Say what you want about the Catalina, but there’s a good reason it helped Pontiac bring several other models to be. The Catalina eventually became the number-one model in Pontiac’s lineup, remaining in production until 1981.
1964 marked the final year of a generation, but despite Pontiac already giving the finishing touches to a completely new series, this year’s release still sold like hotcakes.
The 1964 Catalina was the most successful contraption in the entire generation, with sales exceeding 257,000 units. The generation started slowly, with only a little over 113,000 units shipped to customers in 1961, followed by a major increase to more than 204,000 units a year later.
It’s why the Catalina remains a desirable nameplate today, with collectors willing to pay big bucks for an all-original, unrestored, and unmolested example.
The 1964 Catalina that landed on eBay earlier this week flexes this package, though it’ll require a complete restoration before stepping into someone’s garage.
I’ll let the photos speak for themselves when it comes to this car’s condition, but I’ll still highlight the main tidbits. The car has 73K miles on the clock and still flexes the original 389 four-barrel unit under the hood. It starts and runs correctly, and the Catalina sells with original documents, including the owner’s manual, the Protect-O-Plate, and the window sticker. It comes in good shape, and the only part missing is the center console.
The owner says they have already replaced several parts, including the gas tank, the shocks, the brakes, and the coil springs.
The good news for anyone planning a restoration is that the package also includes two more Pontiacs they can use for parts. One of the two Pontiacs is an incomplete 1964 Catalina hardtop. The second is a 1964 Bonneville, this time “mostly complete” and flexing a 389 V8 that is no longer running. The engine is fitted with a four-barrel carburetor and paired with an automatic transmission. The car rolled off the assembly lines with air conditioning, power windows, and other options, so it can serve as a good donor for turning the Catalina into a perfect 10.
The bidding for this otherwise unrestored and original Catalina is underway, with the top offer currently at $4,000. However, seller carissakevin also configured a reserve, and considering its value is unknown, bidders will have to send higher offers to unlock it.
For now, the Catalina looks like it’ll stay where it is for a little longer, as the car didn’t receive the attention the owner probably expected. The auction will expire in six days, and the chances are it’ll still get a few more bids next week.
Meanwhile, there’s still enough time to arrange an in-person inspection. You can find the car in Lodi, California.