Introduced in 1950, the Pontiac Catalina was the top trim level for the Chieftain. The name came from the practice among auto manufacturers of naming cars for beach towns like Malibu, Ventura, and Bel Air.
The Pontiac Chieftain and Super Chief names were dropped in 1959, becoming the Pontiac Catalina. Built on GM’s new B-body platform, the new Catalina had a wraparound windshield framed by thin roof pillars, an open, airy greenhouse, and the split grille that would become the Pontiac hallmark.
The Pontiac Catalina was the entry-level full-size Pontiac, but came with a decent list of standard equipment, including full Morrokide or Morrokide with cloth insert upholstery, dual front ashtrays, cigar lighter, and a glovebox snack bar. Though the standard floor covering was rubber mat, full optional carpeting was available. Also on the options list was a heater/defroster, lights for the glovebox and trunk, and the Decor Group that included chrome pedal trim, deluxe steering wheel, and full wheel covers.
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina was completely restyled. The windshield was flatter. The bodywork had sharper lines and had been narrowed two inches, and the wheelbase was three inches shorter, making for a lighter car. Two-doors had a more rounded roof, while sedans received a more squared roofline. Despite the reduced exterior dimensions, the Torque Box perimeter chassis allowed for better interior room and superior side-impact protection.
Engine choices for the 1961 Pontiac Catalina were wide ranging. The standard mill was the 389 cubic-inch V8 fed by a two-barrel carburetor, making 215 horsepower. Transmission choice was either a three-speed manual or a Hydramatic automatic. Other engine configurations would produce 267, 303, 318, 333, 348 and even 363 horsepower depending on carburetion and compression ratios, although the 363 pony version was intended for competition use. A 421 Super Duty option was available toward the end of the year as a dealer-installed option.
Our feature 1961 Pontiac Catalina convertible has been updated with modern drivetrain, brakes, instrumentation, and custom touches. It is finished in deep Red Fire metallic paint with a Stay Fast black cloth power convertible top over an Oxblood leather interior. A custom steering wheel has been fitted, and the console is home to a chrome Hurst shifter topped by a white shift ball. Dakota Digital gauges have replaced the originals. The Catalina is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 backed by a six-speed manual transmission. New custom Curtis Speed wheels have the appearance of the eight-bolt originals, but with modern dimensions, and are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. Stopping duties are handled by Wilwood disc brakes.
This hot-rod 1961 Pontiac Catalina with cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Dallas, Texas event taking place September 20th through the 23rd.
Comments
I remember the Pontiac Catalina as a child. A friend had a blue model but it was a normal hardtop.
This is when cars had a life of there own. Beautiful luxurious sporty.
Very beautiful car, those were the days.
I’m not a “super fan” of restomod, mainly because I mostly think that good automaker design shouldn’t be “messed with”..that said this is well done! The seat design is outstanding.
The color; to die for! I’m so glad that Pontiac is still alive and well in the spirit and minds of
it’s super fans, myself included!!!
And….for whatever it’s worth, the 1962 Pontiac is the all time winner, especially GRAND PRIX.
On the seats:
I think I remember the brochure calling them, -and I may be wrong on the spelling here, Morrokide Bucket Seats. Anyway, back then, I thought that they were the best seats available in a production car.
When I was about 13, my B-I-L had a ’64 Catalina / 421 / 3 deuces / 4 spd / RED / 2 dr HT. That was one sweet ride. Thanks for reminding me of that car. Mark, 2500 Duramax.
My granny drove this car . Powder blue with white top and interior. Sure wish it was still in the family! To the store and church. I remember the mechanic would pick it up to wash, wax and service. Those were great day’s to live.
It reminds me of a long-ago time when manufacturers cared about styling – instead of just putting together a vehicle for transportation. Also, you could order whatever options you wanted to personalize your car ( seven different horsepower ratings !). Currently, if you want a particular option, it only comes in a package with 3 or 4 other “required” features that you don’t want.
Absolutely gorgeous example of Pontiac. Granted, not the original drivetrain but still, nicely done!
This car is absolutely beautiful to look at but I much prefer restoration to original (except maybe adding a dual master cylinder and some performance mods original to the period.) Driving an original takes you back to the day. Driving a restomod would soon begin to bore me. But a car as beautiful as the one above would probably end up being a trailer queen or cruise night only car anyway. I like to take my ’66 289 Mustang tri-power convertible out on the old highways and let her rip; lay some rubber once in a while and if I’m lucky, find a period Mopar or whatever for a quick stop-light street race just for fun !
My Dad was a Poncho man and he’d love this one. He had 2. The 4-door ’55 was mildly customized and the ’56 2-door had a Foyt-built 389, which was black with bronze body line fades, louvered hood, and custom pinstriping. He used this one for drags and street racing. This was in the 1960s.
The Catilina was introduced in 1950 has Pontiacs 2dr hardtop like Chevy’s Bel Air. Buick Olds and Cadillac in 1949 introduced the 2dr hardtop. Riviera, Holiday and, Coup DeVille.they where a body style. The 1961 Pontiac was a great looking car.