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02/05/2025 3:14 pm
By 1962, Pontiac realized their 421 Super Duty Catalinas were losing their relevance in the NHRA against smaller bodied competition even after replacing front panels with aluminum and turning the frame to swiss cheese. Mickey Thompson and Royal Pontiac were both experimenting installing the 421 SD in the Y-Body Tempest coupes. Pontiac built two test mules from 326 powered 1963 Tempest coupes, because the 326 and the 421 had the same sized block. The rear mounted transaxle and independent rear suspension taken from the Corvair offered better weight distribution and handling. Satisfied, Pontiac built 12 more 421SD Tempests to run in F/X: 6 coupes and 6 station wagons. Of the 14 built 5 are known to be in existence.
02/05/2025 3:18 pm
Interesting stuff. I never realized the 326 and the 421 had the same block!!
02/05/2025 3:48 pm
That one looks really good ! I happily have Highway 61's standard 1/18 Pontiac Tempest coupe and it is a favorite.
02/05/2025 4:05 pm
@michaeldetorrice This little tin Indian is Pontiac’s absolute GOAT!, in my humble opinion. (not to be confused with Goat, as in “Tony’s ‘64 Goat.”, which is still very great! The model is fantastic also.
02/05/2025 4:15 pm
...yep, this one is such a badass little Pontiac! I have a few of these Tempests, but not this very unique - with its trunk cutout - version. So cool! 😎 😎
02/05/2025 7:31 pm
@jack-dodds I didn't know that either.
Tony Perrone and Christopher Moroni reacted