1964 Pontiac Models Described in Detail

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General Year Information

Full Size Cars

Full sized Pontiacs were facelifted for 1964. They looked shorter, but were about an inch longer overall. The term “Sport Coupe” was now used to identify the pillarless two-door hardtop body. The “Vista” as the term for a 4-door hardtop sedan was phased out except for the Bonneville. The “Safari” nomenclature continued to be used to identify all station wagons.

The new Catalina 2+2 option package was available on style numbers 2347 (Sport Coupe) and 2367 (Convertible) with special door panels, bucket seats with a center console, and exterior badging. Pontiac marketed the 2+2 as the “big brother” to the popular Pontiac GTO.

The Ventura trim package was still available as an interior decor option ftor Catalina models 2339 (4-door hardtop), 2347 (Sport Coupe) and 2367 (Convertible). It was an interior triim package with front bucket seats and matching door trim.

Tempest Models

The big news for Tempests was that they were enlarged to a size similar to a 1955 Chevrolet. They now moved away from unit body construction to separate body on frame construction and used  conventional front engine rear drive train engineering. A six-cylinder engine, assembled by PMO from Chevrolet-produced components. was the base power plant and the 326  CID V-8 as offered in 1963 was optional.

The Tempest and tempest Custom were now two separate models, Series 20 and 21.

Tempest GTO Model

The famous Grand Turismo Omologato (GTO) option package was released for LeMans models this year. The idea behind this package was to circumvent a corporate high-performance ban by providing the venerable high performance 389 CID V-8 as an option in the most luxurious Pontiac intermediate.

 

Chassis Information

  • Wheelbase: (All Pontiac Safaris) 119 inches; (Series 23 and 29 passenger cars) 120 inches; (Series 26 and 28 passenger cars) 123 inches; (All Tem­pests) I 15 inches.
  • Overall length: (All Pontiac Safaris) 213.8 inches; (Series 23 and 29 passenger cars) 213 inches; (Series 26 and 28 passenger cars) 220 inches; (All Tem­pests) 203 inches.
  • Front track: (Pontiac) 62.5 inches (Tempest) 58 inches.
  • Rear track: (Pontiac) 64 inches; (Tempest) 58 inches.
  • Standard tires: (Pontiac) 8.00 x 14; (Tem­pest) 6.50 x 14. (Full Size) 8.00 x 14; (Tempest) 6.00 x 15.

Models Offered

SERIES 20

There were three lines in this series: 4-door sedan, 2-door sport coupe, and Safari wagon. Identifying Series 20 base Tempests were small hub caps, the absence of upper belt line moldings and triple wind splits behind front wheel openings. Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.

SERIES 21

Tempest Customs had the same general styling features as base Tempests, but could be easily identified by the bright upper beltline moldings accenting the “Coke bottle” shape on the sides of the car. There were also “Tempest Custom” in nameplates on the rear fenders. Extra standard equipment included carpeting, Deluxe steering wheel and courtesy lamps on convertibles.

Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.

Series 22

LeMans series Tempests had distinct styling touches such as “LeMans” in nameplates on the rear fender sides, ribbed decor plates for the deck lid latch panel, model badges on the deck lid, simulated slanting louvers ahead of rear wheel cutouts and “LeMans” in a  script plate on the dashboard. Bucket seats were standard on all models.

Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.

The GTO option was part of the LeMans Series.

Series 22

The GTO was an option on the Series 22 Tempest LeMans Series. It was available on Models 2227 (Sports Coupe) 2237 (Hardtop Coupe) and 2267 (Convertible). It was not availabloe on the Safari.

The GTO Option consisted of: The 389 cubic inch high-perlormance V-8. Special GTO nameplates for the grille, fenders, deck lid and glove box door. Simulated engine-turned aluminum dash panel inserts. Dual simulated air scoops on the hood. Many special GTO only accessories were available.

SERIES 23

Trim identification features seen on Catalinas included three quarter length side modlings running from the front wheel opening back. Catalina front fender scripts and series medallions on the rear fender. Standard equipment was turn signals, oil filters, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, electric wripers, small hub caps and five tubeless tires. Full wheel discs and rocker moldings were options  purchased by many buyers of Catalinas.

