undercarriage
Satisfyingly clean conditions are found underneath where the
exhaust, gas tank, and chrome differential cover pop against the
satin black background of the frame and floorboards. That exhaust
is a dual system with an H-pipe and a pair of FlowMaster mufflers
on the way to a subtle exit under the bumper. Power disc brakes are
found up front, power drums in back and suspension includes coil
springs at both ends with a 4 link joining the party out back.
Drive-Ability
We take our seat in the uncomplicated interior and bring the 428 to
life with a mighty but inoffensive roar, then shift into gear and
head out to the test loop. The car has considerable power, tracks
straight, and brakes as it should. Only the radio and the reverse
lights are not working, while all other functions on this nicely
restored Poncho operate 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.
Just as classic Firebirds are just as cool as vintage Trans Ams, so
too is the case for the Tempest, the commuter car that became the
basis for the most legendary muscle car in history. And because
they were used up and put away wet, we don't see them very often
here at the mall, and this Marima Red rider is a very nice
example.
814F20601
8-V8
1-Tempest Custom
4-1964
F-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
20601-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04B-2nd Week April
STYLE 64 2127-1964 Tempest 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY BF2342-Fremont Body #
TRIM 212-Maroon Vinyl
PAINT LLA-Marimba Red, Starlight Black
A20-Custom Seatbelts
B80-Roof Drip Rail Moldings
B90-Door Frame Moldings
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!
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