1964 Pontiac Tempest Convertible
Up until 1963, LeMans was the upgrade option package for the Tempest and as sales accounted for 50% of Tempest sales, it was split into its own series in '63. That was the year a 326ci V8 option became available. In 1964, the Tempest would be enlarged from compact to intermediate and the popularity of the 326ci HO gave way to the GTO. Yes, the 1964 Tempest can be considered the genetic precursor to the king of muscle cars.
For consignment, a 1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom convertible showing an unverifiable 80,785 miles. Just 7,987 2 door convertibles were produced in 1964 and other than the series station wagon and GTO, is the lowest production model of the Tempest for that year.
Exterior
Resprayed 10-12 years ago per our consignor, White Metallic covers this car like a lab coat and is adorned with three horizontal trim pieces on the front quarter panel and a stainless strip over the shoulder line. In front, dual headlights sit side by side and it would be the last time as they went stacked starting in '65. In back, simple tail lights cap the fenders and can be seen from the side, while a striated trim piece stretches across the latch panel and hides the gas cap under a Pontiac branded hatch. The black canvas top is in good shape and so is the plastic rear window embedded in it. 14-inch chrome steel wheels occupy the corners and are tied together by the polished rocker panel trim. A fantastic 326 emblem complete with V and checkered flag is on each front fender. The back bumper has less than perfect chrome, there's a spot of obvious body work at a wheel opening and some bubbling in one spot.
Interior
The red interior starts with vinyl door panels showing a bit of patina and some fading of the carpeted lower. The covering of the split bench seat is probably looser than it was new with some compression of the driver's side, but otherwise clean, intact, and red with maroon inserts. The back bench copies the pattern, and the sidewalls pick up on the door card design. An X is formed by the four spokes of the steering wheel which has a crack in the rim and wears streamlined stalks on the column. This all leads to four round gauges arranged linearly, knobs on the lower dash, and an AM radio in the dash and an AM/FM/CD unit mounted underneath. The black dash looks somewhat out of place as the only black feature of the dash surround. The open floor is covered with red loop style carpet, showing some age but no tears or staining and the trunk is completely barren.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a 326ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor tied to an ST300 2-speed automatic transmission sending power to the 10 bolt rear axle. Power brakes are provided and are drums all the way around.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical surface rust and some oil present on the front crossmember and flywheel cover as well as some sling by the front driveshaft U-joint. True dual exhaust flows back to a pair of Turbo mufflers before exiting via steel tail pipes just before the rear bumper. Coil spring suspension is up front with a 4 link and coil springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
A few pumps of gas into the 2-barrel and a turn of the key, and off we ride in the Tempest. It sounds good and tracks straight, but we do note some slop in the steering. 70 series tires help absorb road imperfections and the car handles just fine. We don't know how far we've gone as the odometer is not working but during this short ride, all other items such as lights, radio, and gauges work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a diamond in the rough that leaves you jewelers with some options. Polish it up and restore to show quality or leave it as is and drive the heck out of it without worry. As is, you're one of about 7,987 ever created and we'd wager there aren't half that still with us. Jonathan and Martha Kent raised a boy that would become Superman. Well, Pontiac did the same with the Tempest which would go on to become the basis for the mighty GTO.
814P297546
8-V8
1-Tempest
4-1964
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
297546-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07E-5th Week July
STYLE 64 2167-Tempest Custom Convertible
BODY PON05207-Pontiac Body #
TRIM 212-Red Vinyl
PAINT C2-Cameo Ivory, Black Top
2A-Foam Front Cushions
2P-AM Radio
4G-Unknown
5W-Retractable Seatbelts
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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