1963 Pontiac Tempest LeMans Hardtop

In the summer of 1962, Pontiac was losing ground as the top dog in NASCAR and USAC stock car racing. It had to make a bold move if it wanted to maintain its position as the automotive brand to beat. So, in hopes of a return to glory, Pontiac altered 1963 Tempests. Lighter and more powerful than their competitors, these Hemi Super Duty Tempests dominated the Altered Factory Experimental class of that year.

In January 1963, Pontiac sent six of these altered Tempests to the best Pontiac teams and drivers. Less than one month later, General Motors suspended all racing activity. No more of these Super Duty Tempests would be produced, at least in the near future.

As it turns out, Pontiac dealer Stan Long sold one of these impressive altered Tempests to Detroit racer Stan Antlocer. After retiring as the fastest Drag Car of 1963, it ended up in a Harrison, Michigan man's garage, and he eventually put the car up for bid on eBay. Little did he know that this rare car's bidding price would immediately skyrocket.

This car is one of only four 1963 Super Duty Tempest Lemans Coupes still in existence.

Source - Vehicle Owner