This 1965 Pontiac Catalina Safari has so many positive points that it is hard to determine which is its highlight. Its sparkling paint makes a positive first impression, while the first owner’s decision to combine the 389ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission gives it genuine muscle credentials. However, enthusiasts with a family will welcome the third-row seating, providing space for the whole tribe to revel in the classic motoring experience. It requires some interior tweaking, but the work isn’t urgent, and could be completed as time and circumstances allow. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Pontiac listed here on eBay in Ashland, Virginia. The seller set their price at $30,000 with the option to make an offer.
Pontiac was riding the crest of a wave in 1965. The 1964 release of the GTO exceeded all sales expectations, and the rest of its model range was selling like hotcakes. It was against this backdrop that it released an entirely new Catalina range. The styling won instant praise, and when finished in the Blue Charcoal Metallic, it undoubtedly turned heads. This classic’s exterior presentation is first-rate, with the seller indicating that the Wagon has received a cosmetic refresh. The paint’s deep shine and a lack of panel bumps and bruises suggest that the person performing the work focused on a high-quality result. The sparkling trim complements the dark paint color, and the first owner’s decision to order the car with the beautiful 8-lug wheels adds to the visual appeal. There is no evidence of rust, and aside from some wiper scoring on the windshield, the glass is clear.
Pontiac’s reputation for producing high-performance models is perfectly encapsulated in this Safari. The first owner equipped it with a 389ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The entry-level 389 delivered a healthy 256hp and 388 ft/lbs of torque. However, this motor trumps those figures, placing 333hp and 429 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal. It may not be a stereotypical muscle car, but the mechanical combination ensures that this Wagon is a fairly rapid eight-seater. The seller has recently invested a considerable sum into this Pontiac’s mechanical components, ensuring that it is a turnkey proposition. They rebuilt the motor and transmission, fitted a new radiator, added a dual-reservoir master cylinder, new Cooper Cobra tires, and a new dual exhaust. They re-lined the brake drums and balanced the driveshaft before installing new U-joints. The final piece of the puzzle is a fresh Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor with an electric choke. That should ensure that the Safari is mild-mannered on cold days. All this gem needs is someone to slip behind the wheel and enjoy the power it offers when they push the pedal to the metal.
Station Wagon interiors are prone to deterioration as small feet, moving luggage, and the family dog exact a high toll on trim and upholstery. This Safari’s interior is better than most survivor-grade Wagons of this vintage, with no gaping rips or tears. New seatcovers would make a significant difference, although high-quality slipcovers would be an affordable option that would protect the vinyl from further damage and deterioration. The included new carpet set will be welcomed by most potential buyers, but the party piece is located in the rear cargo area. It features third-row seating, making this a genuine eight-seater. Occupant safety was front and center in the seller’s mind, with every occupant receiving a seatbelt. The interior doesn’t feature air conditioning or power windows, but the new owner receives a deluxe tilt wheel and an upgraded CD stereo to entertain the troops on those long summer roadtrips.
This 1965 Pontiac Catalina Safari makes a positive impression, which is undoubtedly heightened when the driver slips behind the wheel and unleashes the power of the V8 lurking under the hood. Its interior isn’t perfect, leaving the new owner with the opportunity to personalize their ride and to undertake what should be a relatively straightforward restoration. However, adding a set of slipcovers would be a cheap way to improve the appearance and could even be a viable long-term solution if the new owner invests in high-quality covers. Otherwise, it appears to have no other needs…beyond a new home. Does this classic Wagon tempt you?
Too cool 😎
Wow!! If we saw a 2 door hartop Catalina, Bonneville, 2+2, or Grand Prix, we wouldn’t be surprised. But an 8 passenger wagon? From the factory with a 4 speed and 8 lugs? Wow. And its even documented. Really nice wagon. As always, great write up Adam, thank you. And Curvette, great find here too!!!
The 4spd will get it sold if it looks as good in person as it does in the pictures.
I’m surprised the header for this writeup pitched 8 passengers rather than factory 4 speed, that would draw more eyes.
