Twenty years can be an eternity in the automotive world. History shows that not only can vehicle platforms rise and fall in that timeframe, but so can entire brands! This 1973 Pontiac Catalina has been sitting in this garage since the “Y2K bug” (remember that?) was still fresh in our minds. Apart from a heavy layer of dust, it doesn’t seem to have suffered unduly from spending more than two decades in isolation. The seller would like to see it out of the garage and headed to a new home, so they have listed it for sale here on Craigslist. The Pontiac is located in Great Falls, Montana, and the price for this slice of automotive magnificence is $5,200 OBO. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J, who again demonstrates the ability to spot some great classics for us.

Below the layer of dust, this Pontiac wears an attractive combination of Verdant Green and Cameo White. The paint condition is unclear, but the few spots without dust reveal some promise. It appears consistent, and it would be interesting to see how the entire car would respond to an old-fashioned wash and polish. The panels look straight, and there’s no visible rust. Those factors lead me to believe that getting the Catalina’s appearance acceptable may involve more time and physical effort than cash injections. Of course, if the new owner chooses a cosmetic refresh, who am I to argue? The passenger-side front bumper filler is beginning to crumble, so the rest may not be far behind. I had no problems locating replacements for around $60 each, but they will need paint to match the rest of the car. The remaining trim looks like it might be okay, but it is impossible to determine whether there are any glass problems.

The interior is a mystery, thanks to the aftermarket slipcovers. The owner supplies no information on the state of the seat upholstery, but what we see of components like the door trims gives some cause for optimism. There is no evidence of wear or UV damage, although we can’t say the same about the carpet. It is stained and worn, and the buyer would be wise to invest $220 in another carpet set. There is some minor damage to the lower dash on the driver’s side but no other evidence of physical problems. The original owner ordered the Catalina with air conditioning and a radio, and somebody has added an aftermarket cruise control. Otherwise, it appears as it was when it left the factory.

Catalina buyers in 1973 could equip their new purchase with one of several motors, and the one factor they had in common was that they were all V8s. The original owner of this car selected the 400ci version producing 185hp. The rest of the drivetrain is typical for a vehicle from this era with luxury leanings. Shifting duties fell to a three-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes took the physical effort out of the driving experience. At 4,413lbs, the Pontiac is a hefty beast. However, that V8 could still launch it through the ¼ mile in 17.9 seconds. That figure isn’t great, but we’ll shortly come to an idea that might slash a considerable amount from that time. The car doesn’t run or drive, and I suspect it hasn’t for at least twenty years. It will need more than a mechanical tickle to return to our roads, with perishable items and brakes among the components requiring careful examination to ensure that everyone remains safe and secure.

While it may not be classed as the most desirable classic to roll off a production line, this 1973 Pontiac Catalina offers a tempting option for potential buyers to consider. It is a large and roomy vehicle that would suit an enthusiast with a growing family. In its current guise, the buyer could return the car to a roadworthy state, and nobody would raise an eyebrow. However, that 400ci V8 under the hood is begging for the type of attention that would unlock its hidden potential. It would be a competent performer if the motor pumped out its original 185hp. If that’s the case, imagine how much better it could be with another 100hp or more available under the driver’s right foot. Achieving that feat would not be complicated or expensive, and if the new owner left its appearance largely stock, it could prove a sleeper that would set the opposition back on their heels. Are you tempted?