Ground Up Restored Tempest LeMans Conv. Slant 4cyl Rear Automatic Transaxle

As a top retailer of Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs and MoPars, RK Motors makes it easy for you to find a cool version of the usual suspects. With that in mind, we're also the outfit that strives to bring our clients a variety of unique and well-done offerings that exist on either the fringes of a marque or the fringes of the hobby. On that note, our latest one-of-a-kind classic is this chic 1962 Tempest LeMans: a traditional American icon that's been restored to exacting standards.

A lesser known marque that's essentially unparalleled in both innovation and performance, the Tempest is a stalwart classic that, looking back, also served as a cornerstone of the Pontiac brand's first golden era. For starters, the original 'rope drive' Tempest could be purchased as a sedan, coupe, convertible or station wagon. In 1961, the line spawned Pontiac's perhaps better known LeMans trim, which would quickly become the brand's bread and butter offering. In 1964, it spawned the beloved GTO. In 1969, it spawned the coveted, one-year only Custom S. And that's not even talking about the awesome 1963 Super Duty cars that stormed NHRA competition.

That said, in the world of collector cars, most enthusiasts want big power. But power isn't everything -- especially in the realm of style and exclusivity! The product of a detailed, ground-up restoration, this imitable Poncho backs correct Trophy 4 motivation with a smooth 3-speed, a fully independent suspension and all the glory of an open-air driving experience. And if you're a discerning enthusiast who's looking for old school fun wrapped in head-turning flair, it's just the 'more' you're looking for!

SUBSTANTIAL LEMANS STYLE

First impressions are important, and this striking drop-top certainly makes a strong one. For starters, Pontiac did a great job whittling their brand-defining Wide Track aesthetic into an appealing compact profile that directly supported the marque's performance and practicality. Naturally, that profile was fully reworked during this car's high quality restoration. Once those surfaces were prepped and carefully aligned, correct Cameo Ivory two-stage was capped in Burgundy vinyl and detailed with Burgundy pin stripes. And today, this sweet Y-Body can be summed up as clean, capable and just plain neat!

Given the popularity of The Judge and recent offerings like the WS6 Trans Am and Holden-sourced GTO, Pontiac is pretty much a go-to brand for any classic or performance car enthusiast. And since the division did such a great job of sticking to their corporate renegade mantra, this Tempest's sporty appearance feels perfectly natural. At the front of the car, clear parking lamps light a mirrored bumper, which hangs NOS guards under one of the first applications of the brand's iconic split grille. That NOS grille, balancing halogen headlights opposite traditional “P O N T I A C” lettering and an ornate arrowhead, meets a sculpted hood that's paced by polished fender toppers. Those toppers lead a handsome profile, which centers traditional handles in front of an accessory fuel door guard. Top-option LeMans trim sails bright badging in front of polished louvers and polished quarter fins. A classy factory mirror reflects stainless-trimmed glass that's cleared by polished wipers. And at the back of the car, a second ornate arrowhead shades bright taillights, a third LeMans emblem and a second mirrored bumper.

EXCLUSIVE TROPHY 4 POWER

Pop the hood and you'll find exactly half of Pontiac's legendary 389 cubic inch Trophy V8. While that descriptor might be a bit more figurative than literal, it is fairly close to how the division created motivation for this innovative compact. Engineers took one bank of the brand's Trophy V8, so named for its extensive success in motorsports, and created a new 4-cylinder engine for use in the entire Tempest lineup. Also dubbed the Indianapolis 4, that super cool mill was only available for the three years the first-generation Tempest was produced. Drivability is greatly enhanced by a smooth 3-speed transaxle, which, along with a fully independent suspension, creates a coveted 50/50 weight distribution. Lucid steering leads requisite drum brakes. Exhaust is, like the rest of the car, factory-correct. And momentum comes courtesy of Cameo Ivory steelies, which spin 205/70R15 Cooper whitewalls around polished trim rings and polished hub caps.

DREAMY DROP-TOP DRIVE

Open the doors and a correct Red interior remains largely the way the factory planned it. The first thing you'll notice is a duo of bucket seats that, back in 1962, were one of the main selling point of this car's top-option LeMans trim. True to Pontiac fashion, a tasteful dash tilts intricate telemetry above a requisite Delco All-Transistor radio. Stylish side panels frame fresh carpet, which is garnished with a custom console. In front of the driver, a factory steering wheel laps a standard column. And behind the passengers, a matted trunk hides a fifth wheel and full-size spare tire.

Easy to cruise and fun to look at, this awesome Pontiac should make every enthusiast smile. It backs exceptional Americana with acute restoration that's ready to sail the strip and stop the show! Call, click or visit http://www.RKMotor.com for more information.

----------

HIGHLIGHTS

* Correct first-generation Tempest LeMans that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration
* Correct 195 cubic inch Pontiac Trophy 4 4-clyinder
* Correct 3-speed automatic transaxle
* Correct 4-wheel drum brakes
* Correct fully independent suspension with 50/50 weight distribution
* Correct Red vinyl interior with a custom console and LeMans bucket seats
* Correct Cameo Ivory paint with Burgundy pin stripes
* Power-operated Burgundy vinyl top
* 15-inch painted steel wheels
* Restoration receipts
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world