This 1961 Pontiac Tempest coupe has spent the last 44 years tucked away in a barn. It is sadly a little banged up, but thankfully it looks like the seller might have cleaned it up, judging by some of the photos. Some show the car incredibly dirty while others show it to be clean. Located in Walnut Grove, Missouri, 6 bidders have increased the price to $1,555 with no reserve. A photo of the cowl tag is provided along with the VIN being noted in the listing. The title is said to be clear and the odometer shows 84,000 miles. You can view more on eBay.
A running, when parked 195 cubic-inch 4-cylinder engine, resides under the hood that is connected to a 3-speed manual transmission. The rear end is a transaxle with independent rear suspension. A confusing mention in the listing says that a new battery was installed and the engine turns over freely. They do not specify if it maintains idling or not. However, they do say that the lights, horn, blower motor, wipers, and all the dashboard lights are in working order.
What makes this car unique is that it is equipped with factory-installed bucket seats. The seller has said that based on the trim code, they have not found information through Pontiac Historic Service, which they will provide literature of with the car, about this combination of features and that the car very well could be a one of one. As you can see in the photos, there is some rust and a dented right rear, but the seller says that the floors and trunk are in good condition and the glass is all solid.
If a photo was provided of the underside, and everything looked to be solid, this would be a nice project car. Sometimes simple goals are the best goals and in this case, it would be nice to just get it running and driving safely. From there, looks and comfort will be increased as time and budget allow. If it can be acquired cheaply as the price currently sits, it could prove to be a fun, slightly inexpensive daily driver.
Rope drive. Hard to imagine a flexible driveshaft, but it worked. I had a friend in N.Wis. who’s brother in law, stuffed a Bonneville 389, 4 barrel into a ’62 Tempest, creating what he claimed to be the 1st GTO. I think lots of guys did that. This is a pretty cool car, I doubt many with a 3 speed, most were 2 speed automatics. It had the trans in the back, like Corvair, and provided decent handling. Again, if this was a cream puff, it would be long gone, but as evidenced by the bidding, nobody really wants this. Just too much work these days.
There was a 63 tempest wagon for sale in my area. I wasn’t in the position to purchase but what a really cool car. 63’s got a 4-speed and the seller wouldn’t sell it to me if I was going to stuff a V8 into her. I think the engineering that went into the Trophy and the shaft drive was DeLorean’s. The driveshaft was forced into a bend to cancel out the vibrations and no doubt helped with the uneven firing of the 1/2 V8 engine. Pretty cool stuff!
I had a 1961 Tempest wagon. 2 speed automatic, but the 4 cylinder with a 4 Bbl. 99% sure this did not have an uneven firing order, i.e., just a normal single plane 4 cylinder crank. The 3/4 V8 Buick 225 did indeed have 3 90 degree throws and a very funny distributor cap.
The flex driveshaft/ trans axle idea was similar to what Porsche used later in the 944 and 928 cars, I think. BTW replacing the internal driveshaft bearings was a maintenance problem.
A struggle for this 20 year old with no lift in my first shop.
I also have to add, the wagon was a blast in the snow.
My mother traded in a ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon for a new ’61 Tempest wagon. For some reason, the Tempest didn’t like to start in cold weather which caused Mom to mutter, “I never should have gotten rid of that Ford!” She traded the Tempest in on a new ’62 Catalina wagon, a.k.a. “The Beast”, a much better all-around vehicle.
Bid to $1,706 with 3d 22hrs left in the auction. The buckets and interior colors really make this car. Have never driven a 3spd manual before, would love to try this one out if it worked.
Bid at $1,775.00, as of my entry. I like this car and would really like to have it. This is what I call a practical car…and this one is a bit attractive. But, the budget, for this senior citizen, is getting tighter and tighter. Plus, the HOA is clamping down on how many cars a household is allowed to have. Well, chucks!! I am just going to have to move so I can get me one of these. Certainly a good daily driver that would still start conversations. Best of everything to seller and new owner. !)
The first compact Buick Skylarks in 1961 were like this car–two-door post with bucket seats. I had one for many years. This may be the early version of what became the LeMans the next year; I doubt “one-of-one” as the reviewer suggests, though.
I immediately dismissed this, but then realized this would be fun for the money. A lot of potential??
I drove a ’62 Tempest in high school for about a year. 2 speed powerglide and (under)powered by the slant 4 cylinder. But it sure was entertaining with the rear swing axles. I used to corner it and slide the rear end around so I was looking out the side window to see forward. What fun
I hated the configuration of these as a kid!! Pretty cool today just cause you don’t see them!!