Catalina started its adventure in the automotive industry as a stand-alone series in 1959. The first generation remained in production for just two years, and Pontiac produced close to 442,500 units before rolling out a refreshed model. Customers could order the original Catalina with a single engine option – the 389 (6.4-liter) Tempest V8 available as standard with 235 horsepower.
Pontiac knew buyers might be looking for more power, so the 389 joined the Catalina lineup with multiple variations, including a four-speed Hydramatic transmission that increased the power rating to 280 horsepower. The icing on the cake on the 1960 Catalina was the Tri-Power configuration producing 345 horsepower.
The original 389 is still in the Catalina you see in these photos, but unfortunately, I can’t provide you with any good news regarding what’s under the hood. The engine is already stuck, and if you look at the pictures closely, you can probably figure out why quite quickly.
This Catalina has been sitting for a very long time, and right now, it’s sleeping in what looks to be a junkyard next to other abandoned classics. Garage Backyard Classics (username backyardclassicstrf on eBay) hopes to find a new owner for the car, though it’ll undoubtedly be difficult to convince someone to begin a complete restoration project.
The vehicle exhibits a very rough shape, as the long tenure on the side of the road has produced massive damage in every area. While the garage doesn’t provide too many details on this front, I’m confident the undersides and the trunk are full of rust, as the car looks like it’s been sitting under the clear sky for many years.
The body also has typical rust problems, but it doesn’t look as bad as expected. A closer inspection would help a buyer determine its current condition more accurately.The interior is dusty, dirty, and moldy, but everything appears there.
It’s hard to tell precisely if the car continues to be complete, but it doesn’t look like this Catalina served as a donor for another project. I believe the vehicle has been ignored for years, so it survived without losing any parts to another Pontiac. Saving this Catalina isn’t for the faint of heart, and I believe the car has a bigger chance of becoming a donor, mainly because of the seized engine.