Steve R
Very cool but very rough for 30k!
I’ve always liked the ’65 Pontiacs, having once owned both a Grand Prix and Catalina. This long-roof has the high compression 389 my Grand Prix had, to go along with its four speed. I’m surprised the original owner didn’t order bucket seats! Wish my GP had that manual, and a console too but it only had a bench and slush box. Ironically it turns out the GP of that year was rare without the buckets and console. Anyway this wagon would definitely be a conversation starter at the Karz and Kaopectate if you wanted to drop its high admission charge.
A couple walks into the Pontiac dealer in 1965 and the husband is immediately drawn to the red 2+2 Pontiac convertible but the wife says we can’t get that we have too many kids, we need a station wagon. The husband says all right we’ll get the station wagon but I want the big 389 and a four Speed and you’ll just have to live with that. The result was a very unique wagon.
This is one cool wagon with a 4 speed trans and the 8 lug wheels. To bad the dash is cut for a newer radio but the add states there is a 1965 dash that comes with it.
Pretty wagon, and one of my all-time favorite car designs. But I wonder why this has Grand Prix front grilles and parking lights? Were they part of the 2+2 Option (possibly what’s listed as “Decor Louvers”)? If not, where are these louvers? The Catalina was a lower grade model than the GP or the Bonneville so it’s odd to see GP grilles on this car. Also wondering about the “Hurst Equipped” emblem on the tailgate…
Hurst has been making those for close to 20 years. I worked at a place that sold a lot of performance equipment when they were announced and released, everyone there thought they’d be metal, they were not, just a plastic “emblem” for $12. Nobody I know ever bought one, it would have been a different story if Hurst hadn’t cheated out. They are currently $34, just like everything from Hurst, the quality has gone down and the prices have skyrocketed since Holley bought them.
Steve R
The Grand Prix grill and parking lights on this wagon are just a swap out of the stock horizontal slot grill and not part of a factory option package. Looks great IMHO.
great looking wagon. i have seen a few other wagons and sedans with this set up factory. price is a bit high but then again not many like this out there. you would be the talk of the show with this baby
Rare indeed. A long time ago, I had a 1962 Catalina wagon with 389, tri power, 4 speed, and buckets.
Very cool Muscle wagon!! Bet you could surprise a lot of folks with this one!!
My heart is thumpin, eyes wide,, wow what an awesome find; years of searchin.
so close to my dream wagon, if only it had power windows and AC. I know i could go Vintage Air but .. wonder if ill ever find a better specimen.
Thank you Barn Finds !
Truely a thrill to see.
According to the Automobile-Catalog, with the 333hp engine and 4 speed, 0-60mph comes at 7.3 seconds. Not bad for a big wagon!
Wow, that is one cool find. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wagon with the aluminum eight lug wheels. The original owner really made some great choices here. Nothing like a big block wagon with a manual.
A cool mild custom Catalina Safari. I especially like the Grand Prix front end. My folks did the same to their 1967 Bonneville wagon after a minor front-end accident back in ’68 I think it was. Pontiac Canada offered the same thing on their Grand Parisienne(1967-68 for the wagon but I think it was available on the hardtop coupes and sedans starting in either ’65 or ’66 and lasting until maybe 1970, not sure).
BTW it’s actually a 9-seater, not an 8-seater, and the 2+2 package was Catalina 2-door hardtop and convertible only.
Others have also noticed that besides the mechanical upgrades, this Catalina also has swapped out 8-lug Gran Prix wheels, GP grill with the parking lights and a Bonneville/GP dashboard. The three gauges in the center replaced the rectangle clock and the addition of a grab bar in front of the passenger is the give away.
Too bad they couldn’t do the GP taillights but a Gran Prix station wagon is definitely cool.
In my book Pontiac was a very, very close second to Ford in the stacked-headlights department. And throw in a factory 4-on-the-floor AND a rear-facing 3rd-row seat?? My garage is too small for this amazing behemoth, or else I’d be digging between the couch cushions for nickels.