 

 

Series 26

Star Chiefs had Deluxe steering wheels and wheel covers as standard equipment, as well at two-speed wipers and electric clocks. Trim features included Catalina-like side spears. front fender “Star Chief” in script and three stylized stars stacked on rear fenders. Standard equipment included all Catalina features and upscale upholstery.

Series 28

Bonnevilles had no body side moldings. Identi­fiers included V-shaped front fender badges, ribbed lower body beauty moldings on the rocker panels, with front and rear fender extensions. “Bonneville” in block lettering was found on the rear fender sides. Courtesy lamps. padded dashboards and rear foam seat cush­ ions were standard. plus all items found on the Star Chief equipment list.

Series 29

Grand Prixs once again restyled.They had no side trim and stainless rocker moldings. They were identified by “Grand Prix” lettering and badges behind the front wheel cutout. rectangular front parking lamps. more deeply recessed grilles and “GP” lettering on the lefthand grille. Concave rear window treatments. grilled-over taillamps and wood-grained trim for dashboards and steering wheels were part of the interior.

Standard equipment included the full list of Bonneville items plus special Morrokide upholstery, dual exhausts, bucket seats, center console and front foam seat cushions

 

Engines

Tempest Base I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 215 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 209 @ 2200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.331″ (intake), 0.339″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model 7024164 (Synchromesh) 7024166 (Automatic).

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville and Grand Prix Economy V-8 – Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 3600. Torque: 386 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.365″ (intake) 0.373″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023063.

Star Chief and Catalina Base V-8 : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 235 @ 3600. Torque: 386 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 259°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.365″ (intake) 0.377″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel Model 7023066.

Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.06″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.365″ (intake), 0.377 ” (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (synchromesh) 7023071 (automatic) 7023062.

Catalina 267 HP V8 – Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 267 @ 4200. Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.365″ (intake), 0.373″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023060.

Tempest Optional V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.365″ (intake), 0.377 ” (exhaust). Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (synchromesh) 3686S, (automatic) 3687S.

Star Chief  V-8 – Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 4400. Torque: 4138 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″ Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023060.

Star Chief – Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 303 @ 4600. Torque: 430 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.402″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3649S.

Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Hydramatic Transmission (Optional Star Chief  & Catalina): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 306 @ 4600. Torque: 420 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.402″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3649S (Bonneville & Star Chief) 3648S (Catalina & Grand Prix).

Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Standard Transmission (Optional Star Chief & Catalina) : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 306 @ 4600. Torque: 420 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.402″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3647S.

Optional 325 Horsepower V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 428 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.402″ (intake), 0.409″ (exhaust) . Carburetor:  Cartet AFB Model 3647S (Synchromesh) 3648S (Automatic).

Optional 330 Horsepower V-8 – All Models, All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.402″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7024178  (center Syncromesh) 7024175 (center automatic) 7024173, (rear all) 7024179.

Optional 348 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 348 @ 4900 RPM. Torque: 428 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.402″ (intake) 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7024178, (center Syncromesh) 7024175, (center Hydramatic) 7024173, (rear) 7024179.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 320 @ 4400 RPM.  Torque: 455 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.402″ (intake), 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetor: 4-barrel Carter  Model 3650S (synchromesh), 3651S (automatic).

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 4600 RPM.  Torque: 454 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.402″ (intake), 0.409″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7023078  (center Syncromesh) 7023161 (center automatic) 7023162, (rear all) 7023079.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 370 @ 5200 RPM.  Torque: 460 @ 3800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.401″ (intake), 0.415″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7023078  (center Syncromesh) 7023161 (center automatic) 7023162, (rear all) 7023079.

Super Duty 421 CID V-8 Over the Counter Only: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 390 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 435 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft type: Hydraulic flat-tappet McKellar #10 Duration: 308/320° intake/exhaust, Overlap 87°, Lift: 0.445/0.447″ intake/exhaust. Valvetrain: 1.65:1-ratio rocker arms. Carburetor Carter AFB 3475S.

NOTE: various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the Popular McKellar #10 here.

Super Duty 421 CID V-8 Over the Counter only: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft type: Hydraulic flat-tappet McKellar #10 Duration: 308/320° intake/exhaust, Overlap 87°, Lift: 0.445/0.447″ intake/exhaust. Valvetrain: 1.65:1-ratio rocker arms. Carburetor Carter AFB 3433S (Front) 435S (Rear).

