1963 Pontiac Tempest LeMans

1963 Pontiac Tempest LeMans

The 1963 Pontiac Tempest slightly larger and heavier than the previous two years and with a redesigned transaxle that improved handling, offered a high-performance option much more powerful than the scarcely ordered 215. The 215 was replaced by Pontiac’s new 326-cubic inch (5.3 L) V8 engine, a motor with the same external dimensions of the venerable 389, but different internals, designed to produce more torque.

Pitched to the brass as an economy-minded car, the 1963 Pontiac Tempest LeMans used the new slant-four that engineers derived from half of a Pontiac 389-cu.in. V-8. Not only was the resulting 194.5-cu.in. engine simple to produce, but it offered surprising power and torque.

The base “Trophy Four,” Pontiac‘s first-ever 4-cylinder, used a single-barrel carburetor and offered 110- to 140-hp and 190- to 207-ft.-lbs. of torque, depending on the camshaft and compression ratio used. With an optional 4-barrel carburetor, the engine made 155hp and an impressive 215 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Like a speedometer cable, the 1963 Pontiac Tempest’s “rope” driveshaft carried rotary motion through a long, gently curved bar beneath the floor. Thin, but lightly stressed within a steel case, it was mounted on bearings and permanently lubed. The driveshaft’s slight sag allowed a lower transmission tunnel in front, though not in back; it also eliminated the need for U-joints and permitted softer engine mounts for better interior isolation.

Inside the 1963 Pontiac Tempest LeMans, the mint interior was redone with blue tweed and white vinyl bolsters gracing the seats. Matching door panels were created to complete the look, and a full set of gauges keeps tabs on the engine.

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