View source for Pontiac Tempest

{{Short description|Automobile manufactured by Pontiac (1960-1991)}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Pontiac Tempest
| image = 1967 Pontiac Tempest (17481430724).jpg
| caption = 1967 Pontiac Tempest
| manufacturer = [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] ([[General Motors]])
| assembly = [[Pontiac Assembly]], [[Pontiac, Michigan]]
| production = 1960–1970<br/>1987–1991
| successor = [[Pontiac LeMans|LeMans]] and [[Pontiac Grand Am|Grand Am]]
}}

The '''Tempest''' is an [[automobile]] that was produced by [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1987 to 1991.

The Tempest was introduced as an entry-level [[compact car|compact]] in October 1960 at the [[Paris Auto Show]] for the 1961 model year.<ref>''Road Research Report: Pontiac Tempest'' Sports Car Illustrated, vol. 6, March 1961, p. 9</ref> Built on GM's first [[unibody]] chassis, its new [[GM Y platform|Y-platform]] was shared with the [[Buick Special]]/[[Buick Skylark|Skylark]] and [[Oldsmobile F-85]]/[[Oldsmobile Cutlass|Cutlass]].

While the Buick and Olds versions used a conventional drivetrain, the Pontiac had a unique, innovative design. The Tempest featured a [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front-engine/rear]]-[[transaxle]] layout that very nearly resulted in an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, together with [[independent rear suspension]] for nimble [[automobile handling|handling]] (a [[swing axle]] design similar to the [[Chevy Corvair]]). A [[Slant-4 engine]] connected to the 2-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] [[transaxle]] via a [[Torque tube|flexible "rope" drive shaft]]. This configuration eliminated the driveshaft hump, yielding a flat floor with increased interior space. The Pontiac "[[Pontiac Trophy 4 engine|Trophy-4]]" was also unique, created by basically halving a standard [[Pontiac V8 engine|Pontiac V8]] block. 

Buick's aluminum 215 V8 was also optional in 1961 and 1962, but very few Tempests were so equipped. The Tempest line offered an optional [[Pontiac LeMans|LeMans]] trim upgrade. 

In 1964 the Tempest was redesigned as a [[mid-size]] car on the updated [[GM A platform|GM A-body]] platform, which used a conventional drivetrain. The base Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Lemans became separate trim packages, with an optional [[Pontiac GTO|GTO]] performance option available on the LeMans for 1964 and 1965. The GTO was offered as a separate model line beginning in 1966. The Tempest name was retired after 1970, replaced by the T-37 as the base model, which in turn gave way to the LeMans name in 1972.

