The Pontiac Tempest and LeMans were upgraded to mid-size status in 1964 (as were other comparable cars in the GM fold). The Tempest was the more frugal choice, and changes in 1965 were largely related to switching from horizontal headlights to vertical ones. The seller has a nice example from 1965 that seems to have “original” written all over it. It only has a six-cylinder engine, which we hope won’t encourage the buyer to turn it into a GTO clone. Located in Ovid, Michigan, this basic blue beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace for the magic number of $21,000. A thumbs-up to T.J. for the tip!
Standard in the 1965 Tempest was a 230 cubic inch OHC inline-6, which was different than what the Chevies and others trotted out. The one in this car is paired with Pontiac’s version of the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. 36,000 post coupes like this one were built in ‘65 in either Base or Custom trim. Besides the tranny, options on this survivor quality vehicle seem to have been light.
We’re told the mileage on this Pontiac is 85,000, and – given the overall quality condition of the Tempest – they were likely careful miles. The seller indicates that he/she knows the history of the vehicle, so why not take a few minutes to share it with us? Since he/she is asking a premium price, that would help attract the right buyer. We’re told the car has never seen Winter, helping keep the rust bug at bay.
None of the photos show the entire automobile, though one comes close. The body, paint, and interior all come across well, and this car is said to be original and unrestored. The spare tire dates to 1965 and has never been on the ground. If you’re looking for a mid-1960s Pontiac that is not a GTO, could this be it? And, please, don’t turn this into a GTO tribute.
That’s not a 230, and it’s also not an Overhead Cam. It is a 215 six that was a derivative of the Chevy 194. See this Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_straight-6_engine#215
That’s not the OHC 6.