The Catalina nameplate was part of the Pontiac portfolio for more than 30 years. In the 1950s, it was assigned to hardtop body styles, but became the brand’s entry-level full-size models from the 1960s forward. This ’66 Catalina 2-door fastback was part of the car’s 4th generation of production, having already gained stacked dual headlights in 1963. We’re told this Pontiac has been sitting for more than 20 years and doesn’t run. Both the keys and title are missing, so it will be sold with a Bill of Sale. This once proud Catalina is located in Barstow, California, and available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,000.
1966 Pontiac Catalina’s were little changed from the prior year. The fastbacks were popular sellers, with cars like this one accounting for 79,000 units that year out of total Catalina production of 254,000. Besides sitting for a long, long time, the seller’s Pontiac is a California Black Plate Car. A black plate on the car and on the title signifies that the car has been in California continuously since that plate was issued. 1969 was the last year they were issued. So, this car would have received them early in its existence, but since the title is missing, we can’t say that they’re a match.
The body on this car looks good for its age, with no apparent rust or body damage. We’re told it traveled some 90,000 miles before entering hibernation. This car likely has a 389 V8 with either a 2 or 4-barrel carburetor, but no underhood photos are provided to ascertain. The color combination looks to be black over white, although the white has held up better. The seller says the interior is black in color, too, but there are no photos of it or any indication of the condition of the seats, headliner, and other items.
The survival of Pontiacs, especially GTOs, is said too be higher than other brands of the day. They were built in large quantities and parts are readily available. However, all that adds up to a lower resale value today for cars like the Catalina. Hagerty pegs a ’66 Catalina in Fair condition being a $2,500 car. Good only takes it past $5,000. So, with a non-running car that’s been out of commission for a while, the seller looks to be rather ambitious in his expectations.
Hard pass, until the seller has a title in his name that he can exchange for cash. My buddy that is a CHP office and sometimes does VIN verifications recently found a 65 Biscayne, he wants the car, but won’t touch it because the seller isn’t the legal owner and only has a bill of sale. That doesn’t fly in California. The new owner is on the hook for any back registration, parking fees or toll violations, that’s the bright side. My buddy said there have been occasions where the new owner comes in and cars have either been listed as stolen, salvaged, have liens against their title or swapped VINS. In some of those cases the cars are impounded and the new owner never sees the car again, nor are they likely to recoup and of their purchase price.
Steve R
Having no title in CA isn’t a huge deal as long as you put effort in your pre purchase. Registration fees fall off the DMV record after 10 years which from the looks of this, it most certainly does fit that bill. Doing a lost title search and filing for a new or duplicate title is again not a big deal. Time effort and money which all should be factored into what you want to spend for the car/boat/ motorcycle etc. A trip to your local PD or even AAA with the VIN can let you know if it is in deed stolen. Which is of course a deal breaker.
In the end no title is a hurdle but not near a problematic as some believe with some research.
Not a big fan of title-less transfers (or any other automotive transaction in CA), but I love the fact that I could get into a Pontiac cheaper than a comparable Chevy. Always preferred them, anyway.
I love this car. Had the Canadian version, the Grande Parisienne when I was a kid.
But there’s one drawback. Its in Barstow. Good lord, I drove through there 20 years ago and I distinctly remember thinking, “why the hell would someone want to live in Barstow?”
This is not a fastback. A fastback has the roof go to the rear edge of the trunk.
Vince, what do you call a Mustang with the sloping backlight? That roofline ends ahead of the rear edge of the trunk.
The Mustang would be a fastback the trunk is part of the slope.
Yes rodknee, Barstow. The car might be interesting at much less money and more pictures to get a feel for its real nature.
Barstow used to be a wide spot in the road, then they moved the road. I lived in SoCal for 30 years, endured Barstow a few times.
Nice car though
This is a really good place to start as long as you can get a clear title. The price may be aggressive for many, but that special person may come along.
Had. a 66 Pontiac like this it had 389 with 4 barrel and 3 on the tree.
I believe the insigneas on the rear quarter panels indicate it is a Catalina Ventura which was an upscale version. Of course, this car could be transformed 2+2 clone.
Is this a Pontiac Catapatina or a Patinalina?