Pontiac Catalina
History
1961-1967
Introduction: As the cheapest and lightest of Pontiac's fullsize coupes and
convertibles, the Catalina was the car of choice for fullsize performance enthusiasts.
From light-weight body panels to Super Duty engines and other modifications, the Pontiac
Catalina would firmly establish Pontiac's performance image.
1961 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Pontiac downsized its midrange Catalina and Ventura for 1961. Wheelbase
dropped from 122 inches to 119, and overall length decreased by four inches. The
result was a 200 pound weight loss which helped performance. Pontiac had introduced
its new 389 cid V8 in 1959, and it would remain Pontiac's signature engine through the
1960s. The 389 V8 came in several forms: with a single two barrel carb, it was rated
at up to 267 bhp. With a single four barrel, it was rated at up to 333 bhp and with
three two barrel cars (Tri Power), it was rated at 348 bhp. There were even special
"Super Duty" versions which increased its power to 363 bhp. Late in the model year,
Pontiac even applied 389 Super Duty hardware to about a dozen 421 cid V8s intended
for drag strip duty. Furthermore, Pontiac offered a wide range of performance
modifications including aluminum front bumpers, radiators, and body parts. A Borg
Warner four-speed manual was now a production item, as well as a dealer installed
Hurst three-speed manual.
Production:
Engines: 389 (2 bbl) V8 267 bhp. 389 (4 bbl) V8 333 bhp. 389 (3x2 bbl) V8 348 bhp @
4800 rpm, 430 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. SD 389 363 bhp.
Performance: 389/348: 0-60 in 8.2 seconds 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds @ 93 mph.
1962 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Pontiac expanded the availability of its Super Duty modifications in order
to meet new NHRA rules changes which required engines and body parts for the stock
classes to be production options on retail vehicles. Therefore, the very limited
Super Duty 421 was officially listed as an expensive, limited option on fullsize
Pontiacs. Fewer than 180 were built for 1962, with the majority installed in Catalinas,
although about 16 were installed in Pontiac's new personal luxury coupe, the Grand Prix.
The 1962 Super Duty 421 was officially rated at 405 bhp, but true output was rumored to
be around 460 bhp. Although street legal, these engines were truly race ready with
four-bolt mains, forged rods and crank, solid lifters, and NASCAR heads. Stock car
racing versions used a single four barrel carb but street versions had twin Carter
500 cfm four barrel carbs 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 couldn't handle 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.
Production:
Engines: 389 (2 bbl) V8 267 bhp. 389 (4 bbl) V8 333 bhp. 389 (3x2 bbl) V8 348 bhp.
SD 389 363 bhp. SD 421 405 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm.
Performance: 389/348: 0-60 in 8.2 seconds 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds @ 93 mph.
1963 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Pontiac fullsize performance reached its peak in 1963. All fullsize models
got new sheetmetal for 1963, including stacked headlights. Performance enthusiasts
once again turned to the Catalina, the lightest of the Pontiac fullsize coupes.
The standard engine was a 389 cid V8 with 283 bhp. Next up were two 421s with 10.75:1
compression ratios: a four barrel with 353 bhp and the Trophy 421 HO (High Output) which
sported triple Rochester two-barrel carburetors operated by a progressive throttle
linkage and was rated at 370 bhp. For serious drag strip use, buyers could specify
the Super Duty 421 which came in three states of tune which all benefited from an
increase in the compression ratio from 11.0:1 to 12.0:1 and an increase in the maximum
shift point from 5900 rpm to a screaming 6400 rpm. The mildest Super Duty 421, designed
for high speed use, used a single four barrel carb and was rated at 390 bhp. Next up
was the drag strip version which used a dual four barrel and was again underrated at
405 bhp. This engine came with aluminum exhaust manifolds standard and steel manifolds
optional. At the top was a second drag strip version with a dual four barrel carb
version and a 13.0:1 compression ratio which Pontiac timidly rated at 410 bhp. Only
88 of these engines were built for all models, and those Catalinas so powered could
turn sub 14 second quarter miles. But eager for more performance, Pontiac offered
a limited number of Super Stock lightweight Catalinas with the famous "Swiss Cheese"
frames (which had grapefruit sized holes drilled into the chassis rails), aluminum axle
centers, aluminum front panels and front and rear bumpers, plus numerous other
modifications. The net result was a 300 lb weight loss over regular Catalinas,
allowing quarter mile times in the low 12s at more than 116 mph. Unfortunately,
all of this performance was too much for General Motors and GM instituted a complete
ban on competition activity, forcing Pontiac to stop installing all Super Duty
components.
