1961 Pontiac Tempest

The 1961 Tempest was in it's first year of production and already gained popular acceptance into the small-car marketplace. The four-door and station wagon models were first to hit the scene with and then later joined by a 2-door hardtop and Tempest LeMans. The Tempest featured Pontiac's twin grille styling theme, sculptured side panels, and body side wind splits. Tempests also came equipped with turn signals, electric windshield wipers, sun visors, and five tubeless black sidewall tires 1961 Pontiac Options included: Air-Conditioning - Electric Antenna - Guide Matic Headlamp Control - Power Steering - Power Brakes - Six Way Power Seat - Power Windows - Safeguard Speedometer - Magic Cruise - Aluminum Hubs & Drums - Bucket Seats - EZ Eye Glass - Luggage Carrier - Power Tailgate - 4 Speed Super HydraMatic - 4 Speed Manual - SafeT Track Differential - 4 Barrel Induction System - Tri Power Induction System

 

1961 Pontiac Tempest Specification and Production Numbers

Model Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type & Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Total Production
Tempest
21	19	4d Sedan - 6P	$2,702	2,800 lbs	22,557
21	27	2d Hardtop - 6P	$2,113	2,785 lbs	7,432
21	35	4d Station Wagon - 6P	$2,438	2,980 lbs	7,404
Tempest (with custom trim package)
21	19	4d Sedan - 6P	$2,884	2,800 lbs	40,082
21	27	2d LeMans Hardtop - 6P	$2,297	2,795 lbs	7,455
21	35	4d Station Wagon - 6P	$2,611	2,980 lbs	15,853

NOTES: 98,779 Tempest with 4-cyl engines were built 26,737 Tempest fours had synchromesh and 72,053 had Hydra-matic 2,004 Tempests were built with optional Buick aluminum V8's 3 Tempest V8s had synchromesh and 2,001 had Hydra-Matic

Chassis Data

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Tempest	112 in	189.3 in	56.8 in	56.8 in	6.00 x 15

 

1961 Pontiac Owner's Manual