41k Original Miles: 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon
We’ve recently seen a few nice seven-seat Station Wagons at Barn Finds, and this 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari continues that theme. The seller admits it isn’t perfect, but it is a dry-climate survivor that has avoided the rust problems that sometimes plague these vehicles. The seller recently performed substantial maintenance, making it a turnkey proposition. It has a claimed 41,000 original miles on the clock, and with No Reserve in play, a new home awaits this Safari in a few days.
Pontiac utilized the Catalina badge as a trim level for various models during the 1950s before granting it standalone model status in 1959. The new model only graced showroom floors for two years, with our feature Catalina Safari rolling off the line during the second of those. The first owner ordered it in classy Mahogany, and the seller describes the paint as “a 20-footer.” That indicates a close inspection will reveal flaws and defects. However, if nobody ever restored or repaired this gem, its presentation is acceptable for a survivor-grade Wagon. The panels are straight, while the tight and consistent gaps suggest no structural problems. This Catalina emerged when manufacturers continued to struggle with rust prevention strategies, but with this Wagon spending most of its life in sunny California, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The chrome and tinted glass are excellent, and the wide whitewalls add a classy finishing touch.
Pontiac enlarged the capacity of its existing V8 motor in 1959, and the 389ci version remained a staple of its range throughout most of the 1960s. This Catalina features that motor, which sends 283hp and 413 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed Hydramatic transmission. The first owner’s decision to equip the Wagon with power assistance for the steering and brakes means the driver doesn’t receive a workout behind the wheel. The first thing I noticed when I opened the listing is that the seller hasn’t gone ballistic with detailing spray. However, basic cleaning would improve the engine bay presentation for a few dollars. Recently completed maintenance tasks include fitting a new aluminum radiator, new suspension components, tires, and transmission work. They claim the Safari has a genuine 41,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. The overall condition makes the claim plausible, but there is nothing like having the documentation in hand that removes lingering doubts. The Pontiac runs and drives well, and interested parties can consider it a turnkey proposition.
The seller uses the word “beautiful” to describe this Catalina’s interior, and while I probably wouldn’t go that far, it is exceptionally tidy for a survivor of this vintage. The two-tone Brown and Gold vinyl trim is free from significant wear or signs of abuse. The dash looks great, and the bright trim adds a classy touch that subtly contrasts the Gold paint. There is no carpet wear and no significant issues with the wheel. The new owner doesn’t score luxury items beyond the factory pushbutton radio, although the third-row seating will attract enthusiasts with growing families. The seller confirms that almost everything works as it should. However, the wiper motor failed during the past few days. Rebuilds are relatively straightforward and inexpensive, and most auto electricians could perform that task in a few hours.
This 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari is a fantastic survivor, but it hasn’t generated the interest typically seen with classic Station Wagons since the seller listed it here on eBay in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. It has attracted a solitary bid of $20,000, and the No Reserve factor means that person could effortlessly become its new owner. That figure is in the ballpark, although there is time remaining on the auction for it to climb further. What do you feel would be a fair price for this Pontiac? Would you consider dropping a bid if the action doesn’t intensify during the closing hours? I won’t blame you if you do.
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Comments
My favorite year for a Pontiac, just wish it had a/c.
Awesome! WIDE-TRACKIN’,,,was the theme. The hand drawn ads always exaggerated the wide stance. If you were a kid growing up in the early 60s, in Suburbia, USA, one of the kids you hung around with, their parents had a Poncho wagon. They weren’t business owners, just had a good job, and a house full of kids. I watch these 60s vintage drag racing films, and a Pontiac wagon was the push car of choice. This car did it all, from rides to the dentist or Robert Hall for clothes, to that weekend cottage project, with 10 sheets of plywood. A trailer hitch was mandatory. The aluminum radiator a nice touch, as most vehicle trouble back then was overheating. If cars like this could talk, they’d without question have some interesting stories to tell. America,,right here.
Beautiful Pontiac! Would make an excellent companion piece to my 60 Olds Dynamic 88 4dr sedan. I agree with Howard- the aluminum radiator really adds to the reliability- for me, it’s one electric fuel pump away from excellent daily driver…. Wish it was closer!
Wow! This one ticks a lot of boxes for me. Looking for a unique wagon to haul gear to acoustic duo guitar gigs and be a conversation piece at the same time. Love me a bench seat to pull my sweetie close on cruise night, and a not so common classic. One naive question though, What exactly would pass for verifying documentation of mileage? I’m thinking a lifelong record of service or something, but couldn’t that be faked as easily as an odometer reading? Please enlighten a novice on this. Thanks in advance to anyone who might reach out on this topic. P.S. Love this site and community!!!
Past oil change records, Dealer repair invoices ,oil change records from gas stations, annual state vehicle inspections, etc. all help put together the history of the vehicle… it’s very evident if they are original and with the mileage logged on them, makes it accurate….it’s always a huge bonus if the past owners have kept a history file on the vehicle.. Decoding the factory VIN
number and build tag -along with service history, gets you pretty close to the vehicle!
If the interior is OEM material and relatively unworn, it tells you a lot. I also look at brake and accelerator pedals for wear. A car with more mileage will have a distinctly worn place on the lower RH side of the brake pedal, assuming it is original. Steering wheel paint will often be wearing through. Sometimes a car over 100K miles will have odometer digits that are uneven with each other.
my wife and I dated in a wide track Poncho, were five foot five and seven, we fit on those wide seats with inch’s to spare, great drive in car!
It’s wagon day at BF. Here’s another beauty. What’s not to like about a full size three seat station wagon?
ONE BID? $20K? Home cooking. Shame on the seller.
problem with older cars the speedometer only went to 100000than went back to 0
Why doesn’t the side molding on the left rear door line up with the other pieces?
Not impossible that the trim came that way from birth.
I don’t remember ever seeing one of these before, perhaps because it was made when I was 10, but this is one fine looking car. I love it, and if I had the money I’d be the next bidder.
In addition to the radiator and modified hose coupling, I see an alternator was added.
Engine compartment/engine condition, and driver’s seat stretch marks, maybe a well-kept 141K miles?
The doctor who spanked me into this world drove a `60Catalina wagon in maroon with a white top. He had that hauler clear up to about 1972! when not in the Dr. office he owned a snack shop at a popular lake here, and gave me rides home in it once in awhile. His had A/C, thankfully; Nebraska summers are scorchers!
Awesome interior and dash board. The wagon part of the body doesn’t look the slightest bit like a last minute add on (sarcasm)