In Canada from 1987 to 1991, Pontiac marketed a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] version of the compact [[GM L platform|L-body]] [[Chevrolet Corsica]] under the revived ''Tempest'' name. 
{{-}}
==First generation (1961–1963)==
{{original research|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image = '62 Tempest (6847766535).jpg
| caption = 1962 Pontiac Tempest 2-door coupe
| model_years = 1961–1963
| assembly = (main plant)<br />[[Pontiac, Michigan]] ([[Pontiac Assembly]])<br />(branch assembly)<br />[[Kansas City, Kansas]], United States, ([[Fairfax Assembly]])<br />[[South Gate, California]], United States, ([[South Gate Assembly]])
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| platform = [[GM Y platform|Y-body]]
| body_style = 4-door [[station wagon]]<br/>4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]]<br/>2-door [[coupe]]<br/>2-door [[convertible]]
| engine = [[Pontiac Trophy 4 engine|195 cu in (3.2 L) I4]]<br/> [[Buick V8 engine#215|215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8]]<br/> [[Pontiac V8 engine#326|326 cu in (5.3 L) V8]]
| related = [[Oldsmobile F-85]]<br/>[[Buick Special#1961–1963|Buick Special]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|112|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|189.3|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1962_Pontiac/1962_Pontiac_Tempest_Brochure/1962%20Pontiac%20Tempest-15.html|title=1962 Pontiac Tempest brochure |website=oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>
| transmission = 2-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br/>3-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br/>4-speed manual
| height = {{convert|53.5|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} (sedan)<br /> {{convert|54.3|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} (station wagon)<ref name="oldcarbrochures.org">{{cite web|url= http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/Pontiac/1961-Pontiac/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-bw-Brochure/1961Pontiac-Tempest-bw-14-15 |title=1961Pontiac Tempest bw-14-15|website=oldcarbrochures.org|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150204173307/http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/Pontiac/1961-Pontiac/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-bw-Brochure/1961Pontiac-Tempest-bw-14-15|archive-date=2015-02-04}}</ref>
| width = {{convert|72.2|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures.org"/>
| weight = {{convert|2810|-|3070|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
}}
{{see also|Pontiac LeMans}}
The Tempest was the result of a decision by the Pontiac division to enter the compact car market following the success of the Chevrolet Corvair.<ref name="Levin-36">''Grand Delusions'' by Hillel Levin p. 36 {{ISBN|0-670-26685-X}}</ref> The division wanted to produce a clone of the Corvair, but instead GM gave Pontiac the lead to develop a new car in an interdivisional program coded named "X-100."<ref name="Levin-36"/><ref name="howDeLorean">{{cite web|url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1961-1963-pontiac-tempest.htm#pt1 |title=1961-1963 Pontiac Tempest: DeLorean and the Pontiac Tempest |date=12 October 2007 |website=How Stuff Works |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> [[John Z. DeLorean]], Pontiac's chief engineer and general manager, went to work on a car that would meld components GM already produced.<ref name="Levin-36"/> His objective was for the new model to be more than just an ordinary compact car.<ref name="howDeLorean"/> The Tempest was ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine's 1961 [[Car of the Year]]. ''[[Road & Track]]'' praised the Tempest as "exceptionally roomy" and "one of the very best utility cars since the [[Ford Model A (1927-1931)|Ford Model A]]." In hindsight, DeLorean admitted that the Tempest was "less than successful," adding, "there was no mechanical problem, but the car rattled so loudly that it sounded like it was carrying half-a-trunkful of rolling rocks."<ref name="Levin-36"/><ref name=Gunnell>{{cite book | editor-last = Gunnell | editor-first = John |  title = The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 | publisher = Krause Publications | year = 1995 | isbn = 0-87341-204-4}}</ref>
[[File:Pontiac 2119 Tempest 1961.jpg|left|thumb|1961 Pontiac Tempest sedan]]
[[File:1962 Pontiac Tempest Custom Safari (33934454973).jpg|left|thumb|1962 Pontiac Tempest Custom wagon]]
It shared sheet metal with the Oldsmobile F-85, the first-generation Tempest had several features that differentiated it from the other compact GM cars. The engine was a 195&nbsp;cubic inch (3.2&nbsp;L) [[straight-4]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1962_Pontiac/1962_Pontiac_Tempest_Brochure/1962%20Pontiac%20Tempest-15.html |title=1962 Pontiac Tempest brochure |website=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> marketed as the "[[Pontiac Trophy 4 engine|Trophy 4]]," derived from the right cylinder bank of [[Pontiac V8 engine#389|Pontiac's 389 cubic inch "Trophy 8" V8 engine]].<ref name=hemmings>[https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2010/08/1961--63-Pontiac-Trophy-4/3632031.html 1961-'63 Pontiac Trophy 4, ''Hemmings Motor News'' August, 2010]</ref> The Tempest featured a drivetrain with a rear-mounted [[transaxle]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1962_Pontiac/1962_Pontiac_Tempest_Brochure/1962%20Pontiac%20Tempest-13.html |title=1962 Pontiac Tempest rochure |website=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> that was coupled to a torque shaft arcing in a {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} downward bow within a curved, longitudinal tunnel. Use of the torque shaft was the result of being forced to use the Corvair floorpan which, being a rear engine platform, had no drive shaft.<ref name="Levin-36"/> To combine flexibility with strength in the proper proportion, the shaft was forged of SAE 8660 steel (high nickel, chrome and [[molybdenum]] alloying percentages) for torsion bar specifications. For automatic cars, the shaft was {{convert|0.65|in|mm|abbr=on}} in diameter and {{convert|87.25|in|m|abbr=on}} long, while the manual-box shaft was {{convert|0.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} by {{convert|82|in|m|abbr=on}}. This joined the forward engine and the rear transaxle (therefore no transmission hump) into a single unit, helping to reduce vibration.<ref name="nyt1">{{cite news| title=Auto Ego, 1961 Pontiac Tempest, When Half a V-8 Is Enough|work=The New York Times|date= April 9, 2010|first=Richard S.|last=Chang|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/automobiles/collectibles/11EGO.html?ref=global-home}}</ref> The design, known as "rope drive," had been seen previously only on General Motors' 1951 [[Le Sabre concept car]].<ref name=Flory>{{cite book|last=Flory|first=J. Kelly|title=American Cars 1946-1959: Every Model Year by Year| year=2008|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-3229-5|page=1021}}</ref>

