Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept: Pioneer

We are in the United States of America, at the beginning of the 1960s. Pontiac, one of the most powerful brands known for its sports and performance cars, presents a design study that predicts the shape of the cars of the following years, namely the Tempest Monte Carlo Concept.

It was a speedster with a very low waistline, a small windshield and side windows, and rather classic lines that foreshadowed the company's famous models. We go back to its history and remind you that it was never mass-produced.

History and design

In the early 1960s, the American auto industry was booming. Manufacturers tried to ride the wave of the post-war economic boom and offered ever more powerful, stylish and innovative cars. Still part of General Motors in those years, Pontiac was looking for new ways to expand its offerings and differentiate itself from the competition. In this context, the idea of ​​Tempest Monte Carlo was born. Based on the new Tempest platform, developed to compete in the growing midsize car market, it was designed to be the perfect blend of European sports car elegance and big American engine power.

The Tempest Monte Carlo Concept was developed on the basis of the production Tempest, which was converted into a sporty fastback with elegant aerodynamic lines inspired by European design and with a large V8 engine under the hood. The Tempest Monte Carlo Concept's flowing and pointed shapes are characterized by a giant radiator grille combined with chrome details that express elegance on the road, and a luxurious interior with leather seats and real wood trim.

Public presentation

The Pontiac Tempest Monte Carlo Concept was first presented to the public at the Chicago Auto Show in 1961. The car immediately attracted attention at the show with a unique combination of European style and American technology. The public response was more than positive, but shortly after the show, General Motors announced the decision to cancel the project, doubting the actual success of a vehicle with such bold body shapes and that production would end up being too expensive.

Nevertheless, its groundbreaking design influenced other cars of the brand in later years, such as the famous GTO and Firebird. The car is currently for sale at Hunting Ridge Motors in Mt Kisco, New York.

More similar stories

WE RECOMMEND