The Pontiac Catalina was originally the top trim level used on the 1950 Pontiac Chieftain hardtop. The Catalina name came from the practice of naming cars for beachside towns such as Bel Air, Ventura, Malibu, and Catalina. The moniker was later applied to the 1954 Pontiac Star Chief, Pontiac’s version of the Chevy Bel Air. These “hardtop convertible” corporate cousins shared pillarless styling, an airy, open feeling, and top-of-the-line appointments.
Pontiac dropped the Chieftain and Super Chief model names for the 1959 model year, replacing those with the Pontiac Catalina moniker. The Catalina was built on General Motors’ new B-body platform that combined the previous A- and B-Bodies. The new body had thin roof pillars, wraparound windshields, and lots of glass for better visibility. Pontiacs featured a split grille with mirrored horseshoe-shaped halves that contained horizontally-arranged dual headlights at the outer edges.
The Pontiac Catalina was the most modestly priced full-size Pontiac, but had a wide-ranging list of available amenities. Standard equipment included Morrokide vinyl and cloth or full Morrokide upholstery, cigar lighter, dual front ashtrays, and a glovebox snack bar (a couple of cup indents on the inside of the glovebox door that could hold drinks when open). Though rubber mat floor coverings were standard, the Catalina could be had with full carpeting. Other available options included a heater/defroster, glovebox and trunk lights, the “decor group” that got you chrome trim on your foot pedals, deluxe steering wheel, and full wheel covers.
The Pontiac Catalina was powered by the 389 cubic-inch V8 that made 215 horsepower and was backed by either a three-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Catalina differed from its GM corporate counterparts in that it had a five-inch wider chassis, pushing the wheels outward, improving not only appearance, but ride and handling. This gave birth to Pontiac’s “Wide Track” marketing that would be used for years after.
For the 1961 model year, the Pontiac Catalina would be completely restyled, with sharper lines and the Torque Box perimeter-style chassis that allowed for more interior room and better side-impact protection. Bodies were marginally smaller and lighter, the wheelbase was three inches shorter as was the overall length. Width was also reduced, coming in at two inches narrower. The roofline was more squared on sedans, while two-doors had slightly more rounded tops. Windshields were flatter than the previous year.
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina saw some significant styling changes, with some of the lines rounded and softened. Hardtops and sedans grew an inch in wheelbase. A sportier version of the Catalina called the Grand Prix was introduced to the lineup. Most of the engine options from the previous year were carried over.
Our feature 1962 is finished in shiny Starlight Black over a tri-color Morrokide interior. Chrome and stainless both gleam in the sunlight. Panel gaps appear fairly consistent. The tri-color interior is a show unto itself, with deep red, bright red, and white accented with the Pontiac “V.” Carpets appear recent, the dash is crisp with legible gauges, and the chrome tach is mounted on the steering column. The four-speed floor shift is topped with an H-pattern shift ball.
Comments
See .. you do not need a Tablet on Fascia … An Instrument Panel so is elegant, minimal and harmonic
Beautiful car inside and out. Not the cookie cutter modals offered today. I wish Pontiac were still in business.
I had 1964 Pontiac Catalina two door. White exterior with a copper colored interior. Boy, I miss that car. Very classy automobile.
I had a 62 grand prix bought in 1967 had it till 1979, wish I had it today.
It had the 348 hp 389 wide ratio 4 speed with a 3.23 rear gears.
Starlight black with black interior. Starlight black is an amazing color.
As gm called it magic mirror acrylic lacquer.
A bit inaccurate: “Catalina” was initially the pillarless hardtop coupe designation for Pontiac, just like its corporate siblings: Bel Air, Holiday, Riviera, Coupe de Ville. Most became model names, but you could get a Chieftain or a Star Chief as a Catalina. Yes, the Chieftain of ’58 gave way to the Catalina of ’59, but Super Chief gave way to the now-lower Star Chief, which was below the Bonneville.
Yep called it a bubble top. Had a 1960 2 Dr, 389 with 3 deuces vacuum advance. 3 on the tree. All factory.
I had a 62 and a 63 years ago. Two great cars. I always loved the multi-colored interiors Pontiac had in those days. The only thing is that I never found out how many Morroks they had to skin to do a complete interior.
I’m afraid it was open season on morroks and naugas in those days.
I had a black in and out 1964 Catalina 2+2 with the 8 lug wheels and Warner Gear T-10 4 speed transmission. My engine came with the Carter AFB carb to which I installed larger secondary fuel jets and made another “trick” modification, allowing the engine to run cooller under load, at higher RPM. Most beautiful car GM ever built, IMHA. Kept it for 20 years and rue the day I sold it.
I liked the whole car except the Mallery box on the fire wall of the doghouse. It kind of ruined the whole original look of the car. He should have hidden it in the glove box and just ran the wire out in a shuttle way.
I had 65 Catalina 2+2 convertible. Traded it in for a 69 grand prix with 428 engine. Both cars ran for over 150,000 miles. Best and fastest cars I ever owned. Those were the days!!!
Their well stated 1960’s motto was, ‘Pontiac Builds Excitement’…and they did it well.
Check out 1962 Pontiac Catalina Royal Bobcat on Google. One of a kind.
Yes, my grandfather was a big fan of what Royal Pontiac was doing in Royal Oak, Michigan. So was John DeLorean. They may be responsible for the existence of the GTO.
When as a senior in high school my dad would let me use his 1960 Bonneville coupe w/tri-power. Boy that heavy beast could lay rubber. Remember when he came in the kitchen and said he was selling it as he said he didn’t want get killed in that race car. The young guy who bought it wrapped it around a tree at 80+ mph. He died right there in that crumpled mess of that big Pontiac. My heart still melts when I see a 60 Pont.
Or… google… dennis koss Royal bobcat…
Enjoy
NEW post… google… dennis koss Royal bobcat…
Enjoy
😃🤩😏😎
WOW! B1TCHIN’!
PLEASE know that on some sites that feature my car, Google has accidentally placed an obituary of another person named Dennis Koss with my car pictures. 🤦♂️
I am NOT dead.
Thank you
Dennis Koss