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Make Offer Questions?The Pontiac Tempest changed a lot through the course of its 10-year run from 1960 to 1970. It started as an entry-level unibody compact car, which looked vastly different from the second- and third-generation models. The second-gen version created from '64 to '67 was a mid-sized A-body that spawned the GTO's creation. This made the Tempest an easy target for those wanting to clone a GTO, with many Tempests suffering this fate. It's refreshingly rare to see an original Tempest Custom Hardtop "in the wild."
The 1965 Tempest offered here is the middle-tier trim package called a Tempest Custom, which included optional upgrades like tutone vinyl bench seats and a V8 (this one has both). The car comes with a fair amount of documentation, showing it has been well cared for. Sold initially by Neill Pontiac in High Point, North Carolina, it was purchased by the current owner in 2014 (from the owner of Art & Speed) with only 85,820 miles on the odometer. After a full restoration, it now shows 87,000.
The Tempest was repainted with a base/clear in the factory Fontaine Blue Poly with a red accent stripe on the stainless trim body line. The body and paint are in terrific condition, with only a couple of small door-ding paint chips on the driver's side quarter panel. Original stainless and chrome trim showing little signs of age were retained where possible; otherwise, aftermarket replacements were installed. These include the bumpers, side-view mirrors, some emblems, and chrome side molding. The weatherstripping and windows seals are all new. The extremely rare Tempest-only grille remains amazingly intact.
Ordered with a 326ci V8 with a two-barrel carburetor signifies it is the lower compression 250-horsepower engine, which doesn't require premium fuel. Refreshed in 2015, the original numbers-matching 326 runs strong with resurfaced heads, a valve job, and new seals. Typical wear parts, such as the distributor, plug wires, water pump, and fuel pump, were replaced with new. The original two-speed automatic was resealed. A three-inch Flowmaster dual exhaust now resides between the frame rails.
Simultaneously, a Vintage Air kit was installed to keep passengers chilled, while an upgrade to four-wheel, power disc brakes makes this Tempest stop on a dime. The rear end got new coil springs, while the front end received new bushings, and the ride height was lowered to give it a perfect stance. A set of 17-inch Rocket Hypershot wheels shod with Falken Diamondback Classic redline tires accent the red bodyline molding to complete the look. Even the spare tire in the trunk matches!
The authentic blue interior was either repaired or retained wherever possible, so it's not perfect but, it's only original once. The headliner and carpet were beyond repair and replaced. Upgrades to the interior include a Dakota Digital analog/digital instrument panel, a Budnik GTO Split-Grip billet steering wheel with matching blue leather, rear seat belts, and a new Pontiac AM/FM radio. The Vintage Air adjusts with the original climate controls.
With all of the work performed on this Tempest, its new owner will be able to hop in and drive this car without worry. It is available for viewing anytime at the Art & Speed showroom, so if you are looking for a cool classic that stands out from the norm, come by and see it today!