1962 Pontiac Tempest Le Mans Coupe Rare, Unique, 43K Wonderfully Preserved Miles

1962 Pontiac Tempest Le Mans Coupe Description

Please take time to view the large, detailedphotosafter this description.

The more you learn about the Pontiac Tempest the more unique you realize it is! To start, it was designed by a guy named John Z. DeLorean – the Pontiac Division’s chief engineer who would later become the division’s head and go on to create many other legendary automobiles. DeLorean wanted the Tempest to be more than just a compact car and it was.

Engineering made the Tempest special. The "Trophy 4" in-line, overhead valve, short stroke engine was inclined 45°to nicely fit in the engine compartment. This slant-4 cylinder engine was essentially ½ of a Pontiac 389 V-8! It was combined with rear-mounted transmission that gave the car a nearly ideal 50/50 front-rear weight distribution. Another benefit of the rear-mount transmission is it minimized the differential hump in the car allowing more passenger room. The shifting in this Tempest is via 3-speed manual with the selector on the floor. All models were equipped with a 4-wheel independent suspension and it had a solid one-piece unit body by the folks at Fisher. Good things happen when a real “car guy” designs your new model. Because of its performance, ride and handling characteristics the Tempest was awarded Car of the Year by Motor Trend in 1961.

In addition to the Coupe there were several variations for the Tempest for 1962 including a sedan, a wagon and a convertible. According to the sales literature the Coupe featured a rear window design that has "sharp, town-car styling".

Fortunately, this Tempest was ordered with the optional “Le Mans” package which added “deep, high wing bucket seats in special expanded Morrokide, thick pile carpeting, full custom treatment on hardware and trim”. The Le Mans interior boasts a monochromatic color scheme and this one is Parchment. The exterior color is code QQ, Seafoam Aqua.

This was the first of many Pontiacs to carry the Le Mans name. These early Le Mans are quite rare, especially in this condition!

The Tempest was manufactured at GM assembly plant in Pontiac Michigan and since, has accrued less than 43,000 miles. The car was purchased new in Georgia, owned by one family. Southern cars are typically spared harsh winters and the damage they can cause - this car is no exception. It is clear this car has been loved and garaged. Since, it has been owned by private collectors, driven sparingly and has spent quite some time displayed in a car museum. I purchased the car over a year ago and have enjoyed owning and driving it. I’ve been impressed with its originality, and thankful it has never been modified or hot-rodded.

The car was nicely re-painted the original Seafoam Aqua at some point in the past. The finish presents very well and it’s a great period color. I’ve found no evidence of rust as all the body, floor and trunk panels appear to be original. The underside of the car confirms the low number of miles traveled. The chrome and bright trim on the car are all in great original condition. The trunk looks to be virtually unused and the spare tire, jack and tools look untouched as well. The instructions for operating the jack are still in place. This Tempest has its original 15-inch, color-matched steel wheels, trim rings and “Pontiac Motor Division” hub caps. Although the spare tire is believed to be the original bias-ply tire, the rubber on the road is radial.

Slip inside the car and travel back to 1962. The Le Mans-only bucket seats are in terrific shape as are the door panels, dashboard headliner and carpeting. The rear seat looks like it perhaps has never been sat on. The Parchment interior still looks brilliant – not faded or dis-colored. The instrument panel is an exercise in simplicity and beauty. The heater (standard for 1962) is controlled on the driver’s left. Two-speed wipers and the original, optional Delco AM radio are both within the driver’s reach.

Under-hood is tidy and has nice original details. Period hose clamps are still in place, Even the fan/radiator warning label is original and in good condition. The car has recently had the following work performed:

- Carburetor rebuild

- Oil pan and valley pan gaskets were replaced

- Intake/exhaust gasket was replaced

- Oil changed and filter replaced

- Aged drive belt replaced

- Fuel pump replaced

- Rear shocks replaced

- Rear brake wheel cylinders were replaced and new rear brake shoes installed

* Brand new tires with period correct white wall width

The car starts up and runs well with its manual choke for warm up. It is an effortless driver, steady and confident at low and high speeds. No rattles or strange noises. The transmission and clutch operate fine. The steering feels firm but the lack of power assist is not a problem. Brakes work well and the suspension feels good.

All electrical accessories work including the radio, wipers and the lighter (for your phone charger, of course). The Tempest owner’s manual, owner protection plan booklet and vehicle sales brochure are included with the car.

A Few Things

This Tempest has been amazingly preserved but there are a few areas of note. Please review the photos carefully. I am happy to answer any questions.

There are a few chips/blemishes in the paint including one 6-inch scratch on trunk lid and some dark spots on roof above the windshield. Some overspray is noted here & there from the repaint. The stainless trim that runs along the edge of the rear fins and at the base of the rear glass have white painted inserts – some of the white finish is faded in places. The bright finish is spotty on the grill and headlight surrounds. There is some slight pitting on some chrome parts inside the car and out. The weather strip around the driver’s door has deteriorated with age. The headliner is in very good condition but there is some discoloration at the edges.

This little gem is a survivor and a terrific car to own, drive and share. It’s ready to be displayed in a collection or showed off at a local car show. Because it’s a GM product it’s easy to service and maintain. It is certainly an important chapter in Pontiac’s history as it was the springboard to other exciting new products from the division. Stylish and unique – the Tempest Le Mans Coupe is definitely a car that would be cherished in any collection!

Terms

This car is in amazing condition - however it is a 54 year old automobile. I have done my best to represent it accurately. The winner of the auction is purchasing it as-is - no warranty is offered. The buyer is responsible for local pick-up and/or transport of the vehicle. I reserve the right to end the auction early as the car is for sale locally. Payment should be a bank-issued cashier's check or wire transfer. A $500 deposit is due within 24 hours after the auction. Balance must be settled within 7 days. Please ask all questions before the auction ends.