Pontiac launched the Tempest in 1961 as a compact car, along with the Olds F-85 and Buick Special. With the 1964 model year, all three products were promoted to mid-size status, joining the all-new Chevrolet Chevelle. The Tempest name continued in play into the 1970s, eventually taking a back seat to the more upscale LeMans. The seller has a 1966 Tempest Sport Coupe, which means the doors are framed with a center pillar. It runs but needs restoring and can be found in Dayton, Ohio, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,500. Thanks for the cool tip, “Ted”!
GM’s new “intermediates” were a sales hit in 1964 and were treated to facelifts in 1966. That included a “tunnelback” roofline on 2-door coupes and hardtops, which the 1968-70 Dodge Charger would emulate. The pillared coupe body was available in four series: Base Tempest (22,200 units), Tempest Custom (17,200 copies), LeMans (16,700), and the GTO (10,400). We don’t know which one the seller’s car is, but it’s not a LeMans or GTO (both separate series by then).
We don’t know the history of this nearly-60-year-old Tempest, but it could be largely original. It has the optional 326 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission, making it a drivable car. So, most of the buyer’s attention will be needed on the body and interior. At a minimum, the floorboards need help as do the rear quarter panels. With that being said, we’re told the car is “very solid.” Maybe that adds up, maybe it doesn’t.
No interior photos are provided, so we can’t tell how much work is needed. You should assume the worst in pondering this proposition. It’s not a stretch to postulate that a buyer might decide to turn this Pontiac into a GTO clone rather than spend a chunk of money restoring what is probably an ordinary Tempest. Your thoughts?
Well, that Rochester DJ sure ain’t going to win any races…
I think the world doesn’t need a another tribute/clone; that car would stand out on its own merit, if restored.
Leave it alone and don’t be
temp (ted) to goat 🐐 it😎
Agree with Danno. There are enough clones, GTO, 442, Stage 1, SS, etc, etc, etc.. Seeing base models is getting more rare and rare with each passing year. And as a car enthusiast, it is so very refreshing to see one.
I had a ‘66 Tempest four-door (my grandparents former car), that originally came with the OHC6, which was bricked when I got it. Built a SBC (this was in the 80s) and it scooted along nicely.
I’d be sorely tempted to restore this one with a Sprint 6…
This one looks restorable and I agree, keep it original. This car though is centered firmly in the rust belt so proceed with caution. I see a lot of rust in the trunk and the floors likely look worse. And how much Bondo is hidden under that paint?
Always preferred Tempests to GTO’s so i’d go full on Tempest.
I always wondered why Pontiac offered a 326 and Chevy a 327. Why didn’t they just share engines?
Pontiacs V8s shared a lot of architecture. Both the 326 and 389 had a 3.75″ stroke. 326 bore was 3.718″ and 389 bore was 4.0625″. The engines look the same externally, so it was simpler for engineering purposes (and probably cheaper) for Pontiac to produce their own mid size V8.
I’d restore it as a Tempest. All original if possible (maybe leave the 326 if it’s decent running), minus wheels. I’d throw some Torque Thrusts on or another vintage looking wheel. The world has enough fugazis……we don’t need anymore.
Another example of perfect lines from the mid-60s. Like the Rivieras of the same period, there really isn’t a bad angle on these cars.
As for what to do with it: Put whatever drivetrain you want in it, but don’t make it out be a GTO. There is nothing wrong with it being a Tempest.
Looks to me like this one has the OHC-6 emblems on the front fender – suspect it’s already heading down the path of change….
Might be a good time to create a Faux Clone “GOAT” and have emblems made up in the same GTO script spelling out G-O-A-T.
I’d do a mechanical restoration, drive and enjoy. As already stated, cool to see an unmolested base model. I kinda enjoy seeing a Malibu with a 6cyl and a 3 on the tree
“Unmolested base model” — looks like a V8 under the hood – but OHC6 emblems on the front fenders. Perhaps unmolested doesn’t mean what I think it means.
I love the lines on this car, stacked headlights, curvy rear quarter panels, rear window tunnel, just beautiful. What a great project, provided the rust isn’t too bad. I agree with most folks here, GTO badges are not necessary, just build an honest street cruiser; 455 crate motor with a 5 speed Tremec is where I would begin,……. of course after the paint and bodywork is done.
had one same color but a lemans convertible 326 auto it’s was a great car wish I still had it bought it in 1970 for a second car to drive to work think I paid about $900 for it
I agree with most comments, there’s more than enough “real” ‘66 GTO’s out there already(most made in 66)
Leave it a Tempest
Maybe install a period correct 421 though!
Lol
My first car was a ’66 Malibu and I hate the word “clone”.
Freiberger…Bieri…hello? Anyone out there?
To the folks wondering about the descriptive word “solid”, it could very well be considered solid compared to other cars I’ve checked out that were born in raised in that certain part of Ohio. Check them out for yourself sometime, you’ll be quite surprised at what the descriptions read, as opposed to what the pictures look like. It’s called the rust belt for good reason 👍🏻
Yep, it looks good as is with them cool tail lights and the front almost the same as a goat anyhow.
New owner, do as you please though. Anyone else that don’t want it cloned, it’s for sale.
Last summer I took my 70 AMX to 57 car shows between May and Oct. What really grabs my attention is the not so often seen, Tempest, Lemans, Mercury, and such that are still primarily the same as they were when new. I am so tired of seeing all the Pontiac, Chevy and Mustang clones. I would love to have my 1967 326 Lemans today.
I owned a new1966 Tempest Custom HT Sprint OHC6/4-speed and a few years later a LeMans conv 326/4-speed. Both absolutely incredible.
This vehicle looks to be a base Tempest that originally had the base 1-bbl 230 ci OHC6. The Custom model added trim that ran along that upper styling ridge from headlamp bezel to rear trim surround; the three chrome blips that recalled those on gen 1 models was deleted on the Custom. A small rectangular emblem with CUSTOM was mounted just below the rear Tempest emblem.