The combination of a rear-mounted transaxle and front-mounted engine very nearly gave the car an ideal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. This, along with a four-wheel independent suspension, helped make the Tempest a nimble-handling car for the era. The front engine/rear transaxle design also eliminated the driveshaft/transmission tunnel in the front of the passenger compartment, while lowering the driveshaft tunnel in the rear compared with a conventional front engine/front transmission layout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNsDAAAAMBAJ|title=Popular Mechanics|work=google.com|date=January 1961|publisher=Hearst Magazines}}</ref>

The Trophy 4 four-cylinder engine was promoted for its economy, but Pontiac also saved money on its assembly: Because it was based on the right cylinder bank of the Pontiac 389 V8 engine, both engines could be built on the same assembly line. There were three versions of the Trophy 4: An economy version with a relatively low 8.6:1 compression ratio and a single-barrel [[carburetor]]; a hotter version with a 10.25:1 compression ratio and a single-barrel carburetor; and the most powerful Trophy 4 engine, which had a 10.25:1 compression ratio and a four-barrel carburetor. While both Trophy 4 engines (low and high compression) equipped with single-barrel carburetors produced {{convert|110|-|140|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, the high-compression, four-barrel Trophy 4 engine produced {{convert|166|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 4,800&nbsp;[[Revolutions per minute|RPM]] and {{convert|215|lb·ft|N.m|abbr=on}} of [[torque]] at 2,800&nbsp;RPM (all ratings are SAE Gross). The three Trophy 4 engine versions offered fuel economy ratings ranging from 18 to 22&nbsp;MPG. ''Popular Mechanics'' reported fuel economy of 21.3 MPG at 60 MPH.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e98DAAAAMBAJ|title=Popular Mechanics|work=google.com|date=June 1961|publisher=Hearst Magazines}}</ref>

The Trophy 4 engine was generally reliable, but could be harsh when it was out of tune, due to its inherent lack of secondary balance and absence of balancer shafts.

The Tempest was offered with quite a few options such as air conditioning, transistor radios, windshield washers, a parking brake warning light, padded safety dash, child-proof door locks, and dealer-installed seat belts, as such restraints were not yet Federally required at the Tempest's introduction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/Pontiac/1961-Pontiac/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-Accessories-Booklet/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-Accessories-04-05-06-07|title=1961 Pontiac Tempest Accessories-04-05-06-07|work=oldcarbrochures.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204172607/http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/Pontiac/1961-Pontiac/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-Accessories-Booklet/1961-Pontiac-Tempest-Accessories-04-05-06-07|archive-date=2015-02-04}}</ref>

[[File:1962PontiacSlantFour.jpg|thumb|left|{{convert|194.5|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac Trophy 4 engine|Trophy 4]] engine in a 1962 Pontiac Tempest LeMans]]
Another departure from the other Y-body cars was the Tempest's {{convert|9|in|cm|abbr=on}} brake drum, which used five studs on the same bolt circle ("five-on-four-and-a-half") and {{convert|15|in|cm|abbr=on}} wheels - a configuration unique among General Motors cars. Both Buick and Oldsmobile had standardized their Y-body cars on an odd {{convert|9.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} brake drum with four lug studs on a {{convert|4.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}-diameter circle (a "four-on-four-and-a-half" bolt pattern), with {{convert|14|in|cm|abbr=on}} wheels. This arrangement was also not used by other General Motors cars at the time.

