1962 Pontiac Tempest Convertible (LHD)

Designed by John Z.DeLorean and awarded Car of the Year for 1961 by Motor Trend magazine, the Pontiac Tempest was an innovative compact with a front-mounted engine connected to a rear differential and transaxle, enabling near perfect weight distribution and greater passenger room. Another benefit was the adoption of four-wheel independent suspension. The standard power plant for the Tempest was the so-called Trophy 4 four-cylinder engine, sold in three levels of tune; the basic low compression single carb model, the higher 10.25:1 compression version and the four-barrel carburettor, with output ranging from 110-155 horsepower. The 215-cid Buick small-block V8 was optional, along with automatic transmission. The Tempest was initially offered as a sedan or Safari Station Wagon, with the addition of the coupe late in the first year or production and a full convertible from 1962. Also new in 1962 was the Le Mans trim package for the coupe and convertible models, most notable for the addition of bucket seats up front. One interesting feature of the Tempest was the cast alloy 15-inch wheels and integrated brake drums. In total, Pontiac produced just 5,076 convertibles and 15,559 Le Mans convertibles in 1962, making this one of the rarest - not to mention least conventional - American cars of the era.