No Reserve 1971 Pontiac Catalina 400
Determining its single strongest attribute is challenging when a classic the caliber of this 1971 Pontiac Catalina appears. It features stunning paint and panels and a healthy V8 under the hood. However, its spotless interior would be a contender for that honor. It appears to need nothing but a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Willoughby, Ohio. Bidding sits at $11,100 in a No Reserve auction that has generated plenty of interest.
It’s fascinating how some paint shades don’t age well while others still look modern and relevant decades after they first appear. Limekist Green falls into the second category, and it is the color gracing this Pontiac’s exterior. The seller confirms it is an older repaint in the original shade, estimating it was applied around seven or eight years ago. The lack of significant deterioration suggests the work was performed to a high standard because anything less would show its age by now. The shine is deep, and visual defects are virtually non-existent. The Black vinyl top is in as-new condition, while the underside shots confirm this Catalina is as solid as the day it left the factory. It features its original sheetmetal, with no indications of any prior repairs. The chrome and tinted glass shine as warmly as the paint, while the Cooper Cobra tires wrapped around the new 15″ Keystone wheels add an ideal finishing touch to the exterior.
“Stunning” would be the best word to describe this Catalina’s interior because there is little to criticize about its presentation or condition. The Dark Jade vinyl upholstery is virtually perfect, with no evidence of wear or other obvious defects. The seller is unsure whether the seatcovers are original or newer reproductions. The carpet exhibits some slight wear, while the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to the common issue of UV damage. A previous owner fitted an under-dash Pioneer CD player, which is probably a bonus since the factory radio is inoperative. The air conditioning has received upgrades, although the lack of a compressor drive belt suggests further attention may be required. Otherwise, everything functions as it should.
Pontiac produced some great V8s, and the 400ci powerplant occupying this Catalina’s engine bay is no exception. It should send 300hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes should guarantee an effortless driving experience. The Catalina tips the scales at 4,244 lbs, making its 17.3-second ¼-mile ET quite noteworthy for a car with luxury leanings. The engine bay doesn’t present at the same level as the rest of the vehicle, but that is its only weakness. It features a new heavy-duty aluminum radiator, while the dual exhaust imparts a wonderful bass note to that V8. The seller states it runs and drives as well as it did the day the original owner took delivery. They supply this YouTube video as supporting evidence, and I can’t hear anything but the sound of a healthy V8 that is as smooth as silk.
I’ve always viewed the demise of Pontiac as a sad day for the automotive industry. The company spent many years as the performance marque within the General Motors empire, producing some of the most iconic models to roll off an American production line. Sadly, future generations won’t experience the thrill of walking into a Pontiac dealership to admire the latest GTO, Trans Am, or cars like this 1971 Catalina. That makes preservation paramount, and the new owner receives a headstart with this classic. It has already attracted twenty bids, which is understandable considering its overall condition and presentation. Are you tempted to add your name to that list of interested potential buyers? I would hardly blame you if you did.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now9 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
I like this a lot. The Pep Boys exhaust is the biggest thing I don’t dig. Haven’t seen any Keystone rim in a while. Seems correct to the vibe. Color rocks.
Fifteen years ago, almost no one would’ve even wanted a car like this. Nostalgia is a powerful thing. These “regular” cars of the 70’s that aren’t pony cars, or super sports, or Judges, etc have really grown on me recently. I like this one a lot. Maybe it’s the green!
It’s definitely the green with the black vinyl. I’d almost forgotten how ubiquitous these were in their era. Someone is going to own a very nice practical conversation piece.
Very nice Cat 400. I would assume it’s a 4bbl carb. I remember turning over the top air filter cover on the GMs 😂 and love that sound! This is super clean and the seller is being very up front on the repairs and read that they can fix them for a price. I would not be surprised if this sells for $12,000 or more. Also love the 70s paint and Keystone wheels . It’s will be like jumping into the late 70s behind the wheel.😄 Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
A friend was encouraged by a mutual friend to flip the cover on his ’68 327 Impala on the way to see the Philadelphia Phillies play back in ’75. On I-95, speeding to the game my friend that was driving got on it to make the automatic transmission downshift abruptly (I’m cringing remembering what comes next). The car surged forward but then the engine backfired through the carburetor severely enough to destroy the air filter. The fuel line broke at the point where it attached to the carb. The fire was fed by the fuel pump (which didn’t know anything was wrong) that was still pumping fuel.
Both of my friends survived, thankfully. The owner/driver blamed the other guy for suggesting the impromptu modification but that was forgotten pretty quick.
I last saw this perfect black over gold beauty, or what was left of it, out in front of his home before the tow truck came to take the thing to its final resting place. “Here”, said my friend, “watch this”. He put his foot on the rear bumper and giving it a downward shove, the car bounced up and down several times. All of the oil had been cooked out of the shock absorbers. Sorriest sight I’d ever seen and I felt bad for my friend in his anguish.
This car has the 400 2bbl and it’s actually rated at 290hp.no 4bbl here unless you add one
Swap the Keystones for up sized Rally IIs or Honeycombs and cruise
Cool 😎 Catalina. 400ci w 400/lb/ft to a turbo 400 Hydra-matic 🙌
3.08 ring and pinion ⚙️ std from the Pontiac factory. 👍
The rear end has some Buick in it. Maybe it’s the way the photo shows it.
Well, they are close cousins.
Love it. The colour makes me think Hotwheels.
Very nice 👌
As a true Poncho fan, I give this Cat a thumbs up! I must say though, for me, nothing beats the early 70’s Grand Prix. Oh .. I would also take a boat tail Buick Riviera in a heartbeat.
What potential buyers need to know is this chassis, the 71-76 GM B/C Body, is one of the largest vehicles GM ever made, but easily one of the best driving. it was an early experiment in using the best components from each GM division (Buick brakes, Oldsmobile steering gear, etc..) and a new focus on serviceability and design (cockpit dashboard access, corrosion protection, etc..) to come up with an unusually nimble and capable “Big Car” platform. This is a great example of the breed and so far priced right.
What potential buyers need to know is this chassis, the 71-76 GM B/C Body, is one of the largest vehicles GM ever made, but easily one of the best driving. it was an early experiment in using the best components from each GM division (Buick brakes, Oldsmobile steering gear, etc..) and a new focus on serviceability and design (cockpit dashboard access, corrosion protection, etc..) to come up with an unusually nimble and capable “Big Car” platform. The thin pillar B body coupe roofline is just perfect IMO. This is a great example of the breed and so far priced right. The roofline
Hi, I had GM, mostly pontiac firebirds!! yes i had a 400! what a beast! 1st thing I noticed was the flipped over air cleaner!! I think everyone did that! the description said engine compartment not up to snuff!? looks proper to me! I should know…can’t tell if those valve covers are chrome! I’m a little concerned about the 400. I would like service details on it…water pump/timing chain. pontiac put a plastic (small gear) to limit noise! really needs the metal one! I noticed the difference in my 400! still have the Quartrajet carb?
I love Pontiacs, still have a 73 Grand Prix SJ, 455 sunroof car, but my favorite was my neighbor’s fiancé had a 69 Bonneville with a 428 and every option available including floor mounted factory 8 track, that was some fast big car, stump puller, smoke those bias ply tires for a city block
Ditch those tail pipes!