Some classics are more than a pretty face, possessing genuine performance credentials. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2. It isn’t perfect, but it presents as a driver-grade classic with a few visible rust issues. However, the 428/4-speed drivetrain combination ensures it will be a fast classic, providing an exhilarating driving experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder NW Iowa Kevin for spotting the 2+2 listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Anoka, Minnesota. The seller set their price for this classic at $19,980.
Introduced in 1964, the 2+2 was initially offered by Pontiac as an options package on the Catalina. It achieved standalone status in 1966, before reverting to a Catalina option in 1967. The seller states that until fairly recently, this 1967 example had remained in the care of its original owner. They ordered the car in Mariner Turquoise Poly with a Black vinyl top. It presents quite well for a survivor-grade vehicle, an impression enhanced by the beautiful eight-lug wheels. The paint isn’t perfect, but the Pontiac is presentable. I was concerned by the visible rust in the car’s lower extremities, but I found it listed on another site with a better image gallery. Those shots appear to confirm there are no issues with the floors or frame, meaning the buyer can address the obvious shortcomings at their leisure. The tinted glass is clear, and the trim looks comfortably acceptable for a survivor of this vintage.
This Pontiac’s interior has the “wow” factor, trimmed in Black vinyl with a console and acres of woodgrain. The console appears to be missing a component at the front, but I’m unsure what it is. Otherwise, the presentation is first-rate. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, just the suggestion that its owners have treated it respectfully. It isn’t short of creature comforts, featuring air conditioning, power windows (including the vent windows), a tilt wheel, a remote exterior mirror, a rear defogger, and an AM radio.
I initially indicated that this Pontiac is more than a pretty face, and the various badges across the vehicle hint at its potency. Lifting the hood reveals a 428ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission, a Safe-T-Track rear end, power steering, and power brakes. Pontiac marketed the 2+2 as the GTO’s big brother, and with power and torque figures of 360hp and 472 ft/lbs, it comfortably fulfills that role. I’m disappointed that the seller doesn’t indicate whether this car’s major mechanical components are original. However, it runs and drives extremely well. The motor is strong, the four-speed shifts as smooth as silk, and this gem is ready for action once the new owner hands over their cash.
Although it has some rust issues, my investigations suggest they are confined to the external steel. Therefore, it seems this 1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 is a rock-solid survivor, ready for action. Its mechanical specifications virtually guarantee that it will deliver impressive performance while providing a supremely comfortable motoring experience. That sounds like a winning combination, but is it enough for you to consider pursuing the 2+2 further?
Quick, before “Joe” trashes it,,,I suppose without going the GP route, this was as good as it got. In fact, I read, a new ’67 GP cost about $3800-$4,000 new. This car, as equipped was almost $5grand. The 2+2 package added $418 alone. The fender louvers, I thought for sure was aftermarket, was indeed part of the package. Never saw that. Aside from the convertible, one of the most expensive Ponchos.
So,,again, who would order such a beat? Little Daisy Doodle down the block? She couldn’t push the clutch in, no, we have to remember, in the mid 60s, 4 speeds were hot, hot, hot. This car replaced that ’56 Chevy hot rod, and was ordered by a young gearhead that had a good job( or wealthy parents), and this is what he got. May not seem like much today, but you rolled into the pits with THIS car, well, it spoke volumes. Can that still happen today? Meh, maybe a little, certainly not the zing of years ago, when this was as good as it got. What a beautiful car! Old Uncle Marv knew what to drive, to a diminished extent, but he was all Pontiac.
The car has charm, but it’s in rough shape. This needs so much, but if the car runs as good as they say and the a/c works, I would leave it the way it is. Anything more than basic maintenance, would be an act of futility. Someone could lose a 401k into this, to get it back to what it once was and would never see 1/2 of that back. In today’s market, I would pay $12 large, no more and that’s if it was within an hour drive.
This must’ve been the talk of the neighborhood back when it was new. Can you imagine a group of pre teen and teen aged gear headed kids parked around it on their Schwinn Sting Rays staring at the 428 when that hood got popped open? I could. I’d be one of those kids!!! It’s a shame about the rust. But if this were restored, it would be, on a scale of 1 to 10, an 11 on the wow factor. Thanks Adam and NE Iowa Kevin!!!
Really rare, with all of the “luxury” and performance options you could wish for. Not inexpensive, but it’s going to attract certain buyers that are willing to pay up for the right car.
I’d be surprised if this lasts long if the description is accurate and it stands up to an in-person inspection.
Steve R