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As the least-expensive and lightest of Pontiac's full-size coupes and convertibles, the Catalina was the car of choice for performance enthusiasts. From lightweight body panels to Super Duty engines and other modifications, Pontiac's Catalina would firmly establish Pontiac's performance image for the 1960s. Both of Pontiac's Catalina and Ventura models saw downsizing for 1961. The wheelbase dropped from 122 inches to 119 and overall length decreased by four inches. The result was a 200 pound decrease in weight that greatly helped performance. Pontiac had also introduced its new 389 cubic-inch V-8 in 1959 and it would remain Pontiac's signature big-block engine through the 1960s. As was commonplace, the 389 V8 came in several forms; with just a single two barrel carb, it was rated at up to 267 horsepower, while with a single four barrel, it was rated at up to 333 ponies. If the right box was checked on the order sheet, Tri-Power carburetion brought the rating up another 15 to 348. There were even special "Super Duty" versions which, through engine modifications, increased power yet again by 15 to 363 horsepower.
Late in the model year, Pontiac even applied pieces of 389ci Super Duty hardware to about a dozen 421ci V-8s that were intended for dragstrip duty. Furthermore, Pontiac offered a wide range of performance modifications including aluminum front bumpers, radiators and body parts. Pontiac expanded the availability of its Super Duty modifications in order to meet new NHRA rule changes that required engines and body parts for the stock classes to be production options on retail vehicles. Therefore, the very limited Super Duty 421ci V-8 was officially listed as an expensive, limited option on full-size Pontiacs such as the Catalina. Fewer than 180 examples exited the production line for 1962. The famed 421 was officially rated at 405 horsepower, but true output was rumored to be around 460. Barely street-legal, these engines were truly race ready with four-bolt mains, forged connecting rods and crankshaft, solid lifters, and NASCAR-developed cylinder heads. Stock car racing versions used a single four barrel carb but street versions had twin Carter 500cfm four barrel carburetors and an aluminum intake manifold. Super Duty Catalinas also had free-flow cast-iron headers with easily-removable exhaust dumps that could be unbolted for even more power. Only three and four-speed manuals were offered; Pontiac's automatic was not yet up to the challenge of handling the power. Other Super Duty options included aluminum front-end body clip and a weight-cutting modified frame. These modifications saved 110 pounds. Pontiac would even fit aluminum exhaust manifolds to save 40 more pounds, but warned that they were only intended for quarter mile competition as they would melt if they were subject to more heat.
Believed to be one of the most original Super Duty Catalinas left in existence, this 1962 Catalina features 85 to 90 percent original paint throughout. The car's original owner purchased it new for a sleeper street racer in Los Angeles, not to drive to work. Featuring a full aluminum race package, the car is absent all conceivable options for weight conservation such as a radio or heater and furthermore sports bucket seats and aluminum front fenders to the same end. Never wrecked or rusted ever, this rare car represents an even rarer opportunity to acquire a real piece of production line ready for competition automotive history.
For further inquiries about this automobile click here
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Late in the model year, Pontiac even applied pieces of 389ci Super Duty hardware to about a dozen 421ci V-8s that were intended for dragstrip duty. Furthermore, Pontiac offered a wide range of performance modifications including aluminum front bumpers, radiators and body parts. Pontiac expanded the availability of its Super Duty modifications in order to meet new NHRA rule changes that required engines and body parts for the stock classes to be production options on retail vehicles. Therefore, the very limited Super Duty 421ci V-8 was officially listed as an expensive, limited option on full-size Pontiacs such as the Catalina. Fewer than 180 examples exited the production line for 1962. The famed 421 was officially rated at 405 horsepower, but true output was rumored to be around 460. Barely street-legal, these engines were truly race ready with four-bolt mains, forged connecting rods and crankshaft, solid lifters, and NASCAR-developed cylinder heads. Stock car racing versions used a single four barrel carb but street versions had twin Carter 500cfm four barrel carburetors and an aluminum intake manifold. Super Duty Catalinas also had free-flow cast-iron headers with easily-removable exhaust dumps that could be unbolted for even more power. Only three and four-speed manuals were offered; Pontiac's automatic was not yet up to the challenge of handling the power. Other Super Duty options included aluminum front-end body clip and a weight-cutting modified frame. These modifications saved 110 pounds. Pontiac would even fit aluminum exhaust manifolds to save 40 more pounds, but warned that they were only intended for quarter mile competition as they would melt if they were subject to more heat.
Believed to be one of the most original Super Duty Catalinas left in existence, this 1962 Catalina features 85 to 90 percent original paint throughout. The car's original owner purchased it new for a sleeper street racer in Los Angeles, not to drive to work. Featuring a full aluminum race package, the car is absent all conceivable options for weight conservation such as a radio or heater and furthermore sports bucket seats and aluminum front fenders to the same end. Never wrecked or rusted ever, this rare car represents an even rarer opportunity to acquire a real piece of production line ready for competition automotive history.
For further inquiries about this automobile click here
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