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Unveiling the 1962 Pontiac Tempest: A Symphony of Style and Innovation

The 1962 Pontiac Tempest emerges as a testament to American automotive ingenuity, a vehicle that broke the mold with its unique blend of design and mechanical prowess. Born from the ambitious minds at Pontiac, a division of General Motors, this car was a fresh face in an era dominated by large, fuel-thirsty automobiles. The Tempest's introduction coincided with the burgeoning compact car market, offering consumers a stylish alternative that didn't skimp on performance. A standout moment in its history was when Motor Trend awarded it "Car of the Year" in 1961 for its innovative engineering and design.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1962 Pontiac Tempest boasted sleek lines and an aggressive stance that commanded attention. Its distinctive split grille and wide track became iconic design elements synonymous with the brand. Inside, passengers were greeted with a cabin that exuded comfort and quality, featuring plush seating and a dashboard that prioritized functionality without sacrificing style. Technological advancements included an independent rear suspension and a rear transaxle that balanced weight distribution—a rarity at the time. Color options ranged from subdued to vibrant, with hues like Aquamarine and Yorktown Blue turning heads on the boulevard. Among its body styles, the convertible was particularly coveted for its open-air freedom and sporty appeal.

Historical Significance

The Tempest's legacy is anchored in its role as a pioneer of compact performance. It diverged from the norms of its day by offering a smaller, more efficient slant-four engine derived from half of a V8—a bold move that paid dividends in both economy and space utilization. This innovation not only set it apart from competitors but also influenced future designs within the industry.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the 1962 Pontiac Tempest came alive with an engine capable of spirited performance metrics for its class, boasting top speeds that could flirt with the century mark and completing 0-60 mph dashes in under 12 seconds. On varying terrains, drivers appreciated its poised handling; whether navigating urban sprawl or cruising country roads, the Tempest delivered a smooth ride complemented by an engine note that sang a mechanical melody. The driving experience was immersive, engaging drivers with responsive controls and an intimate connection to the road.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the '62 Tempest often found themselves behind the wheel for various reasons—from daily commutes to weekend show-and-shines. Its reliability was commendable for the era, though contemporary mechanics may find some of its unique features challenging without proper documentation or experience. Nevertheless, those versed in classic car maintenance typically enjoy tinkering with this piece of Pontiac history.

Fun Facts

The Tempest had its share of quirks and accolades. For instance, did you know it featured a flexible driveshaft dubbed "rope drive"? Or that it shared some limelight when driven by characters in popular television shows of its time? While not known for setting speed records, it certainly made waves in sales figures and innovation benchmarks.

Collector's Information

In today's collector market, a well-preserved 1962 Pontiac Tempest can attract significant attention. With production numbers in the tens of thousands across all variants, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging but not impossible. Values vary widely based on condition, originality, and model type; however, estimates suggest prices can range from $10,000 for a project car to upwards of $50,000 or more for a concours-quality example. As appreciation for early '60s American compacts grows, so too does the potential investment value of cars like the Tempest.

Conclusion

The 1962 Pontiac Tempest stands as more than just another classic car; it's a symbol of innovation during an era ripe with change. From its trendsetting design to its forward-thinking engineering solutions, this vehicle encapsulates a pivotal moment in automotive history—one worth celebrating by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1962 Pontiac Tempest Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1962 Pontiac Tempest Door Side Seal ('64-'66 some models)-C/LP 40-DDoor Side Seal ('64-'66 some models). Smooth skin-covered sponge with clips already installed, 4" apart. For seal without clips, see LP 40-D. Sold by the foot.

1962 Pontiac Tempest Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3" long. Pair-CB 15Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3" long. Pair

1962 Pontiac Tempest Door Bumper. 1-3/16" high X 5/8" wide X 1" long. Each-DB 33-BDoor Bumper. 1-3/16" high X 5/8" wide X 1" long. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber-KN 10Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber. Compare to measurements: 1/8" I.D., 7/16" O.D. X 1/2" tall. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Front Molded Door Seals with Clips-LM 21-BFront Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 4-Door Sedan and Wagon. Pair R&L

1962 Pontiac Tempest Rear Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 4-Door Wagon Only-LM 21-B/WRear Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 4-Door Wagon Only. Pair R&L

1962 Pontiac Tempest Door Side Seal-LP 40-DDoor Side Seal, Without Clips ('64-'66 some models) For seal with clips, see C/LP 40-D. Sold by the foot

1962 Pontiac Tempest Remote Mirror Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 5-1/4" long. Each-MP 989-KRemote Mirror Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 5-1/4" long. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 2-3/8" O.D. Each-MP 989-LWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 2-3/8" O.D. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Hydro-Electric Power Unit Mounting Cushion-RP 710Hydro-Electric Power Unit Mounting Cushion. For convertibles only. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Trunk Bumper. Fits lower corner on decklid. 15/16" O.D-SB 34Trunk Bumper. Fits lower corner on decklid. 15/16" O.D., 11/16" high. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Door Bumper, 57-74 GM Cars, Made with Twin Retainers, Each-SB 35Door Bumper, 57-74 GM Cars, made with twin retainers, Each. Measure 1-1/16" high X 19/32" wide X 1-1/32" long.

1962 Pontiac Tempest Glove Box and Fuel Door Bumper. Fits 3/16" hole. Each-SB 78Glove Box and Fuel Door Bumper. Fits 3/16" hole. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Flocked Window Channel. 48" Piece. Each-WC 22-48Flocked Window Channel. 48" Piece. Each

1962 Pontiac Tempest Flocked Window Channel. 96" Piece. Each-WC 22-96Flocked Window Channel. 96" Piece. Each