No doubt the 350 was done as an insurance thing. I am surprised that being an Oshawa car it has the blue block Pontiac engine, but I suppose it may have been because of the 4-speed.
Cam, 1970 was the first year for theTempest/LeMans to be built in Oshawa and in fact offered in Canada. The decison was made for image and marketing to install only Pontiac V8's in that first year, 350 and 400, Even our lowly Tempest had a Pontiac engine. No 1970 Oshawa A Body cars will be found with a Chevy V8. From 1971 to 1977 the Chevy 350, 305 was used. Oshawa continued to install Pontiac engines in export model cars. Bill Markowski has such a 1973 model.
Ray, I agree about 1970 being the first year for the Oshawa-built Tempest/Lemans/GTO. I do recall however, back in the 1970s when an older friend's cousin picked up a 1-owner 1970 Lemans hardtop coupe. It was an Oshawa-built car wearing mid-year release Citrus Green (whatever Pontiac called it that year). It had an orange Chevy 350 2-barrel with a Pontiac 350 aircleaner decal, and it was also running a Powerglide. It had power steering & manual drum brakes, full wheel covers and an AM radio. It didn't stay stock for long under his ownership, but I remember when he got it. I distinctly remember looking at what was plainly a Chevy 350, obviously stock and unaltered since new, and seeing the Pontiac 350 aircleaner decal. That really jibes with the factory-installed equipment disclaimer.
Who knows for sure? I'm here to share and to learn with an open mind. That is the beauty of Canadianponcho. It is a forum to share these unique idiosyncrasies. Hey, I always thought all Luxury Lemans models 1972 through 1977 all came with fender skirts, but after you shared the photo of your dad's 1976 model I had to go back & pour over stuff. As it turns out, Pontiac stopped stating that the skirts were standard after 74 but continued to show them in 75. I don't have the 76 brochure but I do have the 72, 74, 75 & 77 brochures. The 77 brochure shows a Luxury Lemans with the skirts, and another without.
I guess I have presented my case. I will have to run it by the Jury
Nice segue back to the topic, eh?
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67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.
In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...
Cam, Toronto.
I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton
Our Oshawa Tempest was purchased from Hogan's stock in October 1969, 350 blue block PG. being a rubber floored, no option car with the exception of 70 series rubber it screamed. Car cost with taxes frieght etc..$2,935. I'd love to see a Chevy powered 70 Tempest, never have seen one yet.