Saving Forgotten 1966 Pontiac Tempest That Has Been Sitting for 30 Years! | Roadworthy Rescues

[@ViceGripGarage]

What a fun project - that OHC 6 Was awesome!

[@davidschafer544]

You been on yt all day lol go bed Derek

[@TheSkaireKrowe]

Love the Tempest! My first car at 16 was a 67 Tempest Custom Coupe with a 326 V8 that my dad and i built...hits home. Thanks for the video.

[@IRONDAWG63]

i owned the pontiac tempest 66 had 400 4 bbl with 400 trans

[@panamafloyd1469]

I've never seen the Poncho OHC in real life. Great work! Glad you saved it.

[@Old-time-miner]

Doesn't it bother you that MT is taking your format and viewers?

[@JamesKerwin-k5p]

Derek is my vintage car hero. His troubleshooting ability is nothing short of amazing. Plus, I dig pretty much any 60's Pontiac and these OHC 6's are GM gems. Kudos to Derek for having an excellent eye for finding what's cool and badass.

[@kenwoodfl]

Derek is our close family friend we never met! Derik’s 4 rules: spark, fuel, fwr, bckwrd. Brakes are a bonus! Love your stuff man.

[@FreddySneakers]

sparkalators, go juice, shift machine

[@michaellee6489]

I like how he doesn't turn his nose up at 6 cylinder motors. He definitely has an eye for the special ones. Good show.

[@markfaas4052]

That’s one sweet little motor for a vintage pickup project.

[@georgehill99]

I had a 292 Chevy 6 cylinder withe about 10:1 compression. It had a manual 4 speed 3 2bbl carbs and a final gear ratio of 3.55:1… in a 1961 2 door Bel Aire. Only the the 327s could outrun me

[@sharonlanger4693]

Love this video. Back in 1970-1971 I owned a 1966 Pontiac Tempest 2door with straight 6, overhead cam, 4 barrel, 3 on the floor, color red. Best car ever!

[@Kingfisher2225]

Just found Derek about a month ago. By far the best addition to MT in years. Also started to catch up on his YT stuff and he is great in both. Such a down to earth gentleman a very nice change for this day and age.

[@qwasd0r]

This man is a treasure.

[@claypatterson7302]

Derek, you have helped me through five weeks post-op total knee replacement. I knew I would be grounded with a broken running gear, and KZbin would help me through. I discovered your channel and have been hooked every since. My family started, and "Old Iron Trail Ride" some 15+ years back, which featured mostly old tractors but had quite a few old trucks participate. Last year, we discontinued the trail ride to increasing traffic in the area, which caused a huge safety issue. I love how your family is part of your channel, and you've done a great job with the boys. The youngest has the Old Iron bug for sure! Keep doing what you're doing! God Bless! Clay Patterson way down is here So Texas.

[@632Harrison]

Derek has the perfect attitude no matter what he is working on He is truly a man of honor Keep up the great work Derek and May Gods blessings continue to shine upon you and your family

[@CalabreseIT]

Awesome to have Derek on MotorTrend! He is a blast to watch.

[@arguswil]

One of the few channels that you don't want to skip through the video. Great channel!

[@tristankelsey1746]

I'm a fairly knowledgeable car guy but was unaware of the Pontiac ohc straight 6. You learn something new everyday watching Derek. Keep up the awesome work. We need more guys like you saving these old beauties

[@Gelinda]

Could get the Firebird with this OHC6 also,but very few did.

[@jeffrobodine8579]

It was called the Sprint option if I recall correctly. The base 230 CID OHC Pontiac motor made 165 horsepower but there was also an optional 207 horsepower version with a four barrel.

[@tomstulc9143]

​@@jeffrobodine8579if my memory is correct motors Manuel listed the ohc 6 at 180 hp for the ,2 barel and ,4 barely at 225 hp

[@geezerhull]

when I was young, I bought a 66 Tempest Lemons with the sprint6 package. ohc6 4bbl quadrajet carb, muncie 4spd trans, Husrst shifter. all from the factory. 3yrs old 1800 bucks, maybe 2800. cant remember. I'm 80 now and still the biggest regret of my life is trading it in. A GTO would take it, but not by much.

[@wymple09]

@@tomstulc9143 Which was a lot for any 6.

[@ColJonSquall1]

I love how Derek is the same on MotorTrend as he is on his own channel, lol.

