Pontiac Tempest History
Catalog record
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History
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
Related models
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