For its first three years, the Pontiac Tempest was a compact car (1961-63). General Motors changed directions and promoted the Tempest/LeMans to a mid-size platform in 1964. The same promotion also applied to the Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass and the Buick Special/Skylark. That change worked to Pontiac’s benefit as sales increased by about 56,000 units (excluding the GTO which arrived in ’64, too). The seller has a basic 1964 Tempest 4-door sedan which might qualify for the Patina of the Year Award (if there was such a thing). A solid runner, this Poncho is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and is available for $5,900 here on craigslist.
The reconfigured Tempest dropped its unibody construction in favor of body-on-frame with the advent of the 1964 A-bodies. That platform would serve GM well and the generation built from 1968 to 1972 was perhaps the most successful. Tempest/LeMans production would reach 187,000 units in ’64 of which 28,000 were entry-level 4-door sedans like this one. A 215 cubic inch incline-6 was standard. Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder Barney!
Despite its appearance, this Pontiac may be a solid car with “laser straight” body panels and original paint. Not much of the latter remains, but what’s there wears an ample supply of Poppy’s Patina, a clear coat. The photos show a corrosion-free undercarriage, thanks to the Pontiac’s roots on the West Coast. The odometer reads 70,000 miles which might just be original.
We’re told the I-6 has been gone through and treated to new seals and gaskets. The carburetor is new and a HEI distributor has been installed. There are no leaks and we assume the 2-speed automatic transmission is ship shape. The seller says this Tempest “runs like a sewing machine” and still has drum brakes which the seller would have switched to discs if he/she were going to keep the car. The tires are new as are the carpeting and headliner. We don’t know about the seats as they’re sporting a set of Walmart pullover covers. If you’re into the whole patina thing and want to jump into the vintage car scene, this Tempest could be a nice starting point.
Wait, was this customized by Derek Bieri?
Remarkably basic. I don’t see power brakes or power steering. It’s so basic, the ST300 2-speed automatic is a bit of a surprise.
looks good for a crew cab but it sits way too low. you would be dragging the bottom with 4 peeps in there
Cool car Russ, I’m digging the mexiblanket seat cover. My 64 LeMans is from the west coast also, has a 1977 California pink slip, been sitting in Florida probably since then. Can’t wait to get back to NW FL and wrench on my projects.
More like $4K. Love red interior. 6/auto is o.k. needs dual circuit brake system (Master and a couple lines). I would probably paint it red.
We found the Buick version (Special) and used it as the Old Codgers Racing Team in a 24 hours of Lemons race. It had the 300 CI V8 and a 350 hydromatic transmission. It was bottom 10% in power and top 10% in handling. (Thanks to some suspension wizardry!) I could lose 5 positions on the main straight and gain 6 in the corners. And then lose 7 positions going up the hill. About 1/2 through the race the transmission let go. We stuffed it in the trailer and brought it home and switched back to the 2 speed original transmission. Drove back to the track and continued with the race. Ended up finishing at about half way in the pack. Good fun and would love to do it again some time.
Even though this Tempest is in rather rough shape and lacks very many options, it is neither “basic” or “entry-level.” It’s a Tempest Custom, one step up from the lowly base Tempest. Note the “Custom” badges on the rear fenders and dash. Also the additional upper side trim and decorative casting between the taillights. The base rubber floor covering would’ve been replaced with factory, fitted carpeting. I’m sure there other details as well.