Quiet Storm: 1965 Pontiac Tempest Wagon Mild Restomod – Sold?

December 1st Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold.  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

Some enthusiasts prefer a powertrain that makes for great cruising rather than brute acceleration runs one-quarter-mile at a time. With its 326 cubic inch V8 sending power through what we believe to be a modern five-speed manual transmission, the private seller of this subtly customized 1965 Pontiac Tempest station wagon originally listed in October 2020 on Craigslist in North Pownal, Vermont (near Albany, NY) seems to prefer the former.   Originally a California car now featuring a host of modern luxury conveniences, including air conditioning, the current caretaker is asking $27,500. Values of customized cars designed for modern, comfortable cruising are hard to determine and rely on a “Can-I-replicate-it-for-this-price?” gut feel.  So while Hagerty Insurance doesn’t provide values on ’65 Tempest station wagons currently, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool for a stock Tempest as a proxy confirms this current caretaker has his custom Tempest priced over $10,000 higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $17,050.  These days, you would have trouble sourcing a similarly solid wagon and bringing it to this car’s level for the asking price.

For 1964, Pontiac moved its Tempest line from GM’s compact Y-body platform to the company’s new A-body midsize architecture. At this point, the “LeMans” name continued to be an upscale trim level on the Tempest line.  For 1965, styling changes included a new split grille with vertical headlights similar to the larger Pontiacs, revised taillights, and a more slanted rear deck. Pontiac added a two-door hardtop coupe to the Tempest Custom line.  Engine offerings for the 1965 Tempest remained mostly the same, except the 326 cubic inch V8 “HO” was uprated to 285 horsepower while the GTO 389’s uprated to 335HP and 360HP via higher-rise intake manifolds.

Here’s a dealer sale training video for Pontiac’s ’64 mid-size lineup we found posted on YouTube:

We really like the sleeper vibe this Tempest wagon emits.  While you won’t win many stoplight races against a similar vintage GTO, you and your passengers will certainly be more comfortable in this wagon once the road turns into highway.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“For Sale 1965 Pontiac Tempest Wagon 326 4 bbl 5-speed manual trans power steering power brakes air cond tilt steering wheel power seats leather seats this is a California car. I have the black plates and title aim only 35 miles from Albany NY, asking for 27500.00 or best offer no low balls

Do you have a Pontiac Tempest story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!