428/4-Speed: 1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom

Although it isn’t a GTO, this 1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom possesses the power and performance that would do that badge proud. During a refurbishment in 2000, the owner bolted in a later 428ci V8, which the seller confirms runs beautifully. However, (and isn’t there always at least one of those?), it has cosmetic shortcomings that only become apparent in the close-up shots. There aren’t acres of rust, allowing the buyer to tackle those shortcomings at their leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Tempest listed here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, with an asking price of $35,900 OBO.

Launched in 1964, Pontiac’s Second Generation Tempest range grew physically, moving from the company’s compact offering to a mid-sized model. The latest version featured crisp and aggressive styling, making it the ideal foundation for John DeLorean’s iconic GTO. This first-year Tempest is a Custom Sport Coupe, finished in attractive Marimba Red. The seller confirms that it underwent a refresh in 2000, including a repaint in its original paint shade. I would describe it as a “good 10-footer,” because close inspection reveals that the Tempest falls far short of perfection. The paint shines nicely in the studio shots, but close-up images reveal checking and bubbles that indicate substandard preparation, and rust developing in one rear pillar and in some lower extremities. It isn’t all doom and gloom, because with the floors and frame rock-solid, the new owner could address the identified problems as time and circumstances allow. The trim is in good condition, with the car missing a couple of small badges. The glass is clear, and the Rally II wheels are excellent.

Pontiac followed a more conventional engineering approach with the Second Generation Tempest, consigning the rear-mounted transaxle to history. This car’s included PHS documentation confirms that it left the line powered by a 326ci V8, teamed with a two-speed automatic transmission. The performance would have been respectable, but this Tempest offers potential buyers considerably more beneath their right foot. The air cleaner decal isn’t deceiving, because that really is a 428ci V8 hiding under the hood. The seller states that it is of 1968 or 1969 vintage, and sends its power to a 12-bolt rear end via a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. So, how much power are we talking about? The original 326 developed a factory-quoted 250hp and 333 ft/lbs of torque. We can only speculate about the 428 because the seller supplies no information surrounding its specifications. However, Dealer Documentation from those model years suggests that 360hp would be an excellent starting point, although it could be as high as 390hp. Whatever the reality, this Tempest is a potent beast. The seller confirms that it runs and drives well, with no obvious mechanical issues. Therefore, this Tempest appears to be a turnkey proposition.

The Tempest’s interior is trimmed in Red vinyl mimicking the exterior paint shade.  There is a minor rub on the outer edge of the passenger seat, but the rest of the trim looks very respectable. The gauge cluster is a modern product from the fine folk at Dakota Digital, and a purposeful Hurst shifter pokes through the floor. It is missing a couple of small badges, but if the buyer is satisfied with driver-grade presentation, this interior comfortably ticks that box.

If this 1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom were a GTO, it would be a no-brainer at the asking price. It promises neck-snapping performance, which would delight enthusiasts with gasoline coursing through their veins. The reality is that it isn’t a GTO, and to achieve respectable presentation will involve stripping the panels to bare metal to eliminate the bubbles and checking. A competent person could tackle the cosmetic refresh in a home workshop, but the car’s potential future value would make a professional repaint financially questionable. Do you agree?