Pontiac Tempest History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The Tempest launched for 1961 as Pontiac's innovative compact, notable early on for a rear-mounted transaxle and a 'rope-drive' flexible driveshaft. It grew into an intermediate for 1964 on GM's new A-body platform.
Its lasting significance is as the GTO's host: the 1964 GTO began as a Tempest/LeMans option package, making the Tempest the foundation of the muscle car. The name was retired after 1970, folded into the LeMans line.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Sedan
- Convertible
- Wagon
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