1962 Pontiac Models Described in Detail
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General Year Information
Styling changes for the Tempest line included a new wider-spaced split grille theme with a third grille section incorporating a V-shaped emblem placed in the center. Also new were the addition of bolt-in bright metal fins at the rear.
The big news was that the Grand Prix Sport Coupe bowed and that the Ventura model disappeared. It was now only an interior trim package on Catalina Convertibles and Sport Coupes. The Grand Prix was inspired by the success of the Oldsmobile Starfire. So Pontiac got the go ahead for their “sport” version, and it would prove an immediate success.
An automatic transmission was by far the most popular option among Pontiac buyers for 1962. Automatic transmissions found homes in Pontiacs in numbers ranging from 94% of Catalinas to 99.5% of Star Chiefs. Performance was still king, proven by a total of 1,514 cars built with the 421 cubic inch Super Duty V-8s.
Across the board sales were up for Pontiac. It seemed that the public was climbing out of the recession and that large cars were coming back in favor. Production increased from 340,7635 in 1961 to 527,981, with Tempest adding 149,737 to that total, placing Pontiac third in total vehicle sales for 1962.
Chassis Information
- Wheelbase:Series 21 – 112″ Series 23 and 29 – 120″ Series 23 Safari and 27 – 119″, Series 26 and 28 – 123″.
- Overall length: Series 21 – 189.3″ Series 23 Safari and 27 – 212.3″, Series 23 and 29 – 211.6″, Series 26 and 28 – 218.0″.
- Front tread: (All Big Car) 62.5″, (Tempest) 56.8″
- Rear tread: (All Big Car) 62.5″, (Tempest) 56.8″
- Tires: Pontiac Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station wagons 8.50 x 14, Tempests 6.00 x 15.
Models Offered
There were five basic models, and two were named Customs and could be optioned with the LeMans trim package. The Tempest sport coupe and convertible came only with Custom level trim and could not be had with DeLuxe level trim packages.
Standard level equipment included heater and defroster, electric wipers, turn signals, left-hand visors, and five tubeless blackwall tires. Custom level Tempests had twin sun visors, cigarette lighters, DeLuxe steering wheel, custom upholstery, and special exterior trim. The Custom convertible had courtesy lamps as well.
Ventura sport trim became an add-on package for the Convertible and Sport Coupe Catalinas. Catalina’s outside identification came from small hub caps, unaccented side spear moldings and “Catalina” in script on the front fenders. The nine-passenger Catalina Safaris were equipped with a power tailgate window.
Catalina standard equipment included turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, windshield wiper and five tubeless tires.
SERIES 26
Star Chiefs were distinguished by full-length body rub moldings and three slanting stars on the rear fins. Interior trims included Pyramid Pattern cloth and Morrokide combinations or all-Morrokide.
Standard equipment included all Catalina features plus custom steering wheel, electric clock, DeLuxe wheel discs, right hand ash tray and decor molding, dual speed wipers and special upholstery.
The Bonneville Custom Safari wagon continued as a separate series. It was the heaviest and most expensive Pontiac. Trim on Bonneville Safari included chrome side spear moldings with ribbed bands in the concave portion, elongated V-shaped rear fender medallions. “Bonneville” in block letters was located on the front fenders and on the left-hand radiator grille. Pleated Morrokide upholstery in two tones was featured, as well as a concealed luggage locker.
Standard equipment included all items found on the Star Chief plus padded dash and courtesy lamps
The trim on the Bonneville included chrome side spear moldings with ribbed bands in the concave portion, elongated V-shaped rear fender medallions, ribbed trim moldings on the deck lid latch panel. “Bonneville” was found in block letters on the front fenders and deck lid latch panel and on the lefthand radiator grille. Upholstery was of fine woven Morrokide or optional all-leather. High-wing bucket seats were optional in Bonneville convertibles.
Standard equipment included all items found on Star Chiefs plus rear foam cushions, padded dashes, and courtesy lamps.
The new-for-1962 Grand Prix in some sense replaced the Ventura model as it sat on the same 120″ wheelbase as the Catalina. The Grand Prix was identified by clean side styling with a checkered flag badge in the “cove” section of side spears. Further identification came from rocker panel molding, an anodized grille insert and nose piece, and special rear-end styling.
The standard equipment list included all Bonneville features except courtesy lamps, plus monotone Morrokide upholstery, bucket seats, and center console with tachometer.
Engines
- 110 HP
- 120 HP
- 166 HP
- 190 HP
- 215 HP
- 230 HP
- 235 HP
- 267 HP
- 283 HP
- 303 HP
- 303 HP SMT
- 318 HP
- 333 HP
- 320 HP 421 CID
- 333 HP 425-A
- 348 HP 425-A
- 405 HP 421 CID
- NOTES
Engine Options and Availability
- All Engine Options Listed as Engine Packages in the Engine Section Above.
Power Train Options
- A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
- Super Hydra-Matic was $231.34.
- Four-speed Synchromesh with floor shift was $231.34.
- Dual exhausts were standard with the Trophy ‘425A’ and Super Duty V-8s and $30.88 extra on others.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $42.00 .
- Four-barrel carburetion as standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix and $24.00 on other models.
- Tri-Power induction was $116.00 – $174.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The four-barrel “425A” V-8 was $199.00 – $294.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The Tri-Power “425A” V-8 was $312.00 – $401.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The “421 Super Duty” V-8 was $2,250.00 regardless of model.
- Seven rear axle gear ratios were available, with the 3.64:1 and 3.90:1 on special order only.
Body Paint Color Codes
Significant Options – Full Size
- Aluminum 8-lug hubs and drums ($108-122).
- Bucket seats for Body Style 2867 ($116).
- Console for Body Style 2867 w/bucket seats ($161).
- Guidematic headlamp control ($43).
- Magi-Cruise ($16).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Power bench seat ($97).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power bucket seat ($28).
- Power steering ($108).
- Ventura trim for Body Styles 2339 and 2347 ($118.)
- Upper decor group ($19-34).
Significant Options – Tempest
- Air-conditioner ($319).
- Back-up lights ($11-13).
- Bumper guards ($16).
- Electric clock ($16).
- Exterior decor group combo ($54-67).
- Interior decor group ($70-75).
- LeMans option group, Custom convertible ($178).
- LeMans option group, Custom Sports Coupe ($124).
- Lower decor group ($34).
- Padded dash ($4).
- Power steering ($75).
- Power tailgate window ($54).
- Radio, manual tune ($54).
- Radio, pushbutton ($62).
- Remote control mirror ($12).
- Tinted windshield ($20).
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