350ci V8 3-Speed Auto/White Canvas Top/Red Crushed Velour/Beautiful Styling

1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible

The Big Bang in the evolution of modern muscle cars is the 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO. This is where it began: a midsize automobile with a big, high-power V-8 marketed as an integrated high-performance package - the very definition of the muscle car.

For consignment a 1966 version of the Tempest that represents in my opinion one of the nicest design years in the history of this car. With its split front grille, Pontiac "beak" breaking it up, dual stacked headlights, sleek rear with integrated fan style taillights and along with a clean interior, this example is a keeper.

Exterior
Red is the theme here with red steel panels in slight coke bottle lines for the sides, but it's only the beginnings of said design so it is subtle. Stacked dual vertical headlights are flanking a dual opening small beaked grille, which will also grow as the years go by. Within the grille is GTO badging, and the turn signal lights. A nice shiny bumper is below, and above begins the hood line with a dual opening small hood scoop. Along the sides are well minded gaps, and a belt line white pinstripe which borrows from the white canvas convertible top. A fair amount of bubbling underneath rusting is seen throughout this exterior body, particularly on the rockers and lower quarters especially behind the wheel wells. Under panels of doors have invasive rust, and the weatherstripping is dry rotted. Upper large panels (hood, pillars, and trunk), are mostly rust free with just a few areas showing single bubbles. Chrome trimmings are good with no pitting or dulling. On the back the large trunk lid sweeps rearward to the rear panel which houses fan like taillights on either side, and another clean bumper below. 15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels are wrapped with like new redline tires. The convertible presents nicely with no rips or tears and is very white and not dirty.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we have crushed red velour broadcloth coverings with painted sills to match the exterior body color. Looking inside we see more red crushed velour with large tuck and roll broadcloth panels framed by white vinyl bolsters, and up front a centrally located white covered armrest. In back is a solid bench same coverings as the front, this time with no arm rest. A re-covered dash top in black has a few creases in the corners but is otherwise unmarred as to cracks or tears. Below is a red painted dash front, which shows wear with scratches and paint chips. A faux leather textured area colored black is the flat panel which houses the temp controls, and aftermarket radio, and circular gauge cluster and clock. A red plastic rimmed steering wheel with some cracks has a dimpled chromed center with 2 horizontal supports and a center cap. The floor is covered with red carpet, fairly clean, and original A/C vents are noted throughout, which are fading. A note to the trunk which shows rust through on the floor of the trunk.

Drivetrain
Under the scooped hood is a 350ci V8 and it notes casting year of 1974/1975. A single 2-barrel carburetor is atop and has a shiny chromed air cleaner cover. The valve covers are also chromed. Also seen are some surface rusted parts such as the exhaust manifold, and the brake reservoir. Power is sent thru a TH350 3-speed automatic and back to a 10-bolt rear. An overall patina nicely aged is seen throughout the engine bay.

Undercarriage
Mounted to the rear is a new fuel tank, and this sits within a surface rusted environment, especially on the usual suspects, ie suspension and exterior areas of the floorpans. Some surface rust is noted on the frame, and the rockers also show with surface rust. Independent coil springs provide the front suspension, and a 4 link with coil springs for the back suspension. Power disc brakes are on the front, and power drums for the rear.

Drive-Ability
This car started quickly and on the test track performed nicely. Good smooth acceleration, quick stopping, and handling was acceptable. The convertible top went up and down smoothly, and all controls worked as expected.

Overall a nice example with some minor TLC could be turned into a fantastic example. Some rust remediation on the rockers and a few areas on the body, and slight attention to the undercarriage and it will be a very nice 1966 Tempest indeed.

VIN DECODE
235676P224287
2-Pontiac
35-Tempest Custom
67-2 Door Convertible
6-1966
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
224287-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
02B-2nd Week February Build
STYLE 6623567-1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible
BODY PON1236-Pontiac Body #
TRIM 216A-Red
PAINT R1-Montero Red
E 2AKW 5Y
E-Tinted Glass All
A-Front Foam Cushion
K-AC
W-2 Speed Powerglide
Y-Custom Seat Belts

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.