[@toastcfh]

I wouldn't say it seems like he turns it up too much on this series. I think it's more the editing. they cut out a lot of the stuff that honestly makes his work on his own channel more genuine.

[@Crockabock]

You are joking right ...

[@Makitafan]

It feels rushed. More like tutorial and less like a ride along on his adventure.

[@tater_relocater]

I’m sure he appreciated the bleep bloop

[@kellismith4329]

I just love how he is

[@bradrajala7839]

My grandparents had a 68 tempest with the ohc 6. Neat car. Derek, Thanks for saving on this one 👍🏻

[@_BAD_MERC_]

"We'll pretend those newer years don't exist. You're welcome". Only in the style of Derek! LOL!!!

[@bensutherland6871]

Best mechanic show ever I have followed him on KZbin for years he really deserves this

[@audiophil4946]

Love these OHC6 Ponchos. Nice job Derek!

[@davidhair8295]

Did any one notice that it has a single exhaust and 1 bbl carb. These engines came with dual exhaust t and 4bbl carb. Wonder how and why that got changed?

[@richardhill6125]

I had a friend in High School (back in 70 or so) that had a Firebird convertible with the OHC engine and a 4 spd manual. I bet he wishes he still had it!!!

[@kevingrant2326]

I drove a 68 Tempest in high school , ohc 6 aka sprint 6 with a 4bbl , 3 spd manual with a Hurst shifter factory options . Great car .

[@freddifish4179]

Another great rescue. It's so important to keep the gems from silently rotting away in some obscure corner of a barn/quonset, bush, etc. Thank's for sharing your passion of rescues/revivals with us.

[@SeaTravelr123]

OMG.. Derek.. Love this... My best friend's mom had one of these.. Betsy!! we had so much fun as kids in that, even riding in the trunk up in the country... I have such a love for these cars, and THAT IS the exact color. Marina Turquoise. Cant wait to see this finished.. She traded up for a Ventura II in 71 or 72.. .and hated it cause it was too small, she was 5'11" and so she got a 71 Buick Electra 225.. Another car full of memories...

[@WesleyGilmore]

Great car. Definitely something I'd like to own. We discovered a '66 Tempest hidden within a barn on some property owned by family just last week. I'd definitely like to restore it eventually as it's been sitting for over 30 years.

[@garywalker9753]

My first car was a 68 Firebird with OHV6 and it came with a good ole Quaderajet and a 2 sp slop o matic. Great car to learn on and had legs. You always miss your first love. Good to see one in your hands. I had plans to fuel inject take a 5sp out of a Monza, up upgrade the suspension. Trying to make a great road car out of it. I am excited to see what you do with this with all the tech available today. I had mine in the early 80's. Would easily cruise 110 to 120 all day. Took a while to get there but it would do it. Loved road trips in that car. Really needed a manual transmission of some flavor. This one is close to my heart. Thanks Derek.

[@kennethsonier1766]

You don't see too many overhead cam Pontiac too often. Great rescue Derek 👍✌️🇺🇲

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

I've seen quite a few of them on facebook marketplace

[@BillBelow-i8k]

Because they were junk as most gm s

[@kennethsonier1766]

@@BillBelow-i8k and you're an ignorant douchebag like most trolls 🖕

[@Rustyhalligans]

I had the 66 Lemans convertible with this motor. good car

[@Mastah2006]

Derek's lines have become a part of my everyday language. And I live in Poland. "That's waaay too much. Perfect", "Fuelmakeithappener", "lightning whireler", "Ignition sticks" and batteries with go-handle are with me to stay!

[@Mastah2006]

Oh, I forgot about the poverty caps :D

[@tyhogue8316]

I love the car! Obviously someone has taken very good care of her!😊

[@danielrivera5858]

Its so nice to see old cars from my teen yrs I used to love working on those simple things like points and condenser in the ignition system

[@prestonrussell605]

My dad had a 1966 Tempest and I was fascinated with it, so later I bought a 1966 Lemans and loved it. I would like to have another one of these cars again. Love the body style.

[@Powell_OBonez]

66 is my favorite years of them as well as the chevelle + 442's

[@robertfarrimond3369]

My friend had a 66 convertible, OHC 6, with the Quadrajet, 3 speed stick, It was a fantastic car!

