1965 Pontiac Tempest

1965 Pontiac Tempest Convertible with the heart of a GTO. Originally equipped with a 326 V8 with a 2 speed automatic transmission, it is now powered by a 1969 GTO 400 V8 with a T350, 3 speed automatic. Runs very well and is fun to drive. Has power steering and manual drum brakes that actually work well. Has a power bench seat and power top. This is a driver quality car that gets a lot of attention from all age groups more than any other classic I own. I don’t know if it’s the colors or the body style but it is very popular. I drove it every day when I first got it last year and now at least once a week. History: Been in New Mexico since at least 1996 based on engine receipt. My friend bought it from a collection in 2020 with plans to rent it to the local film industry. Unfortunately all filming shutdown during COVID and it was never used. I purchased in April of 2021. Mechanicals: Receipt for rebuilding the engine. There are specs from a Mellings cam as well. The engine code is WT with #48 heads and a stock intake manifold from a 350hp 1969 GTO. The unique spread-bore Holley 4 barrel carb was rebuilt last year by a specialist and starts with one pumo. Basically the car runs like a 1969 GTO. Some sort of radiator upgrade was done and the car never runs hotter than 190 degrees. Oil pressure is also very good as indicated on auxiliary gauges. Headers were on when I got it but I upgraded to a custom welded 2.5” mandrel bent dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. It definitely has a strong musclecar sound but not too loud. The transmission works fine and will chirp the tires shifting into second gear. The rear feels like maybe a 3.55 gear but has not been verified. Drives great around town. I have not had it on the freeway. I installed a larger front swaybar from a 1967 GTO and a 1” aftermarket rear swaybar on GTO boxed trailing arms along with new KYB Monotube shocks all around. I also upgraded the wheels and tires to to new 15”x7” WheelBody Style: ConvertibleDoors: 2