455 V8! 1964 Pontiac Catalina
Throughout the 1960s, the Catalina was Pontiac’s entry level full-size car. But that didn’t mean it was a bare-bones model. The Catalina was nicely equipped, just not as decked out as the upscale Bonneville. And they could be had as pillared sedans, like the seller’s 2-door coupe. Located in Waterbury, Connecticut and sporting several performance upgrades, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the bidding has risen to $13,800, but the reserve has yet to be satisfied. A tip of the hat to local_sheriff for finding this tip for us!
One of Pontiac’s key design themes in the 1960s was the famous “Wide-Track” chassis that became the focus of much of their marketing. From an engineering perspective, it provided for a better handling car by moving the wheels farther away from the kingpins and spindles. For 1963-64 models, the front and rear track each spanned up to 64 inches, about four inches wider than Chevrolet’s full-size cars. Styling for those two model years was similar, with the ‘64s having a smoother execution in sheet metal than the year before.
Pontiac built more than 257,000 Catalina’s in 1964 and the seller’s car is one of nearly 12,500 2-door post sedans. The standard engine was a 389 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed manual, although most of the cars were likely built with an automatic since the automobile was largely a family car. This edition has a 455 V8 under the hood, likely lifted from a car built after 1969. It also has a TH-400 transmission, which could have been date-correct for the ’64 Pontiac, but perhaps it came with the 455. The seller describes the powerplant as being a “pump gas” edition with 6X heads and supported by headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system. With a 3:42 posi-traction rear end, this car was reconfigured to go fast. And note the Hurst logo on the trunk lid.
The body seems straight, and the silver-green looks nice but subtle. The seller says that the body mounts in the trunk were professionally repaired, which may suggest the car could have been in an accident at some point. The interior looks original, although I thought those bucket seats were reserved for the Catalina hardtop and convertible. The odometer reading is said to be 88,000 miles, but the car looks more like it has 8,800. Hagerty surprisingly isn’t optimistic on the resale value of a ’64 Catalina, suggesting that $20,000 is likely top dollar. With its performance upgrades, I would be surprised if it doesn’t change hands for less than that.
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Comments
Nice car but what does it have to be Hurst equipped?
Needs a 4 speed. Bogus.
need to change those cheesy valve covers and air cleaner too
Am I seeing double or are there two radios in the dash?
DavidH, I think one’s the radio and the other is the heater control. It’s a pretty 64 Catalina. In that color and with those wheels the 2 door post coupe looks good. And I have the same question as Jerry Z: Hurst Equipped?
Right side was the radio, left side was the heat, defrost, a/c control
Pontiac didn’t come out with a 455 till 1970, this car was born at its best with a 421, or most likely a 389
Wheels – Off. Original engine bay tin & period colour paint – On.
Nice cruiser with ample low end torque. Keep the theme going as a Friday night funmobile, or just leave it alone for someone else.