The Pontiac 2+2 was introduced in 1964 as a buckets-and-console package for the Catalina, but for 1965 it moved up to being the big brother of the GTO, replete with a big 421. But by 1967, it was clear that performance-minded buyers were more interested in smaller cars, and Pontiac decided to let the 2+2 die when the model year was over. A 1967 2+2 like this one on eBay is quite an uncommon find today.
The 1964 2+2 package was merely trim without a standard performance engine, but that would change in 1965 after the roaring success of the GTO. The base 421 was rated at 338 horsepower, with a Tri-Power 356-horse 421 and the 376-horse 421 HO as options. Fine performance plus a brand-new design with handsome styling helped sell 11,521 units. The story was similar for 1966, but sales started to slip to 6,382.
For 1967, the big Pontiacs were redesigned. The 2+2 returned as an option for the Catalina, but now with a new standard 428 rated at 360 horsepower backed by a three-speed manual. Optional was the 428 HO, which put out 376 horses – the highest-hp motor (on paper) in the Pontiac lineup. However, the public wasn’t buying, and only 1,768 had the 2+2 option.
This 1967 2+2 on eBay is one of the rare cars equipped with the 428 HO. Out of 261 HOs built on both the hardtop and convertible bodystyles, only 144 had the four-speed manual like this one. Other equipment on this red 2+2 are radio with rear-seat speaker, bumper guards, rear fender skirts, custom seat belts front and rear, gauges, wheel discs, power steering and brakes, heady-duty fan and clutch, tinted glass, ride and handling package, and Saf-T-Track limited slip differential. Car is in fair condition and needs a resto, but it’s the last of the big performance Pontiacs (although you could get the 428 HO for any Catalina, Executive, Bonneville, or Grand Prix through 1969). Currently it’s at $10,400 without having met reserve.
In Canada, Pontiac did things a little differently, being based on the Chevrolet chassis and using Chevy motors. The 2+2 remained the same as in 1964 − a bucket-and-console package. This car remained in production in Canada for another three years through 1970, with the top motor being a LS5 454.
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