CORRECTION 6/16/26: The engine in this car is not the OHC inline-6 but a 215 cubic inch inline-6 that was rated at 140 hp.
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.
To be clear, the ad never says it’s an OHC, and to be honest, it’s probably a good thing it’s not. It’s the one design DeLorean should be held accountable for all the broken belt fiascos, terrible design. I’m convinced nobody is going to turn this into anything but what it is, It would be a major undertaking doing that, and quite frankly, I think a car like this is what people will want in the future. It’s a wonderful find.
The main title to the ad says it an OHC inline 6 engine.
Not on the FB ad it doesn’t. If you don’t have FaceBook, you can’t view the ad itself, kind of a “fly in the ointment” here.
My mistake. The engine in this car is not the OHC-6 but a 215 cubic inch inline-6 that was rated at 140 hp. Sorry about that folks.
Being an author means never having to say you’re sorry. Speaking for myself, I enjoy all your writeups. Thanks for your time, Russ!
Not on Facebook, just going off the ad on Barnfinds.
I’m not on Facebook I just go by what these authors say
I have had 2 OHC-6 Lemans. I had ZERO problems.
It’s actually a very good engine design by Pontiac engineer Mac McKellar. He also designed a single and double overhead cam V8.
Canadian build? They used Chevy frames and engines on Pontiac cars in Canada.
Nice car, clean, well worth the money in todays market, even THOUGH it is no a V-8 car!
Yup, nice clean mid 60’s, mid-size Pontiac. And it a post car. The only thing missing in my book is a 3 on the tree! Or if one were very lucky, a 4spd. But I don’t know that that would have been an option from the factory.
This would make a very nice daily driver in my book, if I could afford it. Ouch!
No goat clones please!!
Oh I wouldn’t make a tribute car out of it. I’d leave the body, emblems and interior the same but under the hood would be a Pontiac V8 of a large size with a 400 transmission. And I reckon I’d be forced to up-grade the brakes to something that works.
The brakes on ’65 GTOs wouldn’t stop a Little Red Wagon. We replaced the front drums with Skylark drums which were much heavier than the Pontiac.
Didn’t stop much better but they wouldn’t vibrate when you had to brake hard.
Nice smooth reliable drivetrain. Would power my ‘65 Tempest wagon at 70 + on the Interstate across Eastern OR. Not quick, but it would move out when you needed it to…!
The seller might want to mention that this is not a base Tempest but the next level Tempest “Custom” as shown by the upper fender trim strips and “Custom” notation on dash plaque. Although not pictured, a small “Custom” badge would also be on the lower RH corner of trunk lid. Also interior upgrades and carpeting…