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Pontiac Catalina 1965
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Pontiac Catalina 421 cubic inch V8, Tri-Power 1965

General description : If you’re wondering about the price on this spectacular 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 convertible, here’s the short version: 421 Tri-Power V8, 4-speed, factory A/C, power steering, power brakes, power antenna, skirts, 8-lug wheels, AM/FM radio with reverb, custom gauge cluster with tach, tilt column, console, Saf-T-Track rear end, it’s a factory triple black car, and it comes with a crystal clear build sheet. Any questions?

It appears that the original buyer of this car walked into Barton Pontiac in Ferguson, Missouri and ordered a triple black 1965 2+2 convertible and then proceeded to add every single available option. It’s $3200 car with nearly $2500 worth of options and the grand total of $5650.92 was about $100 more than a new 1965 Cadillac convertible. This was a guy who could have anything he wanted and he picked a nasty black 2+2 with big power and all the luxury they could fit inside. The guy who drives this car is definitely The Man.

There’s no question this car is legit, as we have the original build sheet as well as a reproduction window sticker and other paperwork. The car has a known history with three owners, including the second owner who bought it in 1984 and kept it in his private collection for nearly three decades. It has lived its life in the Midwest, starting in Missouri and moving to Iowa, and it was treated to a high-end restoration in the late 1980s. It still shows extremely well, having been retired to show-only use after that and we believe the 31,000 or so miles currently on the odometer are since the restoration was finished. It wears all its original sheetmetal, including quarters and floors, and there’s no evidence that it was ever hit, rusty, or wrecked, although the quality of the restoration surely could have erased all that. The black paint has a beautiful shine that just wouldn’t let any sub-standard workmanship hide, and we invite you to take a good, long look down the flanks of this car—you will not see a wave or a ripple anywhere. Yes, it has been driven so it’s not perfect, but it remains a show-stopping machine that stands out particularly well wherever Pontiac fans gather, because it is a very special car.

It is likely that the chrome was restored at the same time, although some of the more complicated parts like the tail panel and grille inserts are original and in remarkable condition—I don’t know that anyone could restore that kind of complicated part to such a high standard. Bumpers are excellent and the bright red ‘2+2’ and ‘421’ emblems really pop against the black paint. Up close, you’ll note that this car even carries correct T3 headlights, which are worth quite a bit all by themselves.

We believe most of the interior is original, which will tell you something about the easy life this car has led. The carpets are obviously new, but those seat covers have too much detail to be reproductions and the door panels are unique to the 2+2. The wood-rimmed wheel was an option and really works well in the all-black interior, and all 2+2s came with the rally gauges, although the tach was a whopping $53.80 option. The factory gauges are all fully operational except the clock, which wants to work and probably needs nothing more than some lubrication. The console was another option and carries yet another ‘421’ badge and the Hurst shifter for the Muncie M20 was standard equipment when you ordered the 4-speed. The radio works, the power antenna works, all the courtesy lights work, and the seat belts look like new even though they’re approaching their 55th birthday. There are aftermarket carpeted floor mats in the car, but the original black rubber mats, front and rear, are included with the car—take care of them! Factory A/C gave you that cool dash vent up top and the eyeball vents on the sides and while the system is complete, it is not charged because they did not want to convert it to R134a. The black power convertible top is in fantastic shape, showing only a little fading on the inside where it would be exposed to the sun in the down position, and it does come with a matching black boot. The trunk is correctly outfitted with reproduction mats, cardboard side panels, and a full-sized spare with jack assembly. And you will note it includes both the optional vacuum trunk release and the luggage utility light mounted on the inside of the deck lid.

The engine is the original WH-coded 421 cubic inch V8 with factory-installed Tri-Power, which was good for 356 horsepower (the HO 376 horsepower version was not available with factory A/C). It was rebuilt when the car was restored and still runs great with a huge whack of torque at any speed, making the massive Catalina feel more like a GTO than a luxury convertible. You will note that the engine bay is very correct, including the ultra-rare Tri-Power air cleaner with dual snorkels and chrome lid and the almost impossible-to-find firewall cover for the A/C components. In between, there’s a Pontiac Turquoise block, chrome valve covers (part of the 2+2 package), and a trio of Rochester 2-barrel carbs that are properly tuned. It starts easily, idles well, and definitely pulls this big ragtop around with authority. You will also see correct finishes, Tower hose clamps, and original-style hardware used throughout, not to mention yet another ‘421’ badge on the radiator shroud—yes, that’s how the factory did it. A new hood insulation pad was installed last year simply because the original was finally getting tired, and there’s just no question that this car has been cherished its entire life.

Underneath you’ll see signs of use, which, after 30,000 miles, isn’t surprising. Nothing major, just some road grime and some surface scale on the exhaust system, but that means the car can be driven instead of toted around in a trailer. This is a driver’s car, use it! The original Muncie 4-speed shifts crisply with good clutch action, and with 3.23 gears and a Saf-T-Track limited slip it’s a fantastic highway car with long legs. It really is the best of both worlds, because with all six barrels wide open, this is still a ferocious car that’ll leave two long streaks of black rubber on the pavement. The exhaust system probably dates to the late ‘80s as well—it’s not leaking or anything, but if you want an upgrade, maybe start there. Floors are completely solid, frame has never been bent, and the suspension has recent shocks so it feels right. 8-lug wheels have their own drums and they’re still quite effective, and the power steering is so light that you can wheel it around with a single finger—typical GM. Those 8-lug wheels are in beautiful condition and wear recent 235/75/14 whitewall radials that are similar enough to the original white-stripe tires and handle far better.

Documentation includes the aforementioned build sheet, a reproduction window sticker, magazine article, and more. There’s just no question this car is what it appears to be.

Cars like this don’t show up very often—they’re unicorns. They didn’t keep track of production, but PHS estimates that only 2500 1965 2+2 convertibles were built, but how many of these could Pontiac have possibly built? Two? Three? With great documentation, a still-beautiful restoration, and all the performance you remember, this is a special car that will still make its owner feel like The Man. Call today!

Harwood Motors welcomes and encourages personal or professional inspections of any vehicle prior to purchase.

http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1129

1965 Pontiac Catalina 421 cubic inch V8, Tri-Power is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $79900.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : Catalina Model Version : 421 cubic inch V8, Tri-Power Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1965 Sub type : Convertible Location : Ohio

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About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:

Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.
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