Pontiac Tempest

Pontiac Tempest First Generation (1961–1963)

In the early 1960s, Pontiac, a division of General Motors, introduced the first generation of the Tempest, a car that would leave a lasting mark on the compact car segment. Introduced for the 1961 model year, the Tempest broke away from traditional compact car designs with its innovative engineering, versatile styling, and performance-oriented features. It was a bold move for Pontiac, known at the time for its larger, more luxurious vehicles, to enter into the growing compact car market with a model that was both economical and dynamic.

The first generation Tempest was notable for several pioneering features. One of the most significant was its flexible driveshaft, dubbed the "rope drive," a key component of its transaxle design. This unique setup allowed the transmission to be placed at the rear of the car, connected to the engine by a curved, flexible driveshaft that ran through a tunnel in the car's unibody frame. This arrangement was beneficial for weight distribution, offering better balance and handling than many of its contemporaries.

The Tempest's suspension was another area where Pontiac innovated. It featured an independent rear suspension, rare in American cars at the time, particularly in the compact segment. This was achieved through the use of a swing axle setup, which provided a smoother ride and improved handling over the more traditional solid rear axles used in most other vehicles.

Under the hood, the Tempest was initially offered with a 195 cubic inch (3.2-liter) "Trophy 4" engine, an inline-four which was essentially half of Pontiac's 389 V8, another innovative approach to providing sufficient power while maintaining economical operation. This engine was one of the largest four-cylinders of the era and could be coupled with a three-speed manual or a two-speed automatic transmission, known as "TempesTorque."

In 1962, Pontiac introduced a more powerful 326 cubic inch (5.3-liter) V8 engine as an option, appealing to buyers looking for more performance. This V8 was a derated version of the larger Pontiac engines and marked the beginning of the model's evolution from an economy car to a performance machine.

Styling for the Tempest was modern and understated, with clean lines and a lack of the ostentatious fins that were popular on many cars of the late 1950s. It offered a simple yet elegant design that appealed to a broad audience, including younger drivers looking for something different than the large, chrome-heavy cars driven by their parents.

The Tempest was available in several body styles, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, and station wagon, making it versatile and appealing to a wide range of buyers. The interior was spacious for a compact car, thanks to its efficient design, which maximized the space inside.

The Tempest was well-received in the marketplace, offering a combination of innovation, style, and performance that was uncommon in compact cars at that time. It was awarded Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1961, a testament to its impact on the automotive industry.

The first generation Tempest laid the groundwork for future models, including the GTO, which would later evolve from the Tempest lineup. This made the Tempest not only a significant car in Pontiac's history but also a precursor to the muscle car era that would dominate the American automotive scene in the later 1960s.

The Pontiac Tempest's blend of innovation, performance, and practicality during its first generation run from 1961 to 1963 set new standards in the compact car segment and left a lasting legacy in automotive design and engineering. Its influence can be seen in the development of compact and mid-sized cars in subsequent decades, proving that even the smallest vehicles can have a substantial impact on the market.

Pontiac Tempest Second Generation (1964–1967)

In 1964, Pontiac unveiled the second generation of the Tempest, a model that would significantly influence the muscle car era and solidify Pontiac's reputation as a maker of high-performance, stylish vehicles. This new iteration of the Tempest was part of GM's A-body platform, which it shared with several other GM vehicles, but Pontiac ensured the Tempest stood out with unique styling cues and performance options.

The second-generation Tempest featured a more substantial and muscular design compared to its compact and innovative predecessor. It adopted a more conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, ditching the first generation's rear transaxle and flexible driveshaft. This change was part of a larger shift within General Motors towards standardizing components and layouts across models to reduce production costs and complexity.

The body of the Tempest was completely redesigned with a longer, wider stance that provided a more aggressive look and allowed for a larger engine bay. The styling was modernized with sharper lines, a flatter roofline, and a broader grille, aligning with the mid-60s trend towards more geometric automotive designs.

One of the most significant developments in the second generation was the introduction of the GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) as an optional package for the Tempest LeMans trim in 1964.

Initially conceived by John DeLorean and other Pontiac engineers as a marketing gimmick to invigorate sales, the GTO package included a 389 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine, a departure from the more modest engines offered in the base Tempest models. This engine option, along with performance-tuned dual exhaust, upgraded suspension, and a Hurst-shifted three-speed manual transmission, positioned the GTO as a standout performer and is often credited with starting the muscle car era.

