There’s an art to properly restomodding a classic car. Striking that balance between modernity and old-school cool isn’t always easy, but this 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 pulls it off, as evidenced by the following feature video.
Coming to us from the folks at Roadster Shop, the video is a little under 14 minutes long, and covers all the main highlights of the build. Roadster Shop started with a completely stock vehicle, which was quickly retrofitted with a new chassis featuring modern independent suspension, specifically the shop’s Fast Track IFS/IRS platform. Now, this 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 is riding on single-adjustable Fox RSV 4.0 shocks at all four corners, while large 14-inch brakes from Baer haul it down.
Those modern handling components are definitely a necessity given what’s under the hood. Motivation is sourced from a new LS3 V8 built by Wegner Automotive, which is topped by an Edelbrock supercharger to produce an impressive 750 horsepower. Output reaches the rear wheels through a T56 six-speed manual transmission.
Despite the modern underpinnings and powerplant, this 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 keeps most of the original lines intact, and although it sits nice and low, it doesn’t really betray the impressive performance on tap. The body panels are covered in the original turquoise paint, while 8-lug style wheels machined by Greening Auto Company occupy the arches. Wheel sizing is set at 18 by 10 inches in front, and 19 by 12 inches in the rear.
The interior of this Pontiac Catalina is stunning as well, and now boasts a custom center console, billet pedals, and modern infotainment with Roadster Shop’s prototype interface screen. The gauges mix analog and digital readouts, while Vintage Air keeps it comfy. The slick upholstery treatment keeps the old-school feeling more or less intact, but maintains modern comfort levels as well.
Hosted by Roadster Shop co-owner Jeremy Gerber, the video includes shots of this Pontiac Catalina restomod out on the road, as well as pictures of the build in-progress. Check it out right here:
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Comments
Pontiacs s of mid-60s were the best combo of sporty and classy. Dang they were great looking.
miss those cars in streets… before we saw a car, wow… now, we see a car… which car ?
1. and what a beautiful green colour
2. and the nice chromes…
My father owned a maroon one in the early to mid 70s as a second car. The dash was really sharp with the triple pods. Pontiacs were general motor style kings during that era.
A person on my street had a maroon too. As kids when he drove by he would wave we would all stop and look at that beautiful car go by. Wish Pontiac were still around.
USS Catalina….a boat….with plenty of fantail ….Zaaa Rooom
USS Catalina….a boat….with plenty of fantail ….
Growing up, my father bought a 1966 Pontiac Star Chief, one size up from the Catalina. Same color as the one in the video. A beautiful car it was. Had the green interior as well. It had the 389 two barrel motor which was very fast for the size of car. As many say here, wish I had it today, instead I have a 1967 Pontiac Tempest Custom that my older brother bought new in ’67 with the 326 4 speed.
Outstanding Achievement on the U.S.S. Catalina the 5th commenter put it. Craftsmen like you and your team put the word Craftsmen back in of what you stand for and behind, it’s a shame you can’t find or hard to find people like you to locate that really takes the time to do that and take pride in what they do anymore. Keep up the amazing great job and work on what you do. Sincerely Yours Truly Ivan I J
Miss those times when we would see these on the streets every day. Those big old Cadillac’s, Pontiac’s, Oldsmobile and Buick’s. You could count on one hand the parts that were made of plastic. Man those were the days!