1962 Pontiac - General

Standard Pontiacs grew about an inch and a half for 1962. Wheelbase on the Catalina and Grand Prix went up to 120," but stayed at 119" for the wagons. Styling revisions included a V-shaped twin grille, full-length side sculpturing, and new rear end styling with curved tail lamps. Ventura trim became an add-on package for two Catalinas.

Styling changes for Tempest included a new wider-spaced split grille theme with a third grille section incorporating a V-shaped emblem placed in the center and 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 disappeared except as an interior trim package on Catalina Convertibles and Sport Coupes. Inspired by the success of the Oldsmobile Starfire, Pontiac got the go ahead for their "sport" version, and it would prove an immediate success. .

Other than in the Tempest 4, where 20% were equipped with the manual Synchromesh transmission, an automatic was by far the more 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.  A total of 1,514 cars were built with 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. Of course, the Grand Prix arrived at just the right time. 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.

1962 TEMPEST (4-CYL) - SERIES 21

There were five basic models, but two were called 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 packages.

Standard equipment included heater and defroster, electric wipers, turn signals, left-hand visors, and five tubeless blackwall tires. Custom trim 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.

1962 Catalina (V-8) - SERIES 23

Ventura trim became an add-on package for the Convertible and Sport Coupe Catalinas. Outside identification came from small hub caps, unaccented side spear moldings and Catalina" in script on the front fenders. The nine-passenger Catalina Safaris had 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.

1962 Star Chief (V-8) - 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.

1962 Bonneville Custom Safari (V-8) - SERIES 27

The Bonneville Custom Safari was still 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

1962 Bonneville (V-8) - SERIES 28

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.

1962 Grand Prix (V-8) - SERIES 29

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.

Pontiac Body Colors -

• A Starlight Black
• C Cameo Ivory
  
• D Silvermist Gray
  
• E Ensign Blue
  
• F Yorktown Blue
  
• H Kimberly Blue
  
• J Silverleaf Green
  
• L Garnet Mist
  
• M Bamboo Cream
  
• N Burgundy
  
• P Aquamarine
  
• Q Seafoam Aqua
  
• R Yuma Beige
  
• T Caravan Gold 
• V Mandalay Red

Engines -

• Tempest Base I-4 Synchromesh: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.06" x 3.75". Compression ratio: SMT 8.6:1. Horsepower: 110 @ 3800 RPM. (Hydra-Matic) 120 @ 3800 RPM. Torque: 190 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel.
  
  
• Tempest Base I-4 Hydra-Matic: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.06" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 120 @ 3800 RPM. Torque: 202 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel.
  
  
• Tempest Optional I-4: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.06" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 166 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 215 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester Four-barrel.
  
  
• Tempest Optional V-8: Aluminum Block. Displacement: 215 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.50" x 2.80" Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 190 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 220 @ 2400 RPM. Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina Economy option V-8 Synchromesh: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 215 @ 3600. Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Low speed camshaft. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina Economy option V-8 Hydramatic: 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: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Low speed camshaft. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina, and Star Chief Base Standard Transmission 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 @ 4200. Torque: 402 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC four-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina Hydramatic Transmission V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 267 @ 4200. Torque: 405 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina and Star Chief Hydramatic Transmission V-8: 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: 408 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Bonneville and Grand Prix Standard Transmission V-8 (Optional on Catalinas & Star Chiefs): 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: 402 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel.
  
  
• Star Chief Optional Hydramatic Transmission V-8: 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: 413 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Catalina, Ventura and Star Chief Optional Hydramatic Transmission V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 287 @ 4400. Torque: 417 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel.
  
  
• Bonneville and Grand Prix Hydramatic Transmission V-8 (Optional on Safari, Catalina, Ventura and Star Chief): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 303 @ 4600. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel.
  
  
• Optional "318 Horsepower" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM (SMT) 318 @ 4600 RPM (AMT). Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors.
  
  
• Optional "333 Horsepower" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 333 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Special camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel.
  
  
• Optional Bonneville and Grand Prix "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: 320 @ 4800 RPM.  Torque: 455 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester.
  
  
• Optional "Tempest 333 HP 425-A Block" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 333 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors, low-restriction dual exhausts, and dual-breaker ignition.
  
  
• Optional "Tempest 348 HP 425-A Block" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 348 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors, low-restriction dual exhausts, and dual-breaker ignition.
  
  
• Optional "Super Duty 425-A Block" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625" x 3.750". Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 385 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 433 @ 4800 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.carburetor, low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.
  
  
• Optional "421 Super Duty" V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00". Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: two 4-barrel Rochester carburetors, low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

Chassis - 

• 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.

Powertrain Options -

• A three-speed manual transmission was standard.
  
• Super Hydra-Matic was $231.34 extra.
  
• Four-speed Synchromesh with floor shift was $231.34 extra.
  
• 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 extra.
  
• Four-barrel carburetion was standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix and $24 extra on others.
  
• Tri-Power induction was $116-174 extra depending on model and transmission.
  
• The four-barrel "425A" V-8 was $199-294 extra depending on model and transmission.
  
• The Tri-Power "425A" V-8 was $312-401 extra depending on model and transmission.
  
• The "421 Super Duty" V-8 was $2,250 extra.
  
• Seven rear axle gear ratios were available with the 3.64:1 and 3.90:1 on special order only.

Sgnificant Options - PONTIAC

• 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.)

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).
• Upper decor group ($19-34).