1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom

2dr Coupe

8-cyl. 400cid/330hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$17,300*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10k$15kJan 2025
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1968-1971 Pontiac Tempest stats
Highest sale
$26,950
Lowest sale
$5,060
Most recent sale
$19,162
Sales
17

Photos

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1968 Pontiac Firebird
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Model overview

Model description

1968 was a major change year for the Pontiac Tempest series. 1967 was the final year for the “Coke Bottle” styling with vertically stacked headlights. The new styling was smoother, with a shorter and sloped rear deck and side-by-side headlights.

The Pontiac Tempest is best known for its sporty Le Mans trim at the high end of the model range. The 1968 Tempest was available in three trim levels: Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Le Mans. Le Mans models cost approximately $200 more than comparable base or Custom models.

In keeping with the era, body style choices were elaborate, including 4-door sedan and hardtop, 2-door coupe and hardtop coupe, 2-door convertible, and a 4-door station wagon. The 4-door sedan was not available in Le Mans trim. All 4-door models were built on different chassis with a longer wheelbase than 2-door models. By far the most common Le Mans available is the 2-door hardtop coupe, with over 110,000 made, and an additional 40,000 in Tempest Custom trim. All other Le Mans bodies saw production of less than 10,000 units.

The base engine was a 250 cubic inch overhead cam inline 6-cylinder rated at a healthy 175 horsepower. Buyers could opt for a “Sprint” package that included a four-barrel carburetor, 3-speed heavy duty manual transmission, upgraded shock absorbers, and OHC-6 emblems on the rocker panels. Upgrade engines included the 350 cubic inch V8 at 265 or 320 horsepower, depending on the carburetion, or a 400 cubic inch engine at 366 horsepower. Transmission options included 2-speed automatic, heavy duty 3-speed manual with floor shift, or 4-speed manual. Over 75% of Tempests delivered were equipped with the automatic transmission – for Le Mans series cars, the figure is over 90% for automatic.

Station wagon fans will want to seek out the 4,414 cars equipped with the Safari package, with wood paneling inside and out and a “Safari” badge on the front of the car. Muscle car aficionados will of course be looking for the 400 engine mated to a manual transmission. A total of 8,820 Le Mans convertibles were made, and an additional 3,518 Tempest Custom convertibles.

Savvy muscle car buyers will do well to perform careful inspection of both car and provenance to verify that a Le Mans offered with a powerful engine was indeed originally so equipped. Many base Tempests and Tempest Customs have been “upgraded” to Le Mans status over the years. Genuine Le Mans models have a VIN that starts with 237. VINs beginning in 233 are Tempest, and 235 indicates a Tempest Custom. Safari wagon VINs begin with 239.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $37,420 for a 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom at auction over the last three years was $19,162. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom at auction over the last three years was $19,162. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 1 1968 Pontiac Tempest Customs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom was $19,162 on January 25, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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