Rebuilt Original 421: 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Sports Coupe
This 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Sports Coupe is a tidy and solid survivor ideal for an enthusiast seeking a driver-grade classic. However, lifting its presentation to a higher level would be straightforward, and the seller has given the new owner a starting point by rebuilding its original V8. With no apparent urgent needs, it could be driven and enjoyed immediately while its new owner assesses whether they wish to perform a restoration. The 2+2 is listed here on Craigslist in Hillsboro, Oregon. The seller set their price at $27,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
The Catalina name first appeared as a Pontiac trim option from 1950 until 1958 before achieving standalone status in 1959. The Second Generation Catalina hit showroom floors between 1960 and 1964, with the 2+2 joining the range in 1964. Our feature car is a first-year 2+2 that was ordered in Cameo Ivory. The seller acknowledges it wears an older repaint, but it still presents well for those seeking a driver-grade classic. Close-up shots reveal minor chips and marks, although the paint retains a healthy shine. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence or mention of rust issues. The chrome and trim look excellent for their age, and the glass is crystal clear. The 2+2 rolls on a set of 8-lugs, which I consider the best-looking wheels to grace almost any production car from the 1960s.
Buyers could order a new 1964 Catalina 2+2 with the company’s iconic 389ci V8 under the hood. However, this car’s original owner selected a 421ci V8. They teamed this with a three-speed automatic transmission that sends 320hp and 455 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. The Catalina was Pontiac’s full-size model in 1964, making the curb weight of 3,950 lbs average for vehicles within that sector. However, the ¼-mile ET of 16.2 seconds remains pretty impressive. This 2+2 should still deliver that figure, although better tire technology may see slight performance gains. The power will undoubtedly be available because the numbers-matching V8 and transmission have only clocked around 2,000 miles since receiving a rebuild. That makes the engine bay presentation surprising because it is dustier and dirtier than I would typically expect in these circumstances. The brakes are new, as are the tires. The seller doesn’t provide specific information about how it runs or drives, but it would be fair to assume it is a turnkey proposition. Those who value paperwork will welcome the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, and PHS documentation.
The seller doesn’t paint this Pontiac’s interior as something it isn’t. The condition is serviceable and presentable, but apart from new carpet, it shows its age. There are no horrendous problems, but someone considering a cosmetic refresh may also contemplate an interior retrim. However, with no significant tears or other issues, they could take their time sourcing the required parts. That approach could unearth a few bargains, and any pennies saved on a project build are invariably welcome. The 2+2 features a console-mounted factory vacuum gauge, with a genuine Pontiac tachometer mounted to the wheel’s left.
Pontiac struck a chord with the 1964 Catalina, selling 257,768 cars across all variants. However, only 7,998 buyers went the extra yard by ordering a 2+2. That represents 3% of total production, making these classics relatively rare. The 1964 Catalina 2+2 has been a star performer in 2023, with values climbing by over 10% across the board. The seller’s price is consistent with recent sales results and could be viewed as conservative, considering its originality and recent mechanical work. I believe it will find a new home, and interested parties may need to act fast if they wish to take it home.
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Comments
Talk about a sweet and swift turnpike cruiser 🏁
Love that shade of white and the convertible look hardtop. Everything was looking good until that shot of the trunk floor. Yeesh, how does that happen? No apparent holes but…..
Fox, that’s not rust in the trunk, it’s a rubber or vinyl mat to protect the trunk floor. It took me by surprise too until I enlarged the pic. I love this car as I had a friend who had one of these when new. Same engine but four speed and different color. Question for you guys: what does the 2+2 option get you. I assumed that it meant bucket seats front and rear, but this car has a bench seat in the rear. It’s rare to find one this original, I suspect it will sell quickly.
I still have my white ’64 Bonneville Sport Coupe that I drove in High School. White on white, with the 389. Smooth ride.
Love the original, matching-numbers 421 drivetrain and the documentation, hate that Pep Boys accordion radiator hose and the ill-fitting trunk lid. Looks like a tidy driver that’s reasonably priced, especially given that most of these didn’t have a 421 of any kind.
Very very nice but probably about 7-10k too expensive.