The 326 was used as the base model for the Pontiac Tempest. That was going to be the extent of the division’s uses for this engine.
For 1963 and 1964 production years that was the case.
But in the 1960’s GM had a rule that production A-body or intermediate-size car would carry no more than 330 cubic inches and none were to be sold. Pontiac had the idea that they would bring on the Tempest GTO would have the 389 as its base engine, but GM set the rules. So the best Pontiac could do was to offer the GTO with the base engine as the 326.
1964 Tempest GTO, Yes you'll find 'em with a 326
However, on the order form there was a check box to order the 389. This is how the 326 got in to one of the most famous iconic cars of the muscle car era.
1965 was the year and the 326 offered was with 250 and 285 hps in both automatic and manual transmissions.
That’s enough to make it a piece of historical automotive hardware. But there is one more noteworthy pair of shock towers this power plant was mounted between that was the 1967 Pontiac Firebird. Yup it powered up its second iconic car with a 250 hp version and a 285 hp version.
326 in a 1967 Firebird
67 F-bird
And that, fellow car crazies, was the short life of Pontiac’s 326.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
If you get a chance, read John DeLorean’s book “On a Clear Day you can see General Motors”. John describes the internal bureaucrat atmosphere that he had to deal with to build great cars. I think he also details the 330 CID rules you mentioned.
My barber has a bone stock 1968 Firebird with 326 and original houndsthooth seat covers that I would love to buy. Problem is the $19,000 asking price is a bit unreasonable to me.
Have a nice day, Bill