The bubble top 1959 Pontiac Catalina is located in the San Francisco Bay area of California. It is listed yesterday here on Craigslist for $20,000. Many thanks to Pat L. for bringing this car to our attention. The bubble top Pontiac Catalina was a limited edition car produced by Pontiac in 1959, with only 2,326 built. It was based on the regular Catalina two–door hardtop, but featured a unique, egg–crate grille, curved rear glass and a lower, sleeker roofline, giving it a unique and distinctive look. The car was available with a variety of V8 engine options and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
The interior of the 1959 Pontiac Catalina is impeccable. The recovered seats look comfortable and show no signs of wear. All the controls are in great condition and the dashboard is spotless. The original radio works and is being sold for the seller’s uncle. The car has been stored for a while and is said to have a few mechanical issues. For example, the brakes don’t work and the pedal goes to the floor. However, the electrical system is said to be in working order and the odometer shows 91,808 miles.
The 1959 Pontiac Catalina was available with two engine options: a 389 cubic inch V8 rated at 303 horsepower and a 421 cubic inch Super Duty V8 rated at 338 horsepower. This 1959 Pontiac Catalina is most likely powered by a 389 cubic inch V8 engine that is said to run well. It has been recently serviced and runs smooth and steady. The car is also equipped with power steering and brakes, making it a pleasure to drive.
This 1959 Pontiac Catalina is considered a classic car due to its iconic style and luxurious features. This example appears to have been meticulously maintained by its previous owner and is an absolute gem. From the outside, the Catalina has a beautiful, glossy red paint job that looks good in the sunlight. The chrome accents on the grille, bumpers, and trim add a certain level of sophistication to this classic car.
Nice car. I wouldn’t buy a $20,000 car with no brakes.
I disagree with the “older restoration” description in the Craig’s List ad.
It’s missing some items (right eyebrow stainless trim, armrests, rear window crank handles, wiper arms, etc.)and has bad brakes, rust below the doors, bent bumpers, and dull paint. I doubt this car was ever really restored. More like just repainted long ago and new seat covers installed.
The $20,000 ask is gross overpricing in my opinion.
I’m only aware of one engine displacement offered in 1959 Pontiacs, a 389. With a standard transmission and one two-barrel, the base 389 was rated at 245 hp.
There was a 389/315hp engine option with three two-barrels, but no 421 cubic inch engine.
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1959%20Pontiac/1959%20Pontiac%20Brochure/1959%20Pontiac-15.html
That’s right. The 421 wasn’t offered until 1961, and only as a dealer installed Super Duty option. It became factory optional for the 1962 model year.
The “bubble top” Catalina was not a limited edition. There were over 38,000 Catalina Sport Coupe models like this one built for 1959.
Why not repair the brakes? I don’t get it. You want to sell it right? Soooooo wouldn’t you want someone to be able to test drive it since you made it run smooth and steady?
Because the young man is selling it for his uncle who does not have the resources to fix it. Happens alot with elderly people. Geez
Neat car, but a tough one to find parts for. I had a sky blue convertible version long ago. It left for Norway back in the mid 80s. These and the 60 were real common in my area back then. I have a photo of the wrecking yard I worked in and there is a Bonneville convertible in the pile. The price on this seems high to me. The down side to me is the inside. They should have done something closer to the original pattern as Pontiacs rocked some of the coolest interiors back then.
Not on the Catalinas. (interiors) The real spectacular interiors were Bonnevilles.
My 59 convertible had a tri tone vinyl type pattern that was wider and tampered down to the otherside of the seat in blues of dark and light with contrasting piping. The Bonnevilles were even more over the top.
Those wire wheels in the last craigslist picture look awful.
Bright red??
Nope. Definitely not bright red.
Color is probably Sunrise Coral.
A buddy in college owned a 4-door version, same color, but had a wrap around rear window with the skinniest roof pillars imaginable. Visibility was 360°… we called it the Seaview.
This car has been 4-sale for several years. Owner was down to $16K about a month ago. Somethings not right.
Glenn, I have found out through the years watching classic cars for sale, if you do not get your price the first or second time it’s been up for sale, they raise the price. I cannot figure out why that is done. Maybe they might get an offer that is close to what they were asking in the first place. Any way as much as I like Pontiac’s, the price on this one is over and beyond.
when a teenager I had a 60 Olds bubble top I believe it was the best riding car I ever had ,,loved the long low ;look I want another ,,Pontiac is a little better looking especially the 59 with the split grill and fins and trim so which ever comes up in my price range I will get but $20K is not,,but its a nice looker
Back in the early 60’s, my Dad had a 59 Catalina 4 door no center post. The roof hung over the back window. It had a 389w 4barrel . Came stock that way. Loved that car. It could set the back tires on fire. Wish I had it now.
Too bad about the interior. To have done it correctly would’ve probably cost more than the junk that’s in there, but at least one wouldn’t need to start over from scratch. The whole thing needs to be replaced w/the RIGHT STUFF, which IS available. To do an interior this way is a waste of money (at least if you’re a collector w/taste)! Even the colors used are nowhere near original.
Just when you think something’s impeccable, somebody pecks it.
It is not really a SF Bay area car. It was first advertised from the Hollister, Ca area which would be considered the Central Coast area or close to. Then I’ve seen it advertised down in the beautiful area of Fresno, Ca, the San Joaquin valley.
I think 59 was the first year for the “Wide Track” My Dad had one, Light blue 4 DOOR, I just remember it as being big…lol
We had the use of a ’59 Catalina Vista (4 dr pillarless) for a couple of years, for our father’s work car, supplied by his generous boss. Copper outside, with Bonneville side decoration, which supposedly was a factory dress up option. It had an attractive copper and beige cloth and vinyl interior. The one in the ad definitely needs the originality restored to it, but the whitewalls and correct wheel covers are spot on. Straightening the front bumper would be my first job, and tracking down missing interior and exterior trim would be my next on the list.
The price on this car is based on one thing. It is a bubble top, if it was a Chevrolet in the same condition ,the price would be double. I think sometimes B/F readers can’t see the Forrest because of the trees. The key factor in any special interest car is the body style. You can’t compare short box P/U’s to long box trucks, 4 doors to two doors, convertible’s to sedans. It makes all the difference, its not horse shoes , close isn’t good enough.
my dad had a 59 4 dr 389 3 sp on the column- rearend geared so high I could dump the clutch and it would just bog, but the top end never ended lol. No kiddin’ it could run up to 80/85 in 2nd, I chickened out when the speedo stopped moving and it was still going- no idea what gears it had, but it was crazy fast