For 1964, the Tempest line was upgraded to what was called "intermediate" size, with a wheelbase of 115 inches (2921 mm). Then for 1966, Tempests were given an extensive facelift, something General Motors could afford in those days of its market supremacy.
The present post compares 1964 Tempest 2-door hardtop coupes to the facelifted 1966 versions.
Here is what first-generation Tempest coupes looked like.
And the redesigned 1964 hardtop coupe. The general feeling is more angular than rounded, representative of the "two-box" styling theme common from the 1960s into the 1980s.
The facelift was such that Tempests seemed to be redesigned cars. The body here is more curvaceous, the quad headlights rotated 90 degrees, and the grille redesigned (while preserving the Pontiac two-element motif). However, compare the windshields -- they are the same.
Rear quarter view.
About the only carryover seems to be the wheel openings.
Side views offer a better perspective regarding retained structural elements.
Retained are wheel openings, door cutlines, windshields and A-pillar "ventipanes." So the expensive-to-alter cowling structure was retained, probably along with other interior structural elements.
Standard-size Pontiacs were redesigned for 1965. It seems that the 1966 Tempest facelift was intended to bring them more in line with the standard range. Note especially the fenderline curves and the passenger compartment top profiles.
It's interesting that the new body has very similar wheel openings although the sheet metal is all new. Probably to match the carryover wheel well shields (or whatever they are called), as well as continuing the brand identity.
ReplyDeleteAll Jeep models have wheel openings that suggest the angular shape of WWII Jeep front fenders (the rear wheel openings were round, without any fender), no matter how curvaceous the rest of the body is. You also see this on many other SUVs including a suggestion of a fender around the wheel opening to suggest extra Jeeplike ruggedness (but no practical reason).