1966 Pontiac Tempest Convertible
The Pontiac Tempest is an automobile that was produced by Pontiac from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1987 to 1991.
The Tempest was introduced as an entry-level compact in October 1960 at the Paris Auto Show for the 1961 model year. An innovative design, it shared the new unibody Y platform, GM’s first, with the Buick Special/Skylark and Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass.
When 1960 rolled around in the world of automobiles there was a large very apparent shift that occurred. The days of large tail fins were clearly behind us as companies like Pontiac released their innovated design for the Tempest. These cars were built on the new Y body platform and later would be offered with optional trim levels like Lemans. Despite the significant redesigns they were still modest compact cars sporting the “Trophy” 4 cylinder motor.
The believed original snarling 326 cubic inch V8 under the hood delivers plenty of performance with a great soundtrack, and thanks to careful maintenance since the restoration, it more than lives up to the stripes it wears. Nicely detailed and essentially bone-stock, it wears an original-style intake and carburetor to help it breathe, while stock headers and newer chambered mufflers on the dual exhaust are responsible for that fabulous soundtrack.
The shining Red paint has a beautiful finish and was completed by Custom Touch Body Shop and Southwest Rod & Custom.
It is combined with a Red power top and also comes with a parade boot for those nice weather days where you are cruising with the top down.
The Red interior on the car is in excellent shape. The upholstery work, carpet, door panels, and dash all look great. It has dual bucket seats with a Red center console and nice polished trim. It has a custom shifter plate to house the automatic shifter which moves through the gears smoothly.
Of course, picking the best year for the classic Pontiac GTO boils down to personal preference. The Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors built the first generation cars from 1964 through 1967, and each year made major improvements in body style, reliability, safety, and performance.