Along with the Trophy 4 engine line another optional engine for the Tempest in 1961 and 1962 was the innovative aluminum [[Buick V8 engine#215|Buick-built 215 cubic inch (3.5 L) V8]].<ref>Flory, p.1021.</ref> It is estimated that just 3,662 Tempests were ordered with the 215 engine, or about 1% of production. This engine produced, in its various incarnations, from {{convert|155|-|215|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} despite weighing just {{convert|330|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} installed.

The engine blocks used for 215-V8 engines installed in Tempest models were distinct from 215-V8 engine blocks used in other models because, in addition to Buick factory markings, they were also hand-stamped at the Pontiac plant with the [[Vehicle Identification Number]]s of the individual vehicles that they were installed in. Thus, in 1961, all Pontiac 215 engine blocks begin with "161P"; for 1962 the stamping began with "162P". Further code numbers indicated the car's transmission (manual or automatic).

In 1961, the transmission choices were a three-speed column-shifted manual with a non-synchronized first gear, or a two-speed automatic [[transaxle]] controlled by a small lever to the right of the ignition switch on the instrument panel. Called TempesTorque in company literature but unmarked on the unit itself until 1963, it was similar in concept to the Chevrolet [[Powerglide]] automatic transmission used on the [[Chevrolet Corvair]], although few parts overlapped. For 1962, a floor-mounted, fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission became available.

At its introduction, the Tempest was available only as a four-door pillared sedan and as a station wagon that, like other Pontiac station wagons of the time, had the name Safari added to it. A pair of two-door coupes (one of which was named [[Pontiac LeMans|LeMans]]) were added at the end of 1961, both in the 1961 body style.

[[File:'62 Pontiac Tempest Convertible (Destination Décarie '12).JPG|thumb|1962 Pontiac Tempest convertible]]
For the 1962 model year there were four Tempest models available: a sedan, a coupe, a station wagon, and a convertible. Customers wanting something fancier could opt for the LeMans [[trim package]] upgrade, which featured front bucket seats. Tempest LeMans models were available with either the coupe or the convertible; there was no LeMans sedan or station wagon. And although Oldsmobile and Buick offered pillarless [[hardtop]]s on the Cutlass and Skylark respectively, Pontiac did not offer a pillarless hardtop LeMans model.

In 1963, the LeMans became a separate series; its sales were nearly 50 percent of combined Tempest and Le Mans production. 1963 models, referred to as senior compacts, were slightly larger and heavier than the 1961 and 1962 models had been. These new models featured a redesigned transaxle that improved handling, as well as a high-performance option that was much more powerful than the rarely-ordered 215-V8. This new V8 option for 1963 was Pontiac's [[Pontiac V8 engine#326|326 cubic inch (5.3 L) V8]], an engine with the same external dimensions as the venerable Trophy 8 389, but different internal components designed to produce more torque relative to displacement. A new version of the automatic transmission (now officially stamped TempesTorque on the case) was redesigned to handle the new V8's additional torque. The four-speed manual transmission had not been redesigned, and very few V8-equipped Tempest models were built with this transmission. The three-speed manual transmission remained available for all engines.

The high-compression 326 V8 engine's output was {{convert|260|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|352|lb·ft|N.m|abbr=on}} of torque (SAE Gross). The actual displacement was 336 cubic inches, but according to lore, since General Motors management edict declared that no GM compact was allowed to have an engine that was larger than the [[Chevrolet Corvette]] 327 V8, the advertised displacement for the Tempest V8 was 326 cubic inches. However, for 1964, the engine's displacement was adjusted so that it actually was 326 cubic inches, making the 1963 "326 V8" a single-year engine.

The cast-iron V8 engine increased the Tempest's weight by {{convert|260|lb|kg|abbr=on}} over the weight of a Tempest equipped with a Trophy 4 engine; front/rear weight distribution changed somewhat to 54/46. Performance with a 326-powered Tempest was strong enough that ''Car Life'' magazine wrote "No one will wonder why they didn't use the 389." Fuel economy with the 326 could be as high as 19&nbsp;mpg. The V8 option proved popular: 52 percent of the 131,490 Tempests and LeMans models sold in the 1963 model year were ordered with it.