NOTE: various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the Popular McKellar #10 here.

More detailed information on the 1964 engines may be found in the 1964 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size car  sheets HERE and the Tempest sheets HERE, or use the navigation on the main page.

The 421 Race Engines were available over the counter only in 1964, due to the GM Racing Ban, however we have listed them as available options.

Engine Options and Availability

  • All Engine Options Listed as Engine Packages in the Engine Section Above.

Power Train Options

Full Size

  • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
  • Hydra-Matic was optional.
  • A four-speed manual transmission with floor shift was optioal.
  • The four-barrel V-8 was optional in Catalinas and Star Chiefs.
  • The economy version of the 389 cubic inch V-8 was a no cost option giving 230 horsepower at 4000 RPM. with Hydra-Matic only.
  • Tri-Power on the 389 V-8 was available with 10.75:1 compression heads in two forms. The first gave 330 horsepower at 4500 RPM. The second gave 348 horsepower at 4900 RPM.
  • Tripower 421 CID with 10:75:1 heads came in two variations. The first gave 350 horsepower at 4600 RPM. The second gave 370 horsepower at 3800 R.P.M.

Tempest

  • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
  • Automatic transmission was optional. 
  • A four-speed manual transmission was optional.
  • A 326 cubic V-8 was optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans lines for  cars without the GTO option. With Synchromesh and 8.6:1 heads this motor gave 250 horsepower at 4600 R.P.M. With Hydra-Matic and 10.5:1 heads this motor gave 280 horsepower at 4800 R.P.M.
  • The 389 cubic inch V-8 was available exclusively In the GTO. It came with 10.75:1 compression and two different induction setups. The standard version had lour-barrel carburetion and gave 325 horsepower at 4,800 RPM.
  • The 389 cubic inch V-8 Tri-Power was optional on the same block and produced 348 horsepower at 4900 RPM.
  • The GTO could also be ordered with a heavy-duty three-speed manual gear box or
  • A Muncie close-ratio lour-speed manual box with Hurst linkage was available on the GTO.

Body Paint Color Codes

Click the Paint Name for Paint Mix Codes

A Starlight Black
C Cameo Ivory
D Silvermist Gray
F Yorktown Blue
H Skyline Blue
J Pinehurst Green
L Marimba Red
N Sunfire Red
P Aquamarine
Q Gulfstream Aqua
R Alamo Beige
S Saddle Bronze
T Singapore Gold
V Grenadier Red
W Nocturne Blue

Significant Options – Full Size

  • Air-conditioning ($430).
  • Aluminum hubs and drums ($122-138).
  • Bonneville Brougham trim package – available for body style number 2839

  • Catalina 2 + 2 option package – available on body style numbers 2347 and 2367 ($291).

  • Console including tachometer ($161).
  • Cordova top ($86).
  • Instrument gage cluster ($21-59).
  • Luggage carrier ($94).
  • Power brakes ($57).
  • Power seat ($96).
  • Power tilt bucket seat L.H. ($71).
  • Remote control mirror ($12).
  • Sports wheel covers ($30-46).
  • Tachometer ($54).
  • Ventura trim on Body Styles 2339, 2347 and 2369 ($118).

Significant Options – Tempest

Tempest and LeMans

  • Air-conditioner ($319).
  • Bucket seats ($134).
  • Cor­dova top ($75).
  • Custom steering wheel ($6-9).
  • Deluxe steering wheel with ring ($4).
  • LeMans console shift ($48).
  • Padded dash ($16).
  • Power convertible top ($54).
  • Power tilt bucket seat L.H. ($67).
  • Power steering ($75).
  • Power tailgate window ($54).
  • Push button radio ($62).
  • Tachometer ($54).
  • Two-speed wipers and washer ($17).

GTO

The new GTO option package included:

  • The 389 cubic inch high-perlormance V-8
  • Special GTO nameplates for the grille, fenders, deck lid and glove box door.
  • Simulated engine-turned aluminum dash panel inserts.
  • Dual simulated air scoops on the hood.
  • Many special GTO accessories were available.
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