1968 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet

This GTO image is available as a 17 x 11 inch poster from the Automotive History Preservation Society.
Click HERE to purchase this print.

A Radical Departure
in Styling

A completely restyled mid-size Tempest/GTO was introduced in 1968 with a streamlined “Coke bottle” styling, concealed windshield wipers, and a return to horizontal headlights. Two-door models now rode on a 112 inch wheelbase and four-door models on a 116 inch span.

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General Year Information

General Motors redesigned its A-body line for 1968, with more curvaceous, semi-fastback styling. The wheelbase was shortened to 112.0 inches on all two-door models with overall length reduced 5.9 inches and height reduced half an inch. Surprisingly overall weight was up about 75 lb, due mostly to added impact safety issues. Pontiac abandoned the familiar vertically stacked headlights in favor of a horizontal layout, but made hidden headlights available on GTOs at extra cost and was a popular option.

The 230 CID overhead cam I-6 was enlarged to 250 CID with horsepower ratings unchanged. The 326 CID V-8 was replaced by a new 350 CID V-8 with horsepower ratings of 250 with 2-barrel or 320 with 4-barrel carb.

A milestone was achieved in 1968 when an all-time high of 940,000 cars were produced. It was also the first time that sales of Pontiac mid-size, pony car and specialty models exceeded the sales of the traditional lines.

Models Offered

Click the Tab to See the Details

Series 233: As stated above, the new body style was quite impactful and was carried across all models. The bumper and grille were on piece and outlined the entire front fascia. The rear bumper was also quite large and set into the body and the tail lights were placed in the bumper. The sides were smooth with no ornamentation other than”Tempest” at the front of the front fender. At the rear, a stylized Pontiac emblem appeared just before the bumper’s wraparound.

Regular equipment on standard Tempests included GM safety features, heater and defroster, door arm rests. Overhead cam (OHC) models with the base engine had “OHC-6” lettering on rocker panels.

Series 235:  Tempest Customs had all features found on  base Tempest models plus special interior and exterior trim, carpeting, Deluxe steering wheel. arm rests with ash trays, cigarette lighter. ignition buzzer alarm, front and rear body side marker lights and dual horns.

Station wagons and convertibles had all-Morrokide seats and carpeting. and panel courtesy lamps on convertibles. Tempest lettering along with custom badges appeared at tips of front fenders.

SERIES 237 and 239: Standard in LeMans were all GM safety features plus disappearing wipers, dual horns and Morro­kide interior. Two-door models came with a choice of bucket or notch back seats. The four-door hardtop had cloth and Morrokide upholstery and a choice of notch back or bench seats. The word “LeMans” was on the rear fender near the side marker light.

Deluxe steering wheel, carpeting, cigar lighter, arm rests and ash trays, ignition alarm, panel courtesy lamps, ash tray and glove box lamps were also featured on this model. The LeMans convertible had a power top and special courtesy lights.

The Series 239 Safari wagon was, for the most part, appointed in LeMans level trim with wood-grained interior and exterior paneling. The word “Safari” was placed on the rear of the of wood-trimmed tailgate, with “Tempest” at the front of the front fender.

SERIES 242:  Standard in GTOs  were all  GM  safety  features, dual exhausts, three-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, sports type springs and shock absorbers, and red line tires. On the interior. there were bucket or notch back seats, cigar lighter, carpeting, ignition alarm, disappearing wipers, panel courtesy, ash tray and glove box lamps and Deluxe steering wheel.  A 350 horsepower 400 CID four-barrel V-8 (or two barrel 400 cubic inch regular fuel V-8) were standard.

On the exterior, GTOs had a color-keyed steel reinforced “Endura” rubber front bumper that was similar to the chrome bumper found on all other Tempests.. Twin scoop hoods mimicking those on the Firebird we on the hood.  “GTO” lettering was placed on the left-hand grille and the right-hand deck lid, and there were the typical, though slightly restyled V-shaped GTO badges behind front wheel opening, The Pontiac V-shaped nose emblem and distinct tail-lamp treatments were fitted.

 

 

Engines

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Tempest  I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block; overhead camshaft. Displacement: 250 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 175 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 240 @ 2600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap 28°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7028065 (manual transmission w/AC) 7028067 (Automatic) 7028168.

