Pontiac, a name that comes to everyone's mind when we talk about muscle cars was an American Automobile brand that was a division of General Motors. Although, it has been off the market for over a decade now. It has left its mark on history and holds a very special spot in the minds and hearts of motorheads.

Founded way back in 1926, it has given us so many icons and classics that are still famous in the market. One of the first Pontiac models got to see the sun as a part of the Oakland line in the 1920s. They just kept coming and shooting their shot, winning the market right after that. Hence, the prices for some Pontiac GTO models are still soaring through the sky. The Catalina easily ranks in the second or third tier, in the swath of deceased nameplates left behind by Pontiac-GTO, Trans Am, Bonneville, etc.

Here's How Much A Classic Pontiac Catalina Is Worth Today.

The History behind the name Catalina

1951 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina Super Deluxe
via Pinterest

The name "Catalina" also fondly referred to as the "Cat" was first used in the 50s Chieftain series hardtop. From the later part of the 50s, the big Pontiacs rode on either one of the two wheelbases, the smaller one used for the Catalinas and all the Safari Wagons whereas the larger 124-inch was kept aside for the Star Chiefs, Executives.

When brought out into the market the Chieftain was Pontiac's equivalent to the Chevrolet Bel Air. The Chieftain series included two- and four-door sedans (thin B-pillar, framed side windows), the Catalina Sedan (four-door, a hardtop), Catalina Coupe (two-door hardtop), a convertible, and the six- and nine passenger Safari Station Wagons.

These models are slightly more difficult to restore and maintain than their competitors. The Chieftain Catalinas were powered by a Flathead straight-eight engine during the debut. The Pontiacs take the win when it comes to looks and designs. The Pontiac delivered a bold style, with the Proud Hood ornaments, the fantastic two-tones, and the full-length chrome hood trim. The style and designs have aged well like expensive wines.

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Catalina: One of the most sought-after two-door muscle cars in its day

via: hotrod.com

The Catalina in its prime would be the most aptly name automobile to be wearing the arrowhead in the 60s. The Pontiac Catalina can easily be listed as one of the most loveable classics to ever be brought out by the Pontiacs currently on the market.

The Pontiac Catalina had been restyled in 1965. Pontiac added deep-set grilles, vertically stacked headlights, and to top it off the pronounced hood bulge which became an identity of the Catalinas from here on. The body of the Pontiac Catalina was designed curving it with Venturi Contours; a lower fin mirrored the shape of the fenders.

The introduction of the 2+2 Model did wonders for the Catalina badge of Pontiac. The 2+2 variant was described as "the big brother of the toughest kid on the block".

The Catalina 2+2 could be said to be Pontiac's full-sized performance car. The Catalina was available as a pre-packaged group in the Hard-top coupe or the convertible form. NASA had used a hot-rodded Catalina to tow the M2-F1 lifting body experiments.

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Features and Specs

via mecuum

The Catalinas as previously mentioned made use of the 121-inch wheel base that was later reduced to 119 inches, it had a length of 211.9 inches that grew over time to be 213 inches. The engines now used big valve heads from the 421-cid V-8. The Pontiac Catalina had a myriad of options for their customer to select from the 22 engine and transmission options.

The Catalina 2+2 was known around the block for its engine which developed a whooping 338 hp (a 376-hp Tri-Power setup being optional) and was sold as a convertible and a semi-flashback two-door hardtop. With the Tri-Power, the Catalina 2+2 could easily do a 0-60 mph in just about 7.2 seconds, and it was able to record mile times of 15.5 seconds. All of these feats were achieved in spite of the weight going slightly above two tons.

The 2+2 package included louvered fender trim, 2+2 badges, a three-speed transmission with a Hurst floor shifter, chrome engine parts, all-vinyl upholstery, full wheels discs, and also a special fender pinstriping. Manually inflatable super-lift air shocks and Strato bucket or Strato bench seat were the available add-ons.

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What's it worth?

The Pontiac Catalina's 2-door coupe is a classic muscle car one that every car lover would easily have on his list. The curves on the vehicle, the engine, and the bulge on the hood could easily melt anyone heart and convince them into getting one for themselves. Generally, Catalina was one of the most sought-after two-door muscle cars in its day. The statement still holds true even decades after the car hit the streets. Nowadays, the Pontiac Catalina can be found at just around $5000 in fairly good conditions, whereas the 1964 Pontiac Catalina Convertible would average at around $23,000.

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