1964 Pontiac Catalina

Description

Everyone likes surprises, right? This 1964 Pontiac Catalina hardtop is definitely a surprise. With the GTOs and Bonnevilles getting all the attention, who would have suspected that a basic Catalina could be so awesome? It packs a rumbling 400, factory build sheet, a gorgeous two-tone interior, and has the right look for full-sized Pontiac muscle, all at a bargain price. Surprised?

Still wearing correct code CC Cameo Ivory, this gorgeous full-sized coupe has a brutal look to it, doesn't it? Maybe it's the legendary Super Duty DNA running through its fuel lines or something, but this car looks potent. Pontiac designers nailed the proportions, giving the big car a sporty attitude despite being notably bigger than its GTO sibling, which is no minor achievement. Crisp body lines and a minimum of add-on styling gimmicks certainly help, and today it shows off excellent fit and finish that's pretty much the way the factory did it. It has recently had all the chrome and emblems refinished, which adds genuine sparkle to the overall look. The grille remains in great shape, the glass is original and unmarked, and out back it sports a pair of bright, clear taillights that mirror the stacked headlights up front.

Except for the carpets, the interior is original and even after nearly 50 years it looks remarkable. Pontiac was big on two- or even tri-tone interiors, with this Catalina wearing upgraded Tempest interior trim. The original vinyl is in excellent condition with no notable splits or tears and cool Pontiac chevrons stitched into the seat backs. Matching door panels are almost too nice to be that old, and the dash has not been baked in the hot sun despite this car hailing from the warm, sunny south. Even the clear Lucite steering wheel looks great with only minor signs of age. All the instruments are bright and crisp, and if you look closely you'll discover that the high-beam indicator is a Chief Pontiac head in profile. This car also carries factory A/C, although it's not currently hooked up, and an original AM radio in the dash. Power steering and brakes make this one a breeze to drive, and the trunk is upholstered in brown carpet and carries a full-sized spare.

The 400 under the hood shows a lot of recent work on the top end, and still purrs using an original-style 2-barrel carburetor. While it seems odd to keep just a 2-barrel on 400 cubic inches, it also means that this car hasn't been raced or abused, and with big block torque, it cruises effortlessly at just about any speed. The list of new equipment is extensive, including brakes, ignition, and exhaust, which is a single setup with a Flowmaster muffler, so it has a bit of attitude but doesn't go overboard. A TH400 3-speed automatic drives the original full-size rear end, so it's ready for horsepower upgrades if that's where you want to go with it. It's quite solid, too, so you should have no fears about dipping into the torque reserves any time you'd like. And with classic Torque Thrust wheels and fresh Pirelli radials, it has an absolutely perfect stance.

So are you surprised by how much you like this car? Don't be, because it really is as awesome as it looks. Call today!