1964 Pontiac Tempest Custom Sport Coupe
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 sport coupe with a title verified 92,559 actual miles. This car was restored in 2000 and was dressed as a GTO tribute and those emblems come with the car if that's your goal too. It's back to being a true Tempest now and packs a later model 428 and Muncie M20 along with PHS documentation.
Exterior
It's a fantastic shade of original maroon here, known as two stage Marimba Red and covers the large acreage of slab sided panels and broad hood and decklid with panache. Red also forms the distinct Pontiac nose which splits the grille and is flanked by quad style round headlights while at the same time, giving way to a character line on the hood that begins at a point and widens as it heads to the windshield. Out back, tail lights protrude to form the columnal end of the fender and bookend a black detail on the latch panel, all over a straight, chrome bumper. 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels carry 225/70R14 tires and feature red topped lug nuts and PMD center caps. Imperfections include some impurities under a section of paint, chips, a rust spot on the C-pillar, scratches, paint runs, checking, touched up chips, and some bubbling on the decklid.
Interior
The red carries into the interior where we find stitch patterned red vinyl panels sandwiched by body colored sills and red carpet lowers and both present in very nice condition, setting the stage for entry and onto fantastic vintage style red vinyl buckets. The arrowhead is also stamped into the back seat, framed by patterns that are uniquely diagonal and a scuff on the passenger bucket and light compression on the driver's are the only flaws we find. Up front, old meets new as the vintage style steering wheel frames the Dakota digital gauges which look right at home in the spun metal faceplate of the cluster and an AM radio is front and center. The floor wears black looped carpet and is home to the Hurst shifter with white ball topper that's ready for action. Our perforated red headliner is in very nice shape and the trunk has a fitted carpet remnant that covers a rust free floor.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a good looking 428ci V8 from 1968/'69 topped with a 4-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers, and featuring headers to start the exhaust. It's backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual that sends power to the 12 bolt rear. The car has power brakes and power steering.
Undercarriage
Satisfyingly clean conditions are found underneath where the exhaust, gas tank, and chrome differential cover pop against the satin black background of the frame and floorboards. That exhaust is a dual system with an H-pipe and a pair of FlowMaster mufflers on the way to a subtle exit under the bumper. Power disc brakes are found up front, power drums in back and suspension includes coil springs at both ends with a 4 link joining the party out back.
Drive-Ability
We take our seat in the uncomplicated interior and bring the 428 to life with a mighty but inoffensive roar, then shift into gear and head out to the test loop. The car has considerable power, tracks straight, and brakes as it should. Only the radio and the reverse lights are not working, while all other functions on this nicely restored Poncho operate 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.
Just as classic Firebirds are just as cool as vintage Trans Ams, so too is the case for the Tempest, the commuter car that became the basis for the most legendary muscle car in history. And because they were used up and put away wet, we don't see them very often here at the mall, and this Marima Red rider is a very nice example.
814F20601
8-V8
1-Tempest Custom
4-1964
F-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
20601-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04B-2nd Week April
STYLE 64 2127-1964 Tempest 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY BF2342-Fremont Body #
TRIM 212-Maroon Vinyl
PAINT LLA-Marimba Red, Starlight Black
A20-Custom Seatbelts
B80-Roof Drip Rail Moldings
B90-Door Frame Moldings
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
