In 1961, GM debuted the new bubbletop styling for their hardtops, and the cars were a major success. All the divisions got their own version, but finding a Pontiac Catalina like this is no easy task. Beautifully finished as a mild custom, this '61 Poncho packs a serious 455 cubic inch wallop, a gorgeous interior, and style that'll give you whiplash.

No corners were cut while this car was being refinished, either. The body was completely stripped to bare metal and the paint was built up from fresh, clean steel. Epoxy sealer and two-stage urethane ensure that it'll look good virtually forever, and the custom mix has a lovely subtle pearl effect that looks amazing in the sunlight. For a little contrast, the top was finished in a contrasting purple pearl that draws attention to the arresting design and makes this one stand out from the crowd as well. Look a little closer and you'll note that the 'Catalina' script in the side coves has been expertly airbrushed into place and framed by matching purple pinstripes to really emphasize the cool shapes. All the chrome has been recently (and expensively) re-plated, including the grille and both bumpers. The original taillights have been tinted, and all the original glass remains intact and in excellent condition.

Custom parchment vinyl does an awfully convincing impression of genuine leather, and the buckets are trimmed in a very Pontiac fashion. Matching pleated door panels were created at the same time, and contrast gray carpets give it a sophisticated look that's perfectly in line with the rest of the car. More contrast in the form of a purple dashboard, with white-faced instruments from Dolphin and a gorgeous steering wheel atop a tilt Ididit steering column. There's new wiring throughout and the owner left room to grow in terms of the stereo equipment, which has yet to be installed, but all the wiring is already in place. The trunk has been beautifully finished as well, with matching side panels and dark carpeting so you can actually use it as a trunk.

Power comes from a 455 cubic inch Pontiac big block that's been bored .060 over and now uses a mild hydraulic cam for easy driving-this car was designed to travel cross-country, not tear up the drag strip, although it's quite potent with all that displacement. An Edelbrock intake and carburetor build horsepower and you'll appreciate the simplicity of the mechanicals, which are powerful enough to make this car entertaining on the road. Long-tube headers dump into a dual exhaust system that sounds fantastic and terminates in polished stainless tips. The floors are clean, the TH400 3-speed automatic shifts properly, and the brakes do an excellent job of keeping it all under control. The finishing touch is a set of chrome Torque Thrusts wearing 225/60/17 performance radials that really stuff the Catalina's wheel wells.

This unusual and well-built Pontiac is an excellent foundation for an absolutely amazing custom, all for a bargain price. Call today!

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