1966 tempest/gto

[68mirepoix]

So I have a 1966 tempest all orig. #'s matching,body needs some help as it has been in garaged since 1982. My first thought was to try and turn it into a GTO but I'm torn is a sleeper tempest with a 455ci the way to go or what? I guess I'm just looking for opinions. also anyone In WI? who into these?

[Earlsfat]

Originally Posted by 68mirepoix

So I have a 1966 tempest all orig. #'s matching,body needs some help as it has been in garaged since 1982. My first thought was to try and turn it into a GTO but I'm torn is a sleeper tempest with a 455ci the way to go or what? I guess I'm just looking for opinions. also anyone In WI? who into these?

You have a #'s 66 tempest with a 455 - was that even available then? Or are going to put a 455 into a #'s 66?

I'd leave it / restore it, sell it, and chop up a non-#'s car.

I like the 66's though. Nice.

[MrPbody]

'68,

Tough call. There's no real market for numbers Tempests, but posterity says it should be left unmolested. Is it a 6-cyl. or 326 car? Auto or manual? A/C? Power brakes? The more options, the more the actual value.

A word of caution here. There are many folks under the misconception that anything that LOOKS like GTO, is worth as much. It simply isn't true. in fact, LeMans and Tempeset bring less than 25% of what GTOs of the same condition/equipment bring.

Also, if you do decide to "clone" it to GTO looks, be sure you understand, the VINs are different. You can't actually MAKE a GTO out of it, legally. But, performance wise, of course you can!

All that being said, Tempest is the lightest version of the Pontiac A-body of the era. If market value is the main issue to you, by all means, modify it to your heart's content. If it's a coupe (2-door "post"), it's among the lightest A-Bodies ever. Makes a GREAT racer or sleeper. The late model and ricer crowds will show it no respect until... You hand them their doors, and point at the 50 year old design under the hood! After all, GTO didn't earn it's reputation from losing...

Jim

[68mirepoix]

Hey thanks for the input, It is a some what rare tempest but not really,it is a v8 and came with factory a/c still has orig. kinda rare paint orig.(midnight blue) interior in really good condition,I'm leaning towards sleeper this car is not really and investment I'm a fan and not a business guy,I plan to give this car a good home and take care of it. Right now I'm thinking sleeper,I enjoy the enthusiam of the tuner car guys but it's just not my style and I would like to be faster when and if the time comes.

p.s. it is a two door post so I think the potential is there,plus I really like the idea for a tempest which happens to be faster than a GTO.

[68mirepoix]

thanks again for the info and input,I'll post some pics soon.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by 68mirepoix

.

p.s. it is a two door post so I think the potential is there,plus I really like the idea for a tempest which happens to be faster than a GTO.

My brother in law and one of his friends are both working on theirs. His (which was supposed to be mine) had the staight 6, 3 spd in it. Now, it had a 400 in it. I fought with him fo ra while because he wanted slap some GTO badges on it which to me is just wrong.

His friend claims his as a authentic GTO.

[MrPbody]

In '66, GTO VIN began with "242". Tempest was "235". LeMans, "236".

Jim

[68mirepoix]

I have decided to put a 455ci in this tempest and go ahead and upgrade the supension.

[MrPbody]

68,

Did you send me a PM? I can't seem to get my computer to cooperate with those things. Please e-mail me directly ([email protected]).

Jim

[ih8frds]

I have A 1966 gto in northern WI where are you in WI

Jon