Vehicle Description
1963 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
About 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is
the southernmost island of California's Channel Islands. The Island
is made up of two towns, the incorporated city of Avalon on the
east end, and the unincorporated village Two Harbors on the west
end. The island is just 22 miles long and 8 miles across. Outside
of the two towns is a rugged wilderness of majestic beauty under
the stewardship of the Catalina Island Conservancy.
For consignment a survivor with original interior, a respray, new
top, original engine, and pure wide track, trophy V8, stacked
headlights will get you ogles and hints for rides excitement. At
least that is what the advertising said!
Exterior
Bathed in a 2012 respray of the Starlight Black specified for this
car in 1963, we see good paint, fairly straight steel slabs with no
rust, and wonderfully preserved trim and bumpers. From the dual
stacked headlights up front which flank a dual grille, we can start
to see the beginnings of the iconic Pontiac beak just in formation
stage. Front bumper emulates this design below and is in excellent
condition. On the long slab sides a bow to stern trim spear cuts
through the center of the car and maintains good alignment on the
panels throughout. On the bottom is a clean rocker trim and does a
nice job of highlighting the mid-section. A long hood and trunk are
on each end, and in back taillights float above a corresponding
bumper to make the edges look almost like pure chrome, save for the
3 red taillights imbedded. Another trim spear runs horizontally
across the trunk and sports Pontiac badging. A black convertible
top with a clear plastic window is attached and did lower but now
will not come back up. Steel wheels are topped with faux knockoff
14 inch wheel covers, and hubs emulate a hurricane icon to make the
car look like it is moving when actually standing still!
Interior
Simply beautifully preserved midcentury modern design with large
door panels that have a vinyl top panel that is vertically ribbed
and textured, a mid section that is smooth, and a lower section
that is a deep maroon smooth vinyl. To add some highlighting a
woven aluminum horizontal patterned panel zips through the center
of the door. Turning our attention to the seats, snazzy overstuffed
vinyl split bench in the front and bench in the rear, are both in
nice original condition, with slight patina and just some areas of
looseness, but mostly really great. This is seen in the coverings
as well with a red bolster area, and a central striping on the
seats and back 3/4's of white and deep maroon, white piping, and on
the backs the Pontiac arrowhead this time in winged form, and white
on each setback. Throw in some nice piping for the edges in red,
and we are cruising. Up front we see an original steering wheel
fronting an inset dash with a red shelf if you will, and lots of
chromed panels. A clean dash overall, with a few areas of paint
chipping on the ashtray. You have to love the glove box door
emulating the shelf in front of the passenger. Red carpet in good
condition floods the floors and may indeed be a replacement from
the original.
Drivetrain
Looking original but unverified as such, the 389ci V8 with its
valve covers that have patina and chipping paint, is topped with a
single 2-barrel carburetor and backed by a 3-speed Roto-Hydramatic
transmission. Mostly the engine bay appears as original in its
finishes.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and surface rust, with some areas on the very rear
of this car having invasive rust. Some of the invasive rust on the
frame appears to be structural and will need attending to keep the
car safe for years to come. Also noted is an exhaust system that
will need replacement as it is rusted out on the passenger's side.
Independent coil springs up front for the suspension, and 4 link
rear with coil springs make up the suspension. Power drum brakes
all around.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, we did not put it totally
through its paces due to the state of the exhaust system in need of
repair. As it ran smoothly, and took the corners well, we realized
it has new tires put on in 2018. Also noted above the top went down
but will not go back up at this time.
Overall fits the bill for survivor, with original interior and
engine appearance, exterior respray, and overall good condition.
Long and lean, this could be your wide track excitement right out
of 1963.
VIN Decode
363W26326
3-Catalina
63-1963
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
26326-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
03E-5th Week March Build
STYLE 63 2367-1963 Catalina Convertible
BODY BW-Wilmington Body #
TRIM 252-Maroon
PAINT AA-Starlight Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