===Super Duty===
Perhaps the most famous of all Tempests were the twelve 1963 "Super Duty" cars built to compete in the [[NHRA]] Factory Experimental class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2008/05/01/hmn_feature9.html |title=Hemmings Motor News: Master Wagon |publisher=Hemmings.com |date=2008-05-01 |access-date=2010-10-19}}</ref>  These were assembled at the Pontiac plant in Michigan over Christmas 1962 with the knowledge of an impending General Motors ban on factory racing. Among those who successfully raced them was [[Wild Bill Shrewsberry]], who turned low 12-second quarter-mile runs in the 1963 [[NHRA]] Winter Nationals driving for [[Mickey Thompson]]. Shrewsberry still owns his car, and it is still equipped with Pontiac's "Powershift" transaxle as retrofitted later in the 1963 season. Developed specifically for the Super Duty model, this was essentially two Chevrolet [[Powerglide]] automatics in a single four-speed unit, allowing clutchless shifting in much the same manner as modern drag racing transmissions do.

On October 31, 2008, one of the rarest factory race cars, the missing [[Stan Antlocer]] Super Duty Tempest Le Mans Coupe, was auctioned on eBay. The seller started the auction at $500 being unaware of the car's true value. Eventually, the car was sold for $226,521.<ref>{{cite web|last= Tutor|first=Chris|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-1963-lemans-tempest-sells-for-226-521|title=eBay Find of the Day: 1963 Le Mans Tempest sells for $226,521|publisher= Autoblog.com|date=2008-11-10|access-date=2010-10-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Profiles/2009/March/American/|title=Report on the "barn find" 1963 Super Duty which also chronicles Wild Bill Shrewsberry's accomplishments at|publisher=Sportscarmarket.com|date= 2009-02-28|access-date=2010-10-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1963-pontiac-super-duty-lemans-coupe|title=1963 Pontiac Super Duty LeMans Coupe|date=March 2009 |publisher=Sportscarmarket.com|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref>

==Second generation (1964–1967)==
{{Infobox automobile
|name = Second generation
|image = 1965 Pontiac Tempest 2-door black.jpg
|caption = 1965 Pontiac Tempest LeMans Hardtop Coupe
|model_years = 1964–1967
|assembly       = (Main Plant)
{{unbulleted list 
| [[Pontiac Assembly]], Pontiac MI, US
<br />(Branch Assembly, US)
| [[Baltimore Assembly]], Baltimore, Maryland
| [[Framingham Assembly]], Framingham, Massachusetts
| [[Fremont Assembly]], Fremont, California
| [[Leeds Assembly]], Kansas City, Missouri
}}
|class = [[Mid-size car|Mid-size]]
|layout = [[FR layout]]
|transmission = 2-speed automatic<br/>3-speed automatic<br/>3-speed manual<br/>4-speed manual
|platform = [[GM A platform (RWD)|A-body]]
|body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br />2-door [[hardtop]]<br/>2-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]]<br/>4-door [[Pontiac Safari|Safari]] [[station wagon]]<br/>4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />4-door [[hardtop]]
|engine = [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#Overhead Valve|215 cu in (3.5 L) I6]]<br/>[[Pontiac straight-6 engine#Overhead Cam|230 cu in (3.8 L) OHC I6]]<br/>[[Pontiac V8 engine#326|326 cu in (5.3 L) V8]]<br/>[[Pontiac V8 engine#389|389 cu in (6.4 L) V8]]
|related = [[Chevrolet Chevelle]]<br/>[[Oldsmobile F-85]]<br/>[[Buick Special]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|115|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|203|in|mm|sigfig=4|abbr=on}}
}}

