Here are amazing features about the 1962 classic Pontiac Tempest.
Pontiac Tempest was a series of compact cars between 1961 to 1970. These were comfortable vehicles offering great handling and fuel efficiency. Tempest was available in three generations. The first-generation Pontiac Tempest vehicles remain iconic for their advanced technology and designs. Let us see about the 1962 Pontiac Tempest.
Compact Vehicle
Before the muscle car era began, there were some compact cars in the US market. Pontiac Tempest was a compact model with a curved driveshaft called the rope drive. This model also paved the way for the launch of Pontiac GTO vehicles which later became the best selling model from the brand. Pontiac Tempest had great handling as it was a compact vehicle. Passengers could park it easily without much hassle.
Slant 4 Engines
Pontiac Tempest was equipped with inline-4 engines with a single barrel. It was not a torque heavy vehicle, but the top speed was recorded around 112mph. The vehicle’s handling was made better with its transmission. For this model, the available gearbox was a 3-speed manual. Though Pontiac Tempest didn’t have V8 engines, it was inspired by the iconic Pontiac V8 engines. The strong engines delivered mass acceleration and handling. Those were smooth engines like other Pontiac models.
Technology
Pontiac Tempest had advanced tech in all aspects. Right from the drivetrain to the engines, everything was great. Independent suspension with swing axle, rope-drive drivetrain technology, and transmission options delivered excellent handling and maneuverability. Tempest’s features like bucket seats, radio, heater, AC, and vinyl upholstery made it a comfortable vehicle. The Pontiac Tempest was a sporty vehicle with amazing performance powered by great acceleration.
Sporty Styling
Pontiac Tempest featured a split grille styling with emblem, tailfins, and twin headlamps. Chromium accents were there and the bumpers had chromium as well. It had the look of a stylish sports car. The interior featured a speedometer and horizontal instrument design. Pontiac Tempest was available in multiple colors like White, Red, Yorktown Blue, and Metallic Green.
Comfortable Vehicle
Pontiac Tempest was a fully comfortable vehicle with luxury features like AC, radio, heated, and cigarette ashtray. The soft suspension, slant 4 engine, and bucket seats made the driving experience smooth. Tempest offered huge cargo space and passengers could relax stretching their legs. Pontiac Tempest was also a durable model with the advanced drivetrain system, rope-drive. The fuel efficiency was great as well.
Mass Selling Vehicle
The 62′ Pontiac Tempest model was manufactured in large numbers. The success of this model paved the way for the next generation vehicles. In 1962, more than 1.5L units were sold to the public. This led to more compact vehicles from Pontiac and other brands in the 60s. Pontiac Tempest was priced between $2,200 USD to $2,500 USD. It was a bit expensive model, but it was worth the features and advanced technology.