[@johncaballero8013]

Always loved the Pontiac Tempest and Le Mans. Wonderful cruisers! Looks like you Scored a good one Derek!

[@rfdjoe]

Back in my younger years, I owned a 1966 Tempest four-door. It's nice to see you captured one.

[@bradrtorgersen_videos]

I'm not even a car guy, but Derek's videos are infectiously enjoyable. Every time.

[@kdogg82]

He's from Minnesota. Love the guy. I've been watching him since his very first KZbin thing. He's cool.

[@dominicdevone2684]

Awesome. That was my first car. Same color, engine, everything. Awesome.

[@jeffallen5387]

One of the smartest decisions MotorTrend has ever made! I vote long term deal for Derek! Now when is Cleetus getting a show??

[@1161byron]

Back in high school in the 70s my buddy had one with a389 and 4 speed,fun,fun!

[@garyh9039]

Derek is tireless. I watch every video he makes or appears in.

[@Jake_1988]

Love the show. Been watching him since his first 6 months on KZbin. It’s great seeing him on motor trend.

[@hunterjensen7872]

The Randy Travis comment was so random 😂! That’s what I love about his videos! Solid dude and he’ll teach you a thing or two in his own special terms!

[@russwabuda1556]

am sure all of you will remember, pontiac introduced two engines in the 1960.s. the indianapolis 4 which was half of their v8 and the ohc 6. the 6 is the grandfather of almost all the today's engines because that timing belt was developed for that engine. it was the first. this was ground breaking. they were so proud of the ohc 6 that the decorated it. gm decorated their great engines of the past. cadillac v16, the first one, was beautiful. during the depression and war years any decoration was just a decal. but the pontiac was built with beauty cast right in. wow. holiday wishes.

[@josephfilm73]

Derek is becoming like Norm on This Old House, except it's This Old Car. Rock solid. Steady. Easy to watch.

[@NGG1983]

Super cool to see these everyday daily-type engines from this era. These are the types of rigs that just werent saved, or if they were the were V8 swapped at some point.

[@speedybuggy1677]

Car is 57 years old i was born in 1966 very old school American made very great car love to see it run again I give you five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@paulkaminski2911]

Aftermarket intake and a 4 bbl makes an unbelievable difference in the performance of that engine!

[@Powell_OBonez]

Absolutely and good exhaust also 1 of my buddies has 1 in his 68 firebird and he can do donuts all day long with it 😂 sounds odd but not bad for a 6cyl

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@Powell_OBonez That makes no sense: “sounds good for a six” Sixes sound awesome, always do.

[@Powell_OBonez]

@fishhuntadventure I'm a V8 kind of guy but there are some sixes that sound good but some that sound horrible too.

[@danw1955]

@@Powell_OBonez You mean like the Buick 'uneven fire' 231 V6?🤣 What a boat anchor those things were.😝 The Pontiac at least sounds like a normal straight 6.😉

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

Certain models came with Rochester 4 barrels. So why would you need an after market intake

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

In the late 1960s I had a buddy that bought a Firebird with that OHC 6 Cyl engine. It ran great and was quite a conversation piece whenever the hood was opened.

[@bobbarron6969]

Congratulations on your new venture Derek, I enjoyed the show.

[@JosephRozum]

Good Evening, Derek it is great to see you again today Sir ! 😊

[@Walrus647]

I had a 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom in high school. Mine had the 5.3, 326 V8 with the 2 barrel carb and factory A/C that worked! Two speed PG!

[@bfgivmfith]

I have to say the full moon hubcaps looked pretty cool to me. :)

[@GTStuning-]

You're the most entertaining person to watch on youtube and you're informative. Perfect balance!

[@donsmith8614]

another good video, it's funny how many classic cars are still in barns, why keep if you're not going to do anything with it, sell it! You're one the few that knows how to clean the windshield so you can see where your going.

[@drewaquino4631]

Bought one of these ‘66 4 door 326 off my friend’s parents about 12 years ago. Still got it sitting in my driveway right now.. I’m going to die with it and take it with me.

[@ArthurJoss]

It's Art-Canada,Sunshine Coast.. For "years" (ish) i love r show. Iam a Master tech. Your awesome 😊

[@barbrice721]

When I dated my husband he bought a 66 Tempest Sprint. But it had a I think a 389. It also had exhaust caps you could remove under the doors to eliminate restrictions from mufflers. Gotta say. It was a beast. But my Favorite was a 65 Impala SS. Orange with white leather interior Chrome trimmed bucket seats and electric seats and windows. She was my Baby. The good old days. A tripod and chain block in the side yard and guys working on cars all the time. Lol.