In 1964, the Tempest was redesigned as a more-conventional vehicle and enlarged from a compact to an intermediate-sized car with a {{convert|115|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase and an overall length of {{convert|203|in|mm|abbr=on}}. The unibody, curved driveshaft and transaxle were gone, replaced by a traditional front engine, front transmission, body-on-frame, and solid rear axle design used by all of GM's other cars but the Corvette and Corvair. Together with its sister cars (the [[Oldsmobile F-85]]/[[Oldsmobile Cutlass|Cutlass]] and [[Buick Special]]/[[Buick Skylark|Skylark]]), the Tempest/Le Mans moved to the new [[GM A platform (RWD)|A platform]] shared with the new [[Chevrolet Chevelle]], and all three cars received updates and modifications standardizing them throughout—including the wheels—by GM edict. The cars were, in ascending order, base Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Le Mans.
[[File:1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom (27530266690).jpg|left|thumb|1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom Safari]]
[[File:65 Pontiac Tempest Custom (7130031417).jpg|left|thumb|1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-Door Sedan (with after-market wheel covers)]]
[[File:1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom (14481297132).jpg|left|thumb|1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom Safari (with after-market wheels)]]
[[File:Red Pontiac at Power Big Meet 2005.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Pontiac Tempest]]
Replacing the previous "Trophy 4" inline four-cylinder engine as standard equipment was a new {{convert|215|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#215|Pontiac straight six]] with one-barrel carburetor and {{convert|140|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. This six was basically a smaller bore (3.75") version of the {{convert|230|cuin|L|abbr=on}} Chevrolet straight-6, offered as a Pontiac exclusive. This is one of the earliest "Corporate Engine" arrangements General Motors utilized.

Optional engines included two versions of the {{convert|326|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Pontiac V8 introduced the previous year: a two-barrel {{convert|250|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} regular fuel option; or the {{convert|280|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} 326 HO engine with four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression ratio which required premium fuel. Transmissions included a standard three-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] with column shift, four-speed manual with floor-mounted Hurst shifter or a two-speed automatic; the latter was a version of Buick's [[Super Turbine 300]].

The popularity of the high-performance 326/336 V8 in the Tempest-based LeMans package the year before prompted Pontiac to give the option a special, sporty name: the [[Pontiac GTO|GTO]], after the Italian abbreviation "Gran Turismo Omologato" used to designate specially equipped street cars [[homologated]] for racing (though the opposite, producing a mandated minimum of street-legal race cars to meet the homologation requirement, is the norm). Available with Pontiac's largest V8, the {{convert|389|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}, and equipped with a four-barrel carburetor (producing {{convert|325|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} or the soon to become iconic {{convert|345|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 3 x 2 barrel [[Tri-Power]] set-up, the GTO proved to be the defining [[muscle car]] of the 1960s. Unlike other 1964 Tempests, the GTO was available as a pillarless [[hardtop]] coupe.

Unsurprisingly, the success of the GTO prompted Oldsmobile to rush out its own high-performance option package for the F-85/Cutlass called the [[Oldsmobile 442|442]], and the next year for Buick to release a high-performance version of the Skylark called the Skylark [[Buick GS|Gran Sport]], or GS. Both cars would enjoy success and join Chevrolet's [[Chevrolet Chevelle#Chevelle SS|Chevelle SS]] in GM's effort to capitalize on the exploding muscle car era.

Engine offerings for the 1965 Tempest were the same as 1964, except the 326 HO was uprated to {{convert|285|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and the GTO 389's uprated to {{convert|335|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} via higher rise intake manifolds. Styling changes included a new split grille with vertical headlights similar to the larger Pontiacs, revised taillights and a more slanted rear deck. A two-door hardtop [[coupe]] was added to the Tempest Custom line, while the Le Mans got a four-door sedan with a plush interior done in Preston Cloth trim similar to the full-sized Bonneville Brougham.

A major facelift was made on the 1966 Tempest that included more rounded bodylines with a Coke-bottle effect similar to the full-sized Pontiacs. New four-door pillarless hardtop sedans were added to the Tempest Custom line. Under the hood, the Chevy-derived 215 six was replaced by a new {{convert|230|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#Overhead Cam|Pontiac overhead cam six]], the only such engine found in an American production car at that time. This was also the first American-built engine to use a [[Timing belt (camshaft)|belt]] to time the [[camshaft]] to the [[crankshaft]] rather than a chain. The base OHC had a one-barrel carburetor and was rated at {{convert|165|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, designed for economy buyers. Optionally available as part of the Sprint option package on non-wagons was a four-barrel, high-compression {{convert|207|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} version of the OHC six, marketed as an alternative to higher-priced European sport sedans, which had similar OHC engines. For those wanting V8 power, the 326 and 326 HO options continued with horsepower ratings of 250 and {{convert|285|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, respectively, and GTO engines stayed the same.