The interior of the second-generation Tempest was upgraded with more comfort and convenience features, appealing to a broader segment of buyers. The cabin offered more space due to the vehicle’s increased dimensions, and higher trim levels included luxurious options such as wood trim, plush carpeting, and improved upholstery options. The dashboard and instrument cluster were redesigned to be more driver-oriented, with optional rally gauges and a tachometer that appealed to performance enthusiasts.

The Tempest, particularly with the GTO option, was met with enthusiasm from the automotive press and the buying public, quickly becoming a symbol of American performance. Its success helped spawn a series of competitors from other automakers, each introducing their own versions of the muscle car with big engines and sporty aesthetics.

Throughout its second generation, the Tempest continued to evolve. In 1965, a redesign introduced more rounded styling cues, an updated grille, and new tail lights, which kept the model fresh and competitive. By 1966 and 1967, the Tempest and its GTO variant were firmly established as performance leaders, with increasingly powerful engine options and even more aggressive styling updates.

The second-generation Pontiac Tempest, especially the GTO, has left a lasting legacy in the automotive world. It exemplified Pontiac’s commitment to innovation in performance, not just in power but also in the integration of performance with everyday usability. The GTO, born from the Tempest, would go on to become one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time, representing a pinnacle of 1960s American car culture.

This period of Pontiac’s history is a testament to how a single model can redefine brand identity and market direction. The second-generation Tempest shifted from being just another family car to becoming a performance icon, paving the way for the golden age of muscle cars.

Pontiac Tempest Third Generation (1968–1970)

In 1968, Pontiac rolled out the third generation of the Tempest, marking another significant evolution in design and performance that reflected broader changes in the automotive industry. This generation continued to build on the success of its predecessors, particularly the second generation's muscle car prowess, while also introducing new safety and performance features. The third-generation Tempest was more than just a continuation of an existing line; it was a testament to Pontiac's ability to adapt and innovate.

The third-generation Tempest adopted the new GM A-body platform, which was larger and featured a more substantial, coke bottle styling that was becoming popular in late 60s American cars. This design trend emphasized a narrower middle combined with flared fenders, creating a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The Tempest's new body was longer and wider than the previous generation, providing a lower and more elongated profile that enhanced its road presence and interior space.

The front-end design was revamped with a split grille, a Pontiac trademark, and the rear featured a more pronounced deck with updated taillights that contributed to a more modern and polished look. This generation also introduced hidden headlights on the Tempest LeMans, which became a sought-after feature among enthusiasts.

Powertrain options for the third-generation Tempest were robust, ranging from the base 250 cubic inch (4.1-liter) inline-six for those seeking efficiency to the more powerful V8 options for performance seekers. The standard V8 was a 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) engine, but Pontiac also offered a larger 400 cubic inch (6.6-liter) V8 across various trim levels, including the Tempest Custom and LeMans.

The most notable performance iteration was the GTO, which became a standalone model in 1968 due to its popularity. The GTO featured a 400 cubic inch V8 as standard, with options for higher output versions, including the Ram Air II and later the Ram Air III and IV variants, enhancing the car's performance credentials significantly.

The interior of the third-generation Tempest saw several upgrades in terms of materials and design. The dashboard was redesigned for a more driver-centric layout, and higher quality materials were used throughout the cabin to enhance comfort and appeal. Options included upgraded upholstery, wood trim accents, and more sophisticated instrument panels. Safety features were also improved, including the standardization of seat belts and the introduction of energy-absorbing steering columns and padded dash surfaces in response to increasing safety regulations.

The third-generation Tempest was well-received for its refined balance of performance and practicality. It continued to serve not only families looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle but also driving enthusiasts who appreciated the available power and improved handling characteristics. This generation of the Tempest solidified Pontiac's reputation in the muscle car segment while also advancing the brand's commitment to safety and innovation.

Throughout its production years from 1968 to 1970, the Tempest adapted to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments without losing sight of its performance roots. The end of its production in 1970 marked the close of one of Pontiac's most versatile and successful models, paving the way for new innovations in the 1970s.

The third-generation Pontiac Tempest remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its style, power, and role in the muscle car era. Its legacy continues to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike, a symbol of a transformative period in American automotive history.