Rust-Free Project: 1964 Pontiac Catalina
For most of its 30-plus year run, the Catalina was the entry-level, full-size Pontiac. But it was not a basic car in terms of its trim, somewhat akin to the Chevy Bel Air or Impala. The cars were redesigned for the 1961 to 1965 run, so the ‘64s were only minimally changed from the year before. The grille, headlights, and taillight treatments were updated and may or may not be considered an improvement. This ’64 Catalina 2-door hardtop is a running project that will require more effort than the seller wants to put into it, so it’s ready for the next adventurer to tackle. Located in Clifton, New Jersey, this Pontiac is available here on craigslist for $5,900.
We’re told this vehicle spent most of its life in California, so rust isn’t an issue. Its previous owner had it shipped to New Jersey where it’s been hanging out of late. It appears to be a driver with a rebuilt transmission that’s only seen 50 miles. These cars had a 389 cubic inch V8 as standard fare and this one has 134,000 miles, which might explain why it has low compression in one cylinder. Thus, a valve job is likely in this automobile’s more immediate future.
Of the 257,000 Catalinas that were built in 1964, this body style was the second-most popular next to the family sedan. Nearly 75,000 of these machines saw the light of day, yet when was the last time you saw one of them in person, regardless of the condition? It’s a well-equipped Pontiac with factory air conditioning and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller has put on a new set of tires.
The body needs new paint and the side moldings you don’t see are in a box (new pieces). But the interior may be in a worse shape. For example, the steering wheel looks as though bites were taken out of the plastic ring. The dash pad is cracked, and we suspect the upholstery is ready for the shop, too. The driver’s side door panel appears to be MIA. If you’re into these big mid-‘60s GM cars, does this project capture your interest?
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Comments
I have several gm a bodies and after riding in one of these (a 63), I really want one. Very comfortable cruisers with classic style and a touch of muscle car era allure
Nice, straight, a different color combo. Mostly an untouched original that is nicely optioned for a Catalina, and it is a two door. A big plus for someone soon.
Drivers door looks to be a different color on the inside and the color is off on the outside probably why the door panel is Mia. Was it replaced because of rust or an accident? Anybody’s guess. Needs engine work body work and paint plus a new interior but could be a cool cruiser
Wow,,, fairly harsh article for what looks like an honest, used-as-intended survivor.
Treat it tenderly, new owner. My Paw-Paw had a ‘63 4-door version and I remember it as a solid, reliable vehicle.
Who else loves the tail,end of the 64′, and loves the front of a 63 Cat. If I had the means. That’s what I’d do. How often have you seen a 66′ olds cutlass front end on a 67′.
Who else loves the tail,end of the 64′, and loves the front of a 63 Cat. If I had the means. That’s what I’d do. How often have you seen a 66′ olds cutlass front end on a 67′.
Good selling point about the transmission being rebuilt. PNDSLR suggests it may be the trouble prone Roto Hydramatic. Hopefully it shifts nice and doesn’t leak.
To be fair: I have a ’66 Pontiac with a 389 that I bought from the family of the OO. I had the engine rebuilt after ten years of driving it due to blow-back. Had to be bored out .040″ over due to the heavy wear in #8. Probably should be rebuilt anyway as the stamped rocker arms like to cut into the pedestal they’re bolted to.
Still a great car and these days, $5k and driveable, even with the work it needs, is fair. Factory A/C is a huge plus.
This would make a great cruiser with a Larry Watson style custom paint job.
If I didn’t know better I would think this is a car I owned. I had a 64 Pontiac, exact same color and indeed had the troublesome Roto Hydromatic. No matter what was done, we couldn’t get that transmission to work consistently.
I bought it for $200….it drank gasoline like rainwater going down a drain. But that was because I did not have the 389 motor in it and the only reason why I guess this isn’t one I owned. If I remember I had a 421 V-8 But as stated above, it rolled terrifically down the road. Great steering, trunk could hold whatever you wanted.
Unfortunately if stopped on the interstate in Richmond VA and I towed it to a transmission shop (my friend was a Ford transmission guy and we just could not figure that transmission out), and they said it would be $600 to try and repair it or $1000 to put another transmission in or they knew a guy who would give me $400 cash for it. I took the cash and never looked back.