1962 Pontiac Catalina

Description

Nobody else nailed the elusive blend of performance and sophistication like Pontiac in the 1960s. This 1962 Catalina is as chiseled and sleek as a perfectly tailored suit, but with its original 389 under the hood it has the heart of a muscle car.

Refinished in its original code L Garnet Mist Metallic, this stunning coupe doesn't need chrome and a convertible top to stop traffic wherever it goes. The look is familiar Pontiac in 1962 and there are definitely hints of the GTO to come in the front end. In back, the cool curved taillights are surrounded by plenty of chrome trim, and there was probably no better way to arrive in 1962. There's a lot of sheetmetal all in above-average condition and the gaps are quite good, which is especially critical thanks to that arrow-like side trim. Perfectly proportioned and with no line out of place, this is the look of upscale performance. Wrapped in Garnet Mist paint, it definitely looks expensive and fast. Look at the crispness of the lines, the depth of the finish, and the fit of the doors, hood, and trunk. Impressive, no?

Inside this Catalina is fitted with Pontiac's tri-tone "Morrokide" upholstery, which isn't its original combination but you can't argue that it doesn't look awesome. The dash is a piece of '60s modern art, with a lovely combination of chrome, brushed stainless, and vinyl that is as cool as a vintage Rolex. The seats have been correctly fitted with unique seat covers and new foam underneath makes them firm and supportive. Look closely and you'll dig the detailing. For example, the high-beam indicator is the famous Pontiac indian mascot, the slender shifter and matching turn signal stalk are minimalist yet ornate, and the original AM radio remains in the dash. Color-matched floor mats protect the plush carpets and the trunk is correctly finished with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare with cover.

Power comes from the original, matching-numbers 389 cubic inch V8, which was Pontiac's top performer and would become the foundation of the GTO just a few years later. With big horsepower and plenty of torque, this middleweight coupe moves like a bantam yet hits like a heavyweight. The engine is properly dressed in Pontiac Turquoise paint, and there wasn't much flash this year, apparently they were waiting for the GTO to start adding chrome under the hood. Although not perfect, the paint has a nice shine, and turns heads everywhere it goes. This Cat also has a lot of goodies, including power steering, power brakes and a new 3-speed automatic transmission called the "Roto-HydraMatic." Underneath, it's solid with original floors, has a recent dual exhaust system that sounds great, and recent 225/70/14 Cooper whitewall radials.

Fans of early Pontiac muscle, don't miss this opportunity! There hasn't been this much cool on wheels since Sinatra's last tour. Call today!