Tempest  I-6 – Optional All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block; overhead camshaft. Displacement: 250 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.525 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 215 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 255 @ 3800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift 0.438″. Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel model (manual transmission) 7028261 (Automatic) 7028260.

Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 350 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.8750″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings.  Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″; (exhaust) 0.412″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7028071 (automatic) 7028062.

Optional GTO 265 Horsepower  Economy V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 397 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″; (exhaust) 0.412″. Carburetor:  Rochester two-barrel  Model 7028060.

Tempest Optional V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 350 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.875″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 320 @ 5100 RPM. Torque: 359 @ 2900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration:

  • (manual trans: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″;
  • (automatic trans: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.414″.

Carburetor: Rochester (manual transmission) 7028269, (automatic) 7028266.

Optional GTO 350 Horsepower V-8 – GTO: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″. Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7028263; (automatic transmission) 7028268.

Optional GTO 360 Horsepower HO V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5100 RPM. Torque: 438 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration:

  • (manual trans) Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
  • (automatic trans) Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift (intake) 0.410″; (exhaust) 0.413″.

Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7028275; (automatic) 7028268.

Optional GTO 366 Horsepower Ram Air V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 366 @ 5100 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration:

  • (manual trans) Intake 301°, Exhaust 313°, Overlap 76°, Lift (intake) 0.413″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
  • (auto trans) Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.

Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7028275; (automatic) 7028274.

Optional GTO 370 Horsepower Ram Air IV V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 400 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 370 @ 5500 RPM. Torque: 445 @ 3900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration:

  • (manual trans) Intake 301°, Exhaust 313°, Overlap 76°, Lift (intake) 0.413″; (exhaust) 0.413″.
  • (auto trans) Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift (intake) 0.414″; (exhaust) 0.413″.

Carburetor:  Rochester four-barrel (manual transmission) 7028275; (automatic) 7028274.

More detailed information on the 1969 I-6 and 350 and 400 CID V-8 engines may be found in the Library’s 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE, or use the navigation on this page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: All Tem­pest/GTO 2-door: 112 inches; All Tempest 4-door & wagons: 116 inches..
    • Overall length:  (Tempest Safaris) 211.0 inches; (Tempest 4-door passenger cars) 204.7 inches; (Tempest 2-door & GTO) 200.7 inches
    • Front track: All Tempests: 60 inches.
    • Rear track: All Tempests: 60 inches.
    • Standard tires Tem­pest: 7.75 x 14 mounted on 14 x 5J rim wheels I-6; V-8 14 x 6J
    • Optional tires Tempest: 8.25 x 14 mounted on 14 x 5J rim wheels V-8
    • Standard tires GTO: G70 x 14 Nylon cord tires mounted on 14 x 6JK rim wheels
    • Optional tires GTO: F70 x 14 rayon cord white wall

Accessories

    • Adjustable front and rear shocks ($42).
    • Carpets ($19).
    • Console ($51-68).
    • Cordova top ($84-95).
    • Cruise control ($53).
    • Custom air-conditioner ($360).
    • Dual horns ($4).
    • Front disc brakes ($63).
    • Gage cluster ($32).
    • Gage cluster, Rally with tachometer ($84).
    • Gage cluster, Rally($51).
    • Hood mounted tachometer ($63).
    • Passenger-side reclining bucket seat head restraint ($84).
    • Power brakes ($42).
    • Power seat, four-way ($70).
    • Power steering ($69). Driver-side four-way power bucket seat ($70).
    • Radio, AM/FM ($134).
    • Rally I wheels ($40-61).
    • Rally II wheels ($63-84).
    • Rally stripes on GTO ($11).
    • Rally stripes on Tempest ($13).
    • Safeguard speedometer ($16).
      Station wagon luggage carrier ($63).
    • Super lift shocks for Tempest/GTO ($42).
    • Tinted windows ($35).
    • Tinted windshield ($26).
    • Wire wheel discs ($53-74).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1968 Pontiac Mid Size

