By 1961, the excesses of the late 1950s were mostly gone and U.S. car manufacturers were trimming fins and acres of chrome. Pontiac was five years into Bunkie Knudsen’s reign, and John DeLorean was making his presence felt as the horsepower wars heated up in earnest. Drivers like Fireball Roberts, Junior Johnson and David Pearson won 21 of 52 NASCAR races and the Super Duty 421-cid V-8s were the engines to beat.
Pontiac had success in the sales race, too, making its way to third place in 1961. The division had a dizzying lineup of 15 standard models, plus the new Tempest compact. Top seller for Pontiac in 1961 was the Catalina.
Like all big cars, the Catalina was downsized for 1961, and its base engine was the 215-hp, 389-cid V-8, but options ranged all the way to the 405-hp Super Duty 421-cid V-8. The top-selling body style was the $2,700 four-door sedan, though a variety of two-doors, station wagons, and convertibles were available.
The 1962 Pontiac's received a heavy facelift from the 1961 design with more rounded body contours and new rooflines on two-door hardtops featuring convertible-like bows. Catalina sedans and coupes got a 1-inch wheelbase increase, after spending 1961 on a 119-inch length shared with full-sized Chevys
Pontiac tidied up its styling for 1962, with a V-shaped twin grill, full length side-trim, and a multi-plane, convertible-look roof on hardtops.
For modern day enthusiasts, the 1961 to 1964 Pontiac Catalina is an excellent choice for a starter collectible. Their large production numbers mean parts are easily available, and plenty are available in a variety of conditions. Catalina's are sturdy, and their styling has worn well. High horsepower options are potent street machines and carry a price premium, but are worth seeking out.
This Very Nice Solid Southern Vehicle Has received A Complete Repaint A Years Back With Super Nice Clear Coat Paint.
Optioned With:
389 CID Pontiac With 2 Barrel Carburetor Code 17H
3 Speed Pontiac Roto-Hydramatic Automatic Transmission With Column Shift
Dual Exhaust With Chrome Tips
Factory Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Stock Factory AM Pushbutton Radio
Padded Dash
Added Temperature Gauge Installed Under Dash
Drivers Side Remote Mirror
Added Classic Dummy Spot Lights On Both Windshield Pillar Posts
After Market Fender Skirts
Rolling On Cragar Multi Spoke Chrome Wheels With Spinners And White Wall Radial Tires
Very Nice Two Tone Burgundy And White Vinyl Bench Interior
Front And Rear Seat Belts
Trunk Is Nicely Done With Deep Red Carpeting With Spare Wheel Cover
Spare And Jack
Worldwide Enclosed Transporting Available / Transporting Available
SOLD
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