Only minor changes were made to the 1967 Tempest, Custom and Le Mans models. The GTO 389 V8 was replaced by a new [[Pontiac V8 engine#400|400 cu in V8]]. The Rochester four-barrel carburetor replaced both the standard GTO Carter AFB four-barrel and the Tri-Power carburetor option. The Turbo Hydromatic TH-400 replaced the previous Buick Super Turbine two speed automatic. The 326 cu in V8's remained unchanged. The four-barrel OHC six was uprated to {{convert|215|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. Front disc brakes were a new option along with a stereo 8-track tape player and hood-mounted tachometer. All 1967 Pontiacs got GM's safety package, mandated by Federal law, which included a dual-circuit braking system, energy absorbing steering column, wheel, and interior, shoulder belt anchors, four-way hazard flashers, and a new directional signal control that could be "flicked" for lane changes.
{{Clear}}

==Third generation (1968–1970)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Third generation
| image = 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom (29146837444).jpg
| caption = 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Sports Coupe
| model_years = 1968-1970
|assembly       = (Main Plant)
{{unbulleted list 
| [[Pontiac Assembly]],Pontiac MI, US
<br />(Branch Assembly)
| [[Arlington Assembly]], Arlington, Texas
| [[Baltimore Assembly]], Baltimore, Maryland
| [[Framingham Assembly]], Framingham, Massachusetts
| [[Fremont Assembly]], Fremont, California
| [[Leeds Assembly]], Kansas City, Missouri
}}
| class = [[Mid-size car|Mid-size]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| transmission = 2-speed automatic<br/>3-speed automatic<br/>3-speed manual<br/>4-speed manual
| platform = [[GM A platform (RWD)|A-body]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br />2-door [[hardtop]]<br/>2-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]]<br/>4-door [[station wagon]]<br/>4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />4-door [[hardtop]]
| engine = {{convert|250|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#Overhead cam|OHC I6]]<br/>{{convert|250|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift engine#250|Chevrolet]] I6<br/>{{convert|350|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac V8 engine#350|Pontiac V8]]<br/>{{convert|400|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Pontiac V8 engine#400|Pontiac V8]]
| related = [[Chevrolet Chevelle]]<br/>[[Pontiac Le Mans]]<br/>[[Oldsmobile Cutlass]]<br/>[[Buick Special]]<br/>[[Buick Skylark#Second generation (1968–1972)|Buick Skylark]]
}}

A completely restyled Tempest was introduced for 1968 with streamlined [[Coke bottle styling]], concealed windshield wipers, and a return to horizontal headlights. Two-door models rode on a {{convert|112|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase and four-door models on {{convert|116|in|mm|abbr=on}}. The 230 cu in overhead cam sixes were enlarged to [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#250|250 cu in]], with horsepower ratings unchanged while the 326 V8 was replaced by a new {{convert|350|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 with horsepower ratings of 250 with two-barrel or 320 with four-barrel carb. The same lineup of models including the base Tempest, Tempest Custom and Le Mans continued as in previous years.

Other than elimination of vent windows on hardtop coupes, styling only received minor revisions for 1969, when the Tempest Custom was renamed the '''Custom S''' for this one year. However, model offerings were the same as 1968. A new three-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic#THM350|Turbo Hydra-matic 350]] automatic transmission was introduced and available with all engines as an alternative to the older two-speed. Engine offerings were the same as before except for the 350 HO V8 engine gaining five-horsepower to 325. A new locking steering column with relocated ignition switch was introduced and front seat headrests became standard equipment. A new GTO option became available, '''[[Pontiac GTO Judge|The Judge]]'''. Featuring special decals, two Ram Air versions of Pontiac's [[Pontiac V8 engine#400|400 engine]], and a rear spoiler, The Judge was originally conceived as a barebones muscle car based on the Tempest to compete with the new sub-$3,000 [[Plymouth Roadrunner]]. Plans for the new model were terminated, and Pontiac division head John DeLorean opted to create a GTO variant instead.

