1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO

The 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans, with the GTO option package, was the car that started the “muscle car” era. The package included the high performance 389 CID V8, dual exhausts, special GTO nameplates, simulated engine-turned dash panel inserts and dual hood scoops. A heavy-duty three-speed or close- ratio four-speed transmission was optional along with a more powerful Tri-Power engine producing 348 horsepower. The 325 horsepower GTO went from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Pontiac sold 32,450 Tempests with the GTO package during the 1964 model year.

• Engine: 389 CID V8, 325 horsepower
• Base Price: $2,852
• The GTO started as an optional performance package for the Pontiac Tempest LeMans in 1964.
• Pontiac engineer John DeLorean, along with Bill Collins and Russ Gee, devised the idea of dropping a large 389 cubic inch V8 into the midsize Tempest/LeMans body—bending GM’s ban on putting engines larger than 330 cu in into intermediate cars.
• “GTO” stood for Gran Turismo Omologato, borrowed from Ferrari, though Pontiac’s use was more marketing flair than racing homologation.

Specifications

Engine Options (all 389 cu in V8):

• 325 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor
• 348 hp with the optional Tri-Power (three 2-barrel carbs) setup

Transmissions:

• 3-speed manual (standard)
• 4-speed manual
• 2-speed automatic (Super Turbine 300)

Performance:

• 0–60 mph in around 6.6 seconds (Tri-Power, 4-speed)
• Quarter mile in ~14.8 seconds @ 99 mph — very quick for its time

Appearance & Features

Based on the Tempest LeMans coupe, hardtop, and convertible.

GTO package added:

• Discreet “GTO” badges
• Simulated hood scoops
• Heavy-duty suspension
• Dual exhausts
• Optional Rally I wheels

Interior was still Tempest LeMans style—bucket seats and floor shifter were popular choices.

Production Years of the First-Gen GTO

• 1964–1967: GTO was an option package on the Tempest LeMans.
• 1966: GTO became its own standalone model due to popularity.
• 1968–1974: Second-generation redesign (larger body, more aggressive styling).
• 1974–1975: GTO package shifted back to the compact Pontiac Ventura.
• 2004–2006: GTO name revived on a rebadged Holden Monaro (Australia).

1964 GTO Production Numbers

Pontiac expected ~5,000 sales.

• 32,450 built in the first year:
  • 7,384 Coupes (post coupe, with B-pillar)
  • 18,422 Hardtops (pillarless)
  • 6,644 Convertibles

Tempest LeMans vs. GTO (1964)

Base Tempest LeMans (Intermediate Car):

• Entry-level to sporty midsize Pontiac.
• Standard engines: 215 cu in inline-six (140 hp) or small V8s (326 cu in with 250–280 hp).
• Looked stylish but leaned more toward economy and comfort.
• Suspension and brakes were tuned for everyday driving.
• Badging: “Tempest” and “LeMans” trim tags, no special performance identity.

LeMans with GTO Option Package (1964):

Performance:

• Replaced base engine with 389 cu in V8 (325 hp standard, 348 hp Tri-Power).
• Heavy-duty suspension, larger sway bars, stronger springs & shocks.
• Dual exhaust system.

Styling:

• Discreet “GTO” emblems on grille, fenders, and rear.
• Simulated hood scoops (non-functional in 1964).
• Optional Rally I wheels and redline tires.

Interior:

• Shared with LeMans, but could be ordered with sport-oriented features like bucket seats and Hurst shifter (4-speed).

Result: Looked like a LeMans but drove like a V8 street machine.