From 1959 to 1981, Catalina was the volume sales leader in the Pontiac portfolio. It may have been Pontiac’s equivalent of the Chevy Impala. And in the 1960s, you could order the Catalina Ventura which brought a custom level of trim such as a multi-tone interior. This 1964 2-door hardtop was last registered in 1975 and has been a garage captive for much of the time since. It’s said to be rust-free, so perhaps it will be a good candidate for a restoration. Located in Northridge, California, this forgotten Pontiac is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Another nifty tip brought our way by MattR!
Mechanically, the Ventura version of the Catalina was the same, with a 389 cubic inch V8 being standard and an automatic transmission, the usual tranny of choice. From all indications, it was strictly a fancier automobile but still a leap away from Pontiac’s premier automobile, the Bonneville. The seller’s Ventura comes with white over blue paint, but the dominant color doesn’t jive with the various paint charts for 1964 that are available online. Because the vehicle is lodged in its current surroundings, it’s hard to tell if there are any issues with the sheet metal.
For reasons unknown, this Pontiac hasn’t been on the road for 48 years. Is this one of those “ran when parked” autos or did it develop some mechanical issue? The latter is more likely as the gas tank has been pulled and sits in the trunk rather than being installed. Although we don’t see any under-the-hood photos, the seller says some of the belts are missing, suggesting some work was underway at some point. This car sports aftermarket air conditioning with one of those clunky under-the-dash units.
The paint has a sufficient amount of patina and the interior has issues in terms of the front seat and the headliner. The rear seat looks good and shows off the style of materials used in those days. While the odometer reads 79,000 miles, we’re told it may have turned over. This vehicle is being sold as part of an estate liquidation, so further history on the car may be unavailable. But it could be a neat find!
Would really dig a “super duty” but the 63- 64 Catalina Ventura is more in line with my budget. B.T.W. love the front end of the 63 and the tailight configuration of the 64. Not sure if a 63 clip fits on a 64?
I agree with you 100%. Would love to try a ‘63 clip on a ‘64 coupe or convertible. It would be a sharp lookin’ vehicle‼️
It would be nice to have some information on this vehicle, such as what kind of body style it is. From the pictures, I can’t tell if it is a 4-door or a 2- door, which would make all the difference in whether or not I am interested.
Both years have the same corresponding ‘bulge’ between door/ front fender so at least in theory the panels should line up. Be prepared for brackets to possibly be in different locations between years though, also as good as EVERYTHING from the cowl forward is different.
Personally I find the ’64 – both front and rear – has far superior looks
Too bad the plate is covered.A thief might pull it outside which might result in at least one good picture.
That price seems very fair for that car. I’ve always like Pontiacs of that era, especially a Catalina. You can see a few indication that it was originally white if it’s not primer showing through. If I had it it would be white when I restored it regardless of the original color. Looks like it might be a solid car, a good one to get into the old car hobby with for not much money at today’s prices.
I was a senior in high school in 1964 parents bought a new 1964 Catalina convertible 389 2 barrel great car
I always loved the Ventura option. Great looking interiors. That was the best use of Nauga hides, but I never realized that here were so many different colored Naugas.
That’s because so many Naugas hide. Hard to find them.
Unless you get it basically free. It’s crusher bait. No matter how you slice it. There’s a $50,000 bill sitting here. It’s basically, give me $10,000 for my prime swampland.
“Ran when parked” = motor was knocking and tranny shot. Free is almost too much.
it’s worth 7 or 8k that’s a great model and great year Pontiac parents bought one new I was 17 great car
Why do you come to this site ? you bash any car because you deem it junk and not worth the asking price. This is 2023, not 1983 !
Words can not express people like JOHN!!
He probably can’t afford a bicycle!! LOL
people just don’t appreciate real cars good old Detroit iron lol love the 50s and 60 s best times ever and best cars I was born in 1945