Minor styling revisions, that included a new front grille treatment, highlighted the 1970 Tempest, which was the final year for the nameplate. Initially, the line was down to just two- and four-door sedans but expanded at mid-year with the introduction of the low-priced T-37 hardtop coupe, billed as GM's lowest-priced hardtop coupe.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}} The Custom S became the Le Mans this year and the previous Le Mans series was renamed the Le Mans Sport. The Pontiac-built OHC six-cylinder engine was replaced by a [[Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift engine#250|Chevy-built 250&nbsp;in<sup>3</sup>]] [[Straight-6|inline six]] while the 350 V8 was down to a two-barrel {{convert|255|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} version. New engine offerings included 400&nbsp;in<sup>3</sup> V8s rated at {{convert|265|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} with two-barrel carburetor and 8.6:1 compression ratio or 330 with four-barrel and 10.25:1 compression.

The Tempest nameplate was phased out after the 1970 model year. For 1971, it was replaced by a new T-37 series that included each of the three bodystyles offered on the 1970 Tempest and T-37. After this year, the T-37 was dropped. In 1972 all Pontiac intermediates took the Le Mans nameplate except the GTO.

===Tempest Custom S===
{{see also|Pontiac Custom S}}
The Pontiac Tempest Custom S was a one-year only Pontiac nameplate offered during the 1969 model year car as a replacement for the "Tempest Custom" trim level in the Division's line-up. Originally to be called the "Pontiac TC",<ref>[http://www.pontiacpower.net/fact1.html Pontiac Facts] Retrieved on: July 18, 2007.</ref> it was slotted between the Tempest and LeMans in price and features.<ref name="Gunnell" />

The Custom S was available in six different body designs: two-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]], [[hardtop]] coupe, sports coupe, a 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], a 4-door hardtop, and a station wagon.<ref>[http://www.cardomain.com/ride/356367/3 Information about Custom S models, VIN numbers, and production numbers]. Retrieved on: July 19, 2007</ref> The sports coupe can be differentiated from the hardtop by the presence of a [[Quarter glass|vent window]] in the front door. Interior and exterior appointments fell between the Tempest and the LeMans and GTO.

The Custom S came standard with Pontiac's unique [[overhead camshaft]] [[Pontiac straight-6 engine#Overhead Cam|OHC-6]] {{convert|175|hp|abbr=on}} {{convert|250|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} engine. Also available was a {{convert|230|hp|abbr=on}} {{convert|265|ftlbf|Nm|abbr=on}} TQ OHC inline 6-cylinder with the "Sprint" package, a {{convert|265|hp|abbr=on}} overhead valve pushrod [[V8 engine|V8]] {{convert|350|cid|L|1|abbr=on}}, and a {{convert|330|hp|abbr=on}} version of the same engine with higher compression and a 4-barrel [[carburetor]].
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==Fourth generation (1987–1991)==
{{main|Chevrolet_Corsica|l1=Chevrolet Corsica}}
[[File:Pontiac Tempest 3.1.JPG|thumb|right|Pontiac Tempest Sedan]]

Pontiac marketed a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] version of the compact [[GM L platform|L-body]] [[Chevrolet Corsica]] as Tempest, for Canada, Israel and [[Gulf Cooperation Council|GCC]] only, beginning in model year 1987. The Tempest was built alongside the Corsica at the [[Wilmington Assembly]] plant in [[Wilmington, Delaware]].<ref>{{citation |title=Vehicle VIN Number|date=1988–1991 |publisher=created and issued by General Motors Corporation}}</ref> Discontinued in 1991, the Tempest was replaced with the [[Pontiac Grand Am|Grand Am]] sedan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Terauds|first=John|title=The Canadian Car Buyer's Survival Guide: How to Buy Or Lease the Right Vehicle at the Right Price|year=1996|publisher=Dundurn|page=109|isbn=978-0-88882-133-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mm2IOpFn-h8C&q=gm%20%22L-body%22%201992&pg=PA109}}</ref> The 1987-1991 Pontiac Tempest came in two trim levels, base (equivalent to the U.S. Corsica LT) and LE (equivalent to the U.S. Corsica LTZ) The main differences that separates the Tempest from its L-Body twin are different grille, emblems and taillights (the taillights were later adopted as the U.S. Corsica's taillights). The only other differences were wheel options, [[Daytime running lamp|DRL]]s and a metric instrument cluster. This model was also sold briefly in Israel; there are brochures showing Canadian-spec models from 1990/1991.
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==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Pontiac Early Timeline}}
{{Pontiac timeline 1980s to 2010}}
{{Pontiac}}
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