Vehicle Description
1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible
It was an impressive run for Pontiac, a company that helped launch
the Muscle car Era. The Pontiac 2 plus 2 model was a performance
upgrade option to the full-size Catalina for 1964 and 1965, a
stand-alone model for 1966 and again, an option to the 1967
Catalina. Unfortunately, due to lackluster sales, 1967 was the last
year it would be available. Production numbers for the 2 plus 2
were small, (less than 3 percent of total production for 1964), in
comparison to Pontiac's total unit production. But the muscle car
and Pontiac's dominance within this genre was cemented into
place.
For consignment, this 1966 Pontiac Catalina comes to us as an older
restoration with nice paint, a newer power top, 8 lug wheels and
all the right boxes checked along with a little add on under the
hood to up the pony count. It is fully documented with its build
sheet, Protecto-Plate and is a great driver. This car has a 421ci
V8 with a 3-2-barrel carbs and a newer fuel tank, all working to
help haul you down the road...and those stackedheadlights will get
you ogles and hints for rides excitement. At least that is what the
advertising said!
Exterior
With the dual vertical stacked headlights on each front corner
leading the way we see a nice shiny bumper below cradling the
lights and stretching across the front of the car just below the
split grille. A body matching beak divides the grille with its
deeply inset black egg crate design and shiny trimmings. Large
steel slab sides which are very nicely aligned and bathed in an
older respray of the correct Barrier Blue and is looking good
holding its luster and color. On either side, leading the way on
both fenders are 421 call out badging with the obligatory checkered
flag and midway through the sides are nice chrome trimmed faux
gills and a 2+2 badge bringing up the end of the long rear quarter
panels just ahead of the wrap-around bumper. Shiny trimmings
surround all the glass, and the passenger compartment is now
covered with a newer white powercanvas convertible top with a glass
rear window. On the back is the large trunk lid deck and this wraps
around down to the rear tail lighting which flanks the trunk on
either side and is surrounded by chrome. Their design was common
for the Pontiac line-up across the board and again the lower wraps
up to meet the tail of the rear quarter panels. Dual exhaust pipes
peek out from underneath and 14-inch Kelsey Hayes 8 lug wheels are
adding bling to each corner. With the top down this is a real mid
60's cruiser.
Interior
Staying spot on to the trim tag, this interior wasn't overlooked
during the restoration and it is looking fine. Door panels are very
60's with Parchment vertical and angled stitching, smooth Parchment
vinyl, and horizontal and angled aluminum strips as a highlighter
through the uppers and lowers of the doors. Chrome is on for the
cranks, actuators and spit shined 2+2 badging but we note some
discoloration of the padded vinyl armrests. Inside a pair of large
bucket seats offer up easy access to the rear bench, and both are
bathed in Parchment vinyl with angled tuck and roll inserts for the
seat insert and back inserts and smooth bolsters with nice piping.
These seats remain tear free but do show some yellowing and
discoloration. The top of the rear it has a shiny arrowhead
inserted into the optional speaker grille for a nice accent. The
original factory dash is in front and has a thin padded top with
instrumentation nice and clean as well as chrome highlighting
around each of the gauges along with the heater control slides and
factory AM radio. A ribbed strip graces the dash in front of the
passengerwith PONTIAC block letter callouts and a black steel
gloveboxdoor is below. In front is the nicely preserved wood rimmed
steering wheel, black carpeting covers the floors and there are
some protective floor mats with a Pontiac arrow badge highlighted
in gray.
Drivetrain
As I lift the hood on this beauty, I'm greeted with an original
engine bay whichpresents with some minor corrosion and patina.
Resting between the black inner fenders is the correct 421ci V8
which is now topped with a 3-2bbl tri-power carburetor set up in
place of the original 4bbl. On the back is a Turbo-Hydramatic 400
3-speed automatic transmission, and the 10 rear axle comes to us
with a 3.23 ratio and Safe-T-Track.
Undercarriage
Not to be outdone by the topside, the undercarriage shows some
slight surface rust and slight nice patina overall. Structurally
sound, and we can see a new fuel tank and new mufflers for the
surface rusted dual exhaust. Independent coil springs for the front
ride and a 4 link with coil springs for the back, and power drum
brakes all around and we have a very nice presentation.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up with a very smooth idle and off to the test
track with top down and it was a great experience. Snappy
acceleration, bias free panic stopping, and good big car handling.
All functionality was good save for the power antenna not moving
and the clock not ticking away time.
All in all a nice ride, great paint, a solid undercarriage, clean
chrome, and a powerful engine which runs like a Swiss watch. Plenty
of room to play in, and the iconic Pontiac look with its split
grille, "beak" and stacked headlights, and a wonderful interior to
boot. Let's put the white top down and enjoy theazure seas, a
craggy coastline and exotic living for the island off Cali coast to
which this car is aptly named after. It shows up in spades on this
beautiful classic.
254676E129002
2-Pontiac
54-Catalina 2+2
67-Convertible
6-1966
E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
129002-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
11C-3rd Week November Build
ST 66 25467-1966 Catalina 2+2 Convertible
BDY BL99-Linden Body #
TR 524-Parchment Vinyl Buckets
PNT P1-Barrier Blue, White Top
D33-Driver Side Remote Mirror
U75-Power Antenna
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