[@tedwienstroer9807]

When I saw this one I was hoping it was the OHC 6. I turned 16 the year this car was built and thought it was so cool, kind of sounded like a Jag 6 with the right exhaust.

[@annauhl2370]

Drove a 1969 Firebird from Matamoras PA to Sioux Falls SD that had that same OHC 6 cyl. 1300+miles it brought me home on 4 cyl!

[@michaeloedy1568]

I’m partial to Pontiacs but this a a really neat car. You don’t see those poverty caps very often either.

[@richardmcdonel9669]

He is a genuine kinda guy,,what I would call a true American

[@johncaballero8013]

I Love ‘66 and ‘67 Pontiac Tempests and the Le Mans. Hope to own one before I get too old.

[@grantkoeller8911]

They needed to make a power washing video!!!! this car was filthy. Such a beautiful car too....

[@1unsung971]

So many lovely old cars to restore in the US. Wonderful.

[@billeddleman531]

I remember the introduction of that OHC 6 and big news it generated. The body style is that of the GTO but in a 4 door. Cool car and drive train. Definitely a going to town rig! Was kind of weird not finishing the video with getting it home. Can't wait to see the follow on videos.

[@ronaldburgess2884]

That brings back memories! A friend of mine had a 66 Tempest 4 door with the 326.

[@davidhair8295]

Mom and Dad had one the same color as this one, 326 2 bbl. I loved it. With open diff, it would spin one of the skinny tires as long as you liked.

[@memptn01]

I haven't been recommended your channel in a while. Glad to see your on motortrend. Keep up the good work my guy.

[@haroldrogers6083]

In the late 70s i had a 65 Tempest with a 389 big block with a 3 on the tree , what a great looking car and fast !!

[@DonChandler-z5m]

I didn't know Pontiac made an OHC engine. Wouldn't mind having a car like that. The surrounding cars in the yard are fascinating also.

[@ModelA]

The poor man's GTO. Absolutely awesome!

[@barrychandler5250]

I am 70. I had a 1966 Tempest 2 Door with overhead cam six. It was white in color and was only three years old when I bought it, Wish forethought was as good as hindsight .

[@barryallenflash1]

This was in my recommended and I'm glad I watched. Being a GM guy I can appreciate the classics like this. My dad had a red Pontiac GTO (think it was a '66) when I was born, but seeing as it wasn't really a "family" car, he got rid of it. It would be cool to find and own it, but hey one can wish right? Oh well....

[@vtr0104]

The joke about the glove-box was perfectly delivered, can't believe how smooth this man is...

[@jeffallen4113]

I have a Gen 3 Bronco. Limited Budget and you guys are motivating. Thank you.

[@scottsteeves]

I haven't seen one of those since the last one I worked on in the 70's. Nice.

[@tedlawrence4189]

I had a '66 Tempest 2dr. when new. 326 2bbl. 3 speed,ps,pb and radio. Nice car. Not high performance but pretty peppy. Red with black interior. Nice looking car which the girls in my high school liked. My granny bought it for me for my 17th. birthday. Was heck of a nice present!

[@GregoryBamber]

The moon discs make it even cooler.

[@bgd73]

back then it was the nerdy eco mobile. I had a 74 mailbu more door with the 250 ci. That th250 got a 350 hooked up to it instead. :)

[@Snowmannorth]

Gotta love Dereks sound effects!

[@royjenkins9681]

Always liked the styling of this Pontiac.

[@timtimtim5294]

I love all his videos! Wish it was longer

[@backtoobasics]

Thank you motor trend!!

[@tomre2769]

Derek is a great host and presenter, I believe the guy has talent :-)

[@TheOfficial_InsaneStang]

That’s my boy Blue!!!! 🫡🤜

[@kevingrant2326]

I am concerned that Derik would start a OHC engine that sat for 30 years without checking the timing belt .

[@fredhebb8016]

I once owned a 1966 Pontiac Beaumont Sport Deluxe convertible. I had a 283 V8, red with a white top and black interior. Loved that car. It was very similar to the Tempest but it was made in Canada and I don’t think it was sold in thE US. Great car.

