Vehicle Description
By 1974, the American horsepower wars were over. With oil and
insurance prices rising, along with the switch from gross to net
horsepower ratings, it seemed as if car guys would have nothing
left to love. But Pontiac didn't give up quite so easily, and
introduced a revised Catalina lineup in the early 1970s that was
not only stylish, but still packed 400 cubic inches and a ton of
luxury in a full-sized package. By the standards of the time,
performance was robust, and if period-perfect vintage style and
delicious '70s paint colors are your thing, this survivor-grade
1974 Pontiac Catalina's has really aged well.
This particular Catalina sedan is one of the better-preserved
examples we've seen and with a survivor presentation, it's loaded
with the '70s styling that got American families through gas
crises, the death of Elvis, and the respective administrations of
Dick Nixon and Jimbo Carter. If you're like me, you remember your
Dad espousing the benefits of 5MPH bumpers, torque-monster V8s, and
cavernous interiors that were featured on big family land yachts
from this era. From what we can tell, this Poncho is still wearing
its original Lakemist Green over some pretty straight factory
sheetmetal. Sure, the paint has definitely seen some better days
and it's every bit of a survivor, but if a little patina is what
you need in your life, then this sedan is just what the doctor
ordered. The 70s were all about earth tones and strange light
shades, and the Pontiac color palette featured on this car is
certainly of the times. With excellent proportions that recalled
the performance Pontiacs of the past, this Catalina still carried
the banner of full-sized luxury with a sporty edge. The
Mercedes-like split front grille continued to be a Pontiac
trademark, and although there's not a ton of chrome and brightwork
on this car, what's there shines just enough to provide nice
contrast to the light green finish.
The light green vinyl bench seat interior appears to be original,
again indicative of the car's easy life thanks to conscientious
ownership throughout the years. The seating surfaces are clean and
show no more than the expected wear, while the door panels and
headliner match up nicely. Original green carpets continue the
theme, and the faux woodgrain on the dash, door panels, and
steering wheel give the interior an air of sophistication.
Pontiac's wrap around dash was retained, with featured round gauges
in square housings, backed by a wood-grain applique that houses
most of the car's switches and controls. A matching 3-spoke
steering wheel mirrors the exterior with its combination of luxury
and sport, and although there aren't many options inside, the cabin
is a very comfortable place to be. The back seat area shows little
wear, while out back the spacious trunk features a newer plaid mat
and full size spare tire.
Pontiac was still building big block horsepower in 1974, and this
Catalina is equipped with the optional 400 cubic inch V8. While the
numbers changed with the switch to net horsepower ratings (the
factory rating in 1974 for a 400 V8 was 230HP), internally, it was
still the same engine. As a result, it makes good power and
impressive torque to move the big sedan in traditional Pontiac
fashion. It also idles smoothly and purrs along on the highway
without a lot of fussing and drives all the power accessories
effortlessly. Still dressed in the remnants of its original Pontiac
Turquoise paint, it certainly plays the part of a survivor but also
shows signs of maintenance and clean living. The transmission is a
TH400 3-speed automatic, which shifts almost imperceptibly at part
throttle, and nails the downshifts when you open the throttle
aggressively. The suspension has that floating ride that made
American luxury cars famous in the 1970s, and this car can be
guided with little more than your fingertips. Steel wheels adorned
with correct Pontiac hubcaps look great as always and wear
relatively recent 225/75/15 whitewall radials.
As a great starter collectible, this Catalina has a lot going for
it: handsome good looks, a roomy interior, and a big V8 under the
hood. Nicely preserved and completely stock, this is still a car
that gets second glances on the road and more than a few Pontiac
fans will have fond memories of similar vehicles in their past.
That's what collecting is all about, and when you're gliding down
the highway in this luxurious land yacht, you won't be thinking
about gas prices or horsepower, you'll just be grinning because the
car is so much fun to drive. Call today!
