Pontiac Tempest
The Pontiac Tempest is known for its dual identity, appealing to collectors with its innovative early models featuring a rear transaxle and its later, conventional A-body versions that set the stage for the GTO.
Pontiac Tempest sold for a median of $18,425 over the last 12 months, based on 16 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $9,625 and $38,875. 93 currently for sale.
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Seen across 7 sites in the last 30 days.
Pontiac Tempest prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | $36k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1962 | $18k | – | 2 | 5 |
| 1963 | $15k | $12k–$45k | 5 | 18 |
| 1964 | $9.4k | $2k–$37k | 5 | 14 |
| 1965 | $112k | – | 2 | 7 |
| 1966 | $22k | $16k–$31k | 7 | 21 |
| 1967 | $15k | $8.9k–$23k | 6 | 16 |
| 1968 | $18k | – | 3 | 5 |
| 1969 | $22k | – | 3 | 2 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The Pontiac Tempest began in 1961 as an innovative compact on the Y-body platform, featuring a rear-mounted transaxle and a flexible 'rope drive' driveshaft. It offered a standard 195 cubic inch inline-4, with an optional aluminum Buick 215 V8. For 1964, the Tempest moved to the new, conventional A-body platform it shared with the GTO, Chevelle, and Cutlass, setting the stage for the muscle car era.
Collectors appreciate the Tempest for its dual identity. The early 1961-1963 models are sought for their unique engineering, while the 1964-1970 A-body cars are valued as a more accessible alternative to the GTO. Many Tempests were well-optioned from the factory and some featured Pontiac's advanced OHC inline-6 engine starting in 1966. Because they share a platform with the GTO, many have been cloned, so originality is a key value driver.
The current market reflects this wide variety, with an average sale price around $23,500. The broad range, from a few hundred dollars to $45,000, separates rough project cars from restored V8-powered convertibles and well-built GTO tributes. Base sedans and coupes remain affordable classics, while top-trim LeMans models command higher prices.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in common A-body locations like the rear window channel, trunk floor, and behind the wheels.
- For 1961-1963 models, inspect the rear transaxle for leaks and listen for unusual noises from the unique drivetrain.
- Verify engine originality, as many 6-cylinder and small V8 cars have been swapped. Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation is essential for confirming a car's factory build.
- The innovative OHC-6 engine uses a timing belt that requires regular replacement; check service history or plan for immediate replacement.
Prices range from $428 for project cars to $45,000 for restored or high-performance examples.
409 Pontiac Tempest vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 93 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Pontiac Tempest cost?
Over the last 12 months, Pontiac Tempest sold for a median of $18,425 across 16 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $9,625 and $38,875. There are 93 currently for sale.
How many Pontiac Tempest listings are for sale right now?
There are 93 Pontiac Tempest listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.