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Pontiac Tempest 3rd Gen

1987 – 1991 — USA

The Pontiac Tempest, produced from 1960 to 1970 and then from 1987 to 1991, was an entry-level compact car introduced at the 1960 Paris Auto Show for the 1961 model year. It was built on GM's first unibody chassis, sharing the Y-platform with the Buick Special/Skylark and Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass. Unlike its counterparts, the Pontiac Tempest featured a unique front-engine/rear-transaxle layout that aimed for an almost ideal 50/50 weight distribution, coupled with independent rear suspension inspired by the swing axle design of the Chevy Corvair. Key Points: 1. Production: The Pontiac Tempest was produced by Pontiac in two separate periods, initially from 1960 to 1970 and then later from 1987 to 1991. 2. Introduction and Design: Introduced at the 1960 Paris Auto Show for the 1961 model year, the Tempest was positioned as an entry-level compact car. It utilized GM's first unibody chassis, sharing the Y-platform with other GM models. 3. Unique Layout: Unlike the Buick and Oldsmobile versions that used a conventional drivetrain, the Pontiac Tempest stood out with its innovative front-engine/rear-transaxle layout. This design aimed to achieve a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced handling. 4. Suspension: The Pontiac