The first generation of Pontiac Tempest was introduced for the 1961 model year. Created to give Pontiac a compact model, the Tempest was offered with inline four and V8 engines, as well as in a variety of body styles. The Tempest was offered in LeMans trim, which was the top of line trim level offered by Pontiac, and eventually, in 1963, the LeMans became its own model. The first generation Tempest was in production until 1963 and was replaced by the Second Generation Pontiac Tempest.