Production:
Engines: 389 V8 289 bhp. 421 HO V8 370 bhp. SD 421 390 bhp. SD 421 405 bhp.
SD 421 410 bhp.
Performance: SD 421/410: 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, 1/4 mile in 13.7 seconds @ 107 mph.
Super Stock lightweight SD 421/410: 1/4 mile in low 12s at more than 116 mph.
1964 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: The Catalina underwent a mild restyling for 1964 and Pontiac officially
created a new model, the Catalina 2+2, to carry the performance banner for fullsize
Pontiacs. Out of 257,768 Catalinas produced in 1964, only 7,998 (3%) carried the 2+2
option. The standard engine in the 2+2 was a 389 cid 283 bhp V8. The elimination of the
previous year's Super Duty engines and modifications left performance enthusiasts with
three 421 cid V8s available, rated at 320, 350, and 370 bhp.
Production: 7,998
Engines: 389 V8 283 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 418 ft-lb @ 2800 rpm. 421 V8 320 bhp @ 4400 rpm,
455 ft-lb @ 2800 rpm. 421 V8 350 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 454 ft-lb @ 3200 rpm. 421 V8 370 bhp
@ 5200 rpm, 460 ft-lb @ 3800 rpm.
Performance:
1965 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Catalina 2+2 sales increased 44% for 1965 as the model sported a new body
riding on a new, slightly longer chassis, with a 121 inch wheelbase. The 2+2 standard
engine was now the 421 V8 with a single four barrel carb rated at 338 bhp. Two other
421 engines were available, including a Tri-Power (3x2 bbl) version producing 356 bhp
and the 421 HO rated at 376 bhp. Standard features of the 2+2 included heavy-duty
springs and shock absorbers, a three-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter, dual
exhausts, and a performance axle ratio. There were also special interior and exterior
trim treatments, including bucket seats, seat belts, full carpeting, custom pinstriping,
and vertical louvers on the front fenders, all standard. A new Turbo Hydramatic
automatic transmission replaced the old Hydra-matic and improved performance. Car and
Driver tested a Catalina 2+2 and recorded a top speed of over 130 mph and a 0-60 time
of just 3.9 seconds.
Production: 11,519
Engines: 421 V8 338 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 459 ft-lb @ 2800 rpm. 421 V8 356 bhp @ 4800 rpm,
459 ft-lb @ 3200 rpm. 421 V8 376 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 461 ft-lb @ 3600 rpm.
Performance: 421/376: 0-60 in 3.9 sec
1966 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: Although still based on the Catalina, the 2+2 became its own unique model
for 1966. The few changes included a revised bucket seat design and a new two-stage
muffler/resonator type exhaust system. Standard equipment included low-restriction
exhausts, chromed air cleaner and valve covers, heavy-duty suspension, carpeting,
and bucket seats. Headrests, superlift air shocks, and a transistorized ignition
were optional. External identification included twin lens taillamps, 2+2 badges on
the deck lid and rear fenders, vertical air slots behind the doors and "Pontiac
421" plaques on the front fenders. The three 421 engines were carried over.
Production: 6,383
Engines: 421 V8 338 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 459 ft-lb @ 2800 rpm. 421 V8 356 bhp @ 4800 rpm,
459 ft-lb @ 3200 rpm. 421 V8 376 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 461 ft-lb @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
1967 Pontiac Catalina
Comments: After just one year, the 2+2 reverted back to an option package on the
Catalina. A new 428 cid V8 with 360 bhp was the standard engine, while performance
fans could choose the new Quadra-Power 428 V8 with 376 bhp. There was also a slight
restyling which included disappearing windshield wipers. Despite these changes,
sales were down dramaticly for 1967. This would be the last year for the 2+2 option
on the Catalina, although the 428 V8 would still be available on regular Catalinas.
Production: 1,768
Engines: 428 V8 360 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 472 ft-lb @ 3200 rpm. 428 V8 376 bhp @ 5100 rpm,
462 ft-lb @ 3400 rpm.
Performance:
