Rare Wagon?

Hello, Im new to the forum. I found a 1961 Pontiac Tempest wagon in a field and Im considering offering cash to the owner. The car is original but is a complete basket case and hasn't moved in years. It has the 4 cylinder engine but Im considering a v-8 swap to drive and get it back on the road for fun and cruising. How much should I offer? Is this a rare wagon? Any help will be appreciated.

 

to the wagon train, salt. Well.....how bad IS it? Rust bucket? Pix would be great....the more the better.

 

Welcome Salty! Glad you joined us!



You have found a cool and very unique little wagon! The 1961 Tempest was Motor Trend's Car of the Year, and that year had some very heavy hitters!
Look at the side styling of this wagon...so sporty and beautiful!
It had a torque-tube, a rear transaxle, and it's 4-cylinder was actually half of a Pontiac 389 V8!
The '61 had one year only front-end styling, the Pontiac split grille that originated on the '59 full-sizers, and would continue until the end.





To me, this grille treatment is one of the all-time greats in Pontiac history...so good, they used it twice!

This article is a good overview:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1961-1963-pontiac-tempest6.htm

I'd be tempted to keep the crazy slant 4 if it is any good, because I think it is so audacious to just take a V8 and cut it in half to get a 4!
Fun Pontiac history!

This article tells of the challenges of hot rodding one of these...
http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_0712_1961_pontiac_tempest_wagon/index.html

I regret not buying a sweet '62 Tempest wagon off of ebay back in '09.

Who knows if this is field wagon is the one you should buy...though rare, they do show up in running condition occasionally for not tons of money.

Be very aware that this drivetrain is unlike any American car's until the C5 Corvette, and the list of cars that have a front engine/rear transaxle is chocked full of exotics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaxle
The Oldsmobile F-85 wagon and the Buick Special offer a conventional drivetrain layout in the same basic wagon body.

But if you want a fun project, and the price is right to start with, and love a challenge, go for it! :2_thumbs_up_-_anima

Take some pics and show us what you've found! We'll probably either rave over it, or tell you to run for your life!

David

 

Heres a couple shots of the tempest. As you can see it would require tons of time and $ to get it back on the street. Unless its a rare find I'll probably pass on it. I just love the styling!

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Looks in great shape look at the frame in the first pic still has paint on it!

Got to love those texas rust free cars!

Buick v-6 turbo would be fun!

One year style may be a problem getting parts but if you are hot rodding it ....

 

Parts would be tough, for sure.....BUT.....wouldn't it be SUPER to see that wagon resurrected! A lot of work there, Salt, but I sure would love to see these pix next to new pix after this wagon was restored! Yeah...I would say it's definitely rare. It would take dedication and frustration to bring it back but how many other wagons like this are you going to see driving around?

 

V-6 turbo is a great idea!! It would surely be a heck of a project! Lots of cutting and fab work for v-8/v-6 and drivetrain. Likely going to pass on it but Im still day dreaming about it!!

 

What did he want for it?

 

That's gonna be a tough car to bring back.
Rust free sheetmetal is a plus,but with the broken windows I would be worried about floor rot from the rain coming in.
V6 turbo is good--V6 supercharged is even better.
I seen on TV a guy took a Bonny SSEi engine and put it in a 65 Buick wagon.

 

From those photos, hell, he should pay YOU $50 to take it away!

 

yeah...

Im not sure its even for sale. I stumbled on it and he might even give it away? Who knows...I think I'll let it sleep????.......

 

If you're so inclined, make an offer and haul it away. I bet there's someone that needs parts for their wagon if its that bad!!

 

COME ON SALT, Where'z your sense of adventure? You'd be the only one in the Round Rock Cruise In with nothin' else even close. Betcha'd raise eye browz down at the Pig Stand in SA too aboard BTW. You'll like It here

 

???, you have X-Ray vision GN??? frame, what frame where? Other than shadows the only thing close to the frame I can see is a crusted front brake drum.

Hard to tell from just those 2 pics, but she looks pritty far gone. The tailgate shows alot of rust at the bottom and as mentioned the broken glass has been letting alot of water in over the years. I'd hate to see it crushed because it looks like a great parts doner but with that said...how long do you hold onto stuff to posibly never get rid of it. Been there done that several times.

 

Its one of those things where you stumble upon something cool, and us "car guys" visualize a kick a$$ street rod wagon or back to original restoration...but in reality it would cost a small fortune and 1000's of hours getting this one back on the streets. I knew that from the beginning. So I guess my question is somewhat answered: a kinda rare find but nothing worth going crazy over?...thanks guys!!