[@LilYeshua]

At the service station I worked at decades ago we had a customer pull up for service. He had a '68 firebird with that same engine in it. That's the first time I've ever seen a firebird with that engine option. My first car i owned was a '64 Pontiac tempest lemans with bucket seats,a silver headliner with thousands of small five pointed stars imprinted into it,center console with auto shifter on a three speed auto transmission,and a 326 cubic inch V8. Also I had a '64 grand Prix with a 389 in it with a Carter AFB carb on it. I bought it from my boss who had taken ownership of it from a young guy from new York whom he got it from am elderly couple that supposedly kept it garaged. It needed new wheel brake cylinders because the bleed valves were rusted shut but my boss had replaced the brake lines. The guy couldn't pay for al that estimated work and signed the car over to him as payment for services already performed. I bought the car from my boss and since i didn't have much money back in my early years i just bled the brakes where the brake lines screwed into the wheel cylinders. I think that the car had a mild case of a spun crank bearing but after pouring a vial of lubricant additive into the crankcase the engine idle speed up to a normal idle as i didn't know how to set the idle on that Carter carb. This was back in the early eighties during increasing gas prices and gas economy salesmen touting their miracle products. Eventually I sold to my brother the grand prix and he finished destroying the engine with his crazy driving habits

[@elebeu]

It's amazing that the brakes weren't in worse shape than that. That's the last year of the single circuit brake system, meaning that if it springs a leak you have no brakes. Be careful.

[@flinch622]

I tend to like the 2 door coupe thing, but the Tempest is an underrated car in many respects. The 66? Benchmark year in my mind - just a good car. As for daily driving? A straight 6 done right, does well.

[@clintonsmith9931]

Brother bought a 63 with the 4 bll six. 4 speed brand new. Belt was to last like forever.

[@genetomblin2883]

The car I learned to drive in was a 66 Tempest 326 V8 the standard engine. The OHC Pontiac was a 250 Chevy 6 with a different head. This takes me way back.

[@1978JonBullock]

Derek must be one the hardest working guys when you think he does Roadworthy rescue, Vicegripgarage, Meet and greets, plus everything else he is involved in the guy does not have enough hours in the day.

[@callmetatersalad132]

Ya i almost feel bad, last few videos on his channel hes always saying how hes gotta be somewhere else far away in a few days so hes gota get stuff running quick and then scoot on out.

[@Roadglide59]

He also has the O'Reilly KZbin page

[@soonerdan25]

Derek follows more of the safety rules when doing Motor Trend. I mean that fancy fuel system is the bomb no pun intended.

[@garyh9039]

Love those old Pontiac wide tracks.

[@mikeyacullo]

Wow what a great looking car. Crazy what people got in there garages

[@danielpeck6269]

Nice C-clamp! I won a pair of Mac brand vice grips the same way! 🏆

[@craigsturman6661]

I had the same car except it had 3 on the tree transmission. What a great car! It was my goin' fishin' rig for many years.

[@mxrider1331]

God I hope the TV people don't try to change this man!! This is fantastic entertainment

[@57Banjoman]

The best car I ever owned was a '68 Firebird Sprint with a four speed-I hope the next owner leaves the drive train alone-too many of these get converted to V-8's. Love this car-thanks!

[@KevinSkotzke]

Loved my '65..with a 326 and 2 speed power glide 🚗

[@dennymoore4219]

I saw one of those oh sixes in an old garage sitting on a stand with Quadrajet on it this is the second one I've seen in my 64 years

[@craignehring]

When I turned 16 my dad brought home a 1966 Red two door Tempest Custom, it had the 326 cid and the 2 speed auto. It looked fast but it was sort of a dog LOL Not like my dad would have got the GTO... It was a fun car to drive. Good luck with your Ponti

By far my favourite year of these and their Goat brethren.

[@ericblom9568]

I had one of these, only a yr newer back in HS in the late 70s. It had the old Muncie 4 sp rock-crusher, airshocks & Cragar's all around. Ostentatious, to say the least, but that little ol' sewing-machine would move that big ol' land yacht around, lol! I sure miss that car....Good times...

[@jodycordell1972]

I really like all the 66 gm cars with the little hood over the headlights

[@mikenicholas5759]

This is Kool stuff. They also had a version called Sprint something, 4 barrel carb, cast iron headers and a 4 speed.