A Starlight Black
C Cameo Ivory
D Alpine Blue
E Aegena Blue
F Nordic Blue
G April Gold
I Autumn Bronze
K Meridian Turquoise
L Aleutian Blue
N Flambeau Burgundy
O Coronado Gold (N/A Fireird)
P Springmist Green
Q Verdoro Green
R Solar Red
T Primavera Beige
V Nightshade Green
Y Mayfair Maize

1968 Pontiac Mid-Size
Current Market Values

 

Power Train Options

    • Three-speed manual transmission standard.
    • 175 HP OHC I-6 engine standard
    • Two-speed automatic transmission optional on all Tempests
    • Three-speed automatic transmission optional on GTO
    • Four-speed manual transmission optional.
    • 215 HP OHC I-6 engine optional
    • 250 HP 350 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans lines for  cars without the GTO option.
    • 320 HP 350 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans lines for  cars without the GTO option.
    • 265 HP 400 CID “economy engine” optional
    • 350 HP 400 CID V-8 standard & exclusive to the GTO.
    • 360 HP 400 CID HO V-8 optional on the GTO.
    • 360 HP 400 CID Ram Air V-8 optional on the GTO.
    • Close-ratio 4-speed manual box optional on the GTO.

Powertrain Information

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

    • I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
    • V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1

  • Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
    • I-6 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 2.02:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.85:1
    • V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1
    • V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.22:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1

Automatic Transmission Ratios

    • Tempest: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 1.76:1
    • GTO: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

    • See Page 4 in the 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
    • See Page 17 in the 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

NOTE: For more powertrain information, access the 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1968 Pontiac  Deluxe Brochure

1968 Pontiac  Regular Brochure

1968 Pontiac Performance Brochure

1968 Pontiac Tempest Print Ads

1968 Pontiac GTO Print Ads

1968 Pontiac Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets

1968 Pontiac Tempest HO Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1968 Pontiac GTO Ram Air Road Test – Cars Magazine

1968 Pontiac GTO Ram Air Road Test – Car Life Magazine

1968 Pontiac GTO Ram Air Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine

1968 Pontiac Bobcat 428 GTO Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine

1968 Pontiac Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1968 Pontiac Mid-Size Line will appear below

1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible

When you wanted to be king of the mid-size Pontiac line, you bought a 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible. The proof was that it was the best selling Pontiac convertible other than the Firebird with 9,980 delivered!

1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe was still a sizzling seller, and we’re sure the new styling helped 77,704 GTO fanatics pony up and buy it!

1968 Pontiac LeMans Convertible

The 1968 Pontiac LeMans Convertible satisfied the buyers’ need for smart styling and excellent interior trim. 8,820 were delivered.

1968 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Hardtop

Of all Pontiac 4-doors, the 1968 Pontiac LeMans 4-door Hardtop was the most trimmed out and sleekest offering. As a result, 9,002 were sold.

1968 Pontiac LeMans Hardtop Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac LeMans Hardtop Coupe fit right in the Pontiac buyer’s wheelhouse. An astounding 110,306 were sold – outselling every other Pontiac model – regardless of size or price!

1968 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe was the least expensive car in the LeMans line. Overshadowed by the hardtop version, only 8,439 were produced.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible was the least expensive mid-size convertible Pontiac. It also sold the least of the convertibles offered at 3,518. People wanted pizazz in their convertible.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Hardtop

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Hardtop must have been a bit too plain for customers, as only 6,147 were produced.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Hardtop Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Hardtop Coupe was stylish and sporty though the least expensive of this style. It resonated with buyers as 40,574 were sold.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Sport Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Sport Coupe was trimmed out a bit more than the base version. Apparently that trim did not help sales as only 10,634 were delivered.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Sedan

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom 4-door Sedan was the mid-size more upscale sedan. It sold well at 17,304 delivered.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Sport Coupe

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Sport Coupe was the keast expensive mid-size Pontiac. Even so, 19,991 found buyers.

1968 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest 4-door Sedan was base transportation when compared to other 1968 Pontiac mid-size cars. Only 11,590 were delivered.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Station Wagon

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Custom Station Wagon was the least expensive and more utilitarian mid-size wagon. 8,253 were sold as a result.

1968 Pontiac Tempest Safari Wagon

The 1968 Pontiac Tempest Safari Wagon was the top-end mid-size wagon. Its steep price may have caused only 4,414 to be delivered.

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