1968 Pontiac Tempest Convertible GTO Tribute
Description
“Would you believe that this was anybody's lowest priced model?” Pontiac advertised the Tempest as an economical alternative to its costlier sibling, the GTO. Pontiac discovered selling GTOs laden with options was more profitable, but that also priced America’s first muscle car out of reach of many potential buyers. The Tempest was the foundation to the original 1964 GTO and while the 1968 GTO was now a separate model, it and the Tempest shared most components. The GM A-body cars for 1968 were completely redone from the ground up, riding on a shorter 112-inch wheelbase. They also looked less traditional, with the roof blending seamlessly into the rear quarter of the body. The Tempest could deliver great fun with reasonable insurance premiums, especially when powered by the optional 350 cu-in H.O. V8, generating 265 horsepower.
This 1968 Tempest Convertible has been updated with GTO trim. It’s optioned with “The Hero” 350 cu-in V8 and the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission and finished in Vedoro Green paint, which was unique to Pontiac, and based on the color of a glass ashtray John DeLorean’s wife, Liz, had seen at a party. Mrs. DeLorean clearly had great taste, especially when wrapped around a GTO tribute convertible.
Highlights
1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom convertible with GTO trim
350 cu-in HO V8 rated at 265 horsepower
“M40” Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed
Finished in Vedoro Green (Q) paint
Black vinyl bench seat interior (217)
Black power convertible top with glass rear window
The Fisher Body Cowl Tag decodes as:
Style: 68-23567 – 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Two-Door Convertible
Plant: PON – Pontiac, Michigan, final assembly plant
Body: 1433 – Production sequence number
Trim: 217 – Black vinyl bench seat interior
Paint: Q-2 – Vedoro Green with black convertible top
06D – Fourth week of June production date
The chassis number (235678P349897) decodes as:
2 – Pontiac
35 – Tempest Custom
67 – Two-door convertible
8 – 1968 model year
P – Pontiac, Michigan, assembly plant
349897 – Production sequence starting at 100001
Features
Crager S/S aluminum wheels with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires
GTO-style hood-mounted “Tic-Toc” tachometer
Newer convertible top
Newer shock absorbers
Auxiliary aftermarket gauge cluster
Vintage Sanyo IntelliTuner 2 Model ER500 AM/FM/Cassette stereo
Air conditioning
Known Imperfections
Minor paint imperfections
Air conditioning makes a noise on the highest setting
Included
Keys
Pontiac Owner’s Manual
Black vinyl convertible top boot
Spare tire with cover
Ownership History
The consignor has owned this 1968 Pontiac Tempest Convertible GTO Tribute since 2023.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.
Contact: Alexander Keck Phone: 402.617.9770 email: akeck@hagerty.com
Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.
