with a couple burnt valves. I was 16. Pulled and rebuilt the heads, got it all back together, got it started…just purred, smooth and quiet.

An hour later it was totaled.

If I may ask, what happened?
Accident?
Obviously, if you're still here, you survived.
Tempest's were one of the greatest Muscle Cars Pontiac built that's not really known for it's performance by those that really don't know that much about Classic Cars.
I hope you enjoyed it while you had it.

i enjoyed it greatly…for less than an hour.

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it for the short time you had it and I hope you rectified the tooth problem.

I will ask you. I have a 1990 Toyota celica. I start it up a couple of times a year but drive a 2011 civic. Is the celica a classic?

Here is a great article on the Celica....
https://www.hotcars.com/1990-toyota-celica-collectible-to-be/#:~:text=The%201990%20Toyota%20Celica%20kicked%20off%20a%20golden,it%20was%20supposed%20to%20compete%20with%20the%20Mustang.

I've watched numerous TV shows about the Toyota Celica and they are desired vehicles to purchase for their longevity and style.

I don't need it or drive it but would hate giving up that car

it's actually worth a lot of money and a fun vehicle to drive.

I don't have a vintage car myself, but there is nothing quite like the iconic appeal of the cars from the 50s and 60s. They had real character and uniqueness. You could easily tell the various makes at a glance. What an automotive era it was. Way back in the 60s, I did own a 1962 Ford Falcon and later a 1967 Chevy Impala. Great cars.
Best wishes and enjoy the ride!

Both excellent vehicles for their time.

was a great movie and, in this instance, was wholly accurate, but mine is a Fire Engine Red, obviously not the original color, but still beautiful.