“One elderly owner. Only driven to church on Sundays.” How often have we seen classics listed with those attributes? Such claims must be taken at face value, but the remarkable condition of this 1970 Pontiac Catalina makes them appear plausible. The seller is candid about the fact that they aren’t a car expert, but they believe that this Catalina is a genuine barn find that has been returned to active service. With 52,000 original miles on the clock, it should provide its new owner with years of faithful service. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on eBay in Redding, California. The seller set their BIN at $21,499 with the option to make an offer.
Pontiac utilized the “Catalina” name as a trim level that denoted its Hardtop range from 1950 until 1958. The exception was the 1958 Bonneville, but Pontiac chose to grant the Catalina standalone model status from 1959. The Third Generation graced showroom floors from 1965 until 1970, with our feature car a final-year example. The seller indicates that it has led a sheltered life, only utilized by its elderly owner for trips to church and the store. They suggest that it is a barn find, although they don’t specify how long it may have spent hibernating. They believe that its Palomino Copper and Polar White paint might be original, with evidence of only one minor repair above the passenger side rear wheel arch. The paint shines nicely, with no evidence of deterioration due to age or UV exposure. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller confirms that this classic is rust-free. The trim looks exceptional, and the glass is clear.
The Third Generation Catalina was V8-only territory, with our feature car ordered by the first owner with the entry-level 350ci powerplant delivering 255hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power assistance for the steering and brakes accentuates this car’s luxury leanings. With a curb weight of 4,170 lbs, the Catalina is a relatively heavy beast. Therefore, its performance will be adequate, not breathtaking. However, the car’s history suggests that the first owner’s Sunday outings weren’t to the nearest drag strip. The seller claims that it has a genuine 52,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. That would prove crucial to determine whether their price is justified. The condition makes the claim plausible, but doesn’t represent iron-clad proof. Whatever the truth, potential buyers can consider the Catalina as a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
If I could ever give someone a single piece of advice when listing any vehicle for sale, it would be to obtain crisp and clear photos to show their car in the best possible light. The seller has failed on that front, with the interior images particularly disappointing. They seem to support the seller’s claim that the trim is supple and not brittle, and there is no evidence of abuse. The pad wears a cover that might be there merely for protection, although it might also hide cracks. The dash is in good condition, and the speakers in the rear parcel tray suggest that there could be an aftermarket stereo. There aren’t a lot of factory options, but the recently refurbished air conditioning will be welcomed by buyers preferring ice-cold motoring.
If this 1970 Pontiac Catalina is all that the seller claims, it is a pretty impressive find. However, whether the seller’s price is justified depends to a certain extent upon whether they hold documentation confirming its history and odometer reading. If that is the case, this Pontiac could prove irresistible to those seeking a genuine Pre-Malaise Era survivor. The listing statistics suggest that plenty of people like what they see, and it will only take one to hit the button before the Catalina heads to a new home. Could you be the one to make it happen?
When I was younger I thought the front ends of these Pontiacs were the epitome of a face only a mother could love. I still think that. But, I have warmed up to them a bit and have grown to appreciate them for what they are – quirks and all.
This Catalina looks like a pretty clean and well cared for car. As most always it seems, I wish there were a few more pics, undercarriage and inside the trunk, but from what is visible, I would not expect anything out of the ordinary. I really like the two tone paint. Trying to determine the lower color, maybe Baja gold? Palomino copper? Hard to tell from the lighting, but whatever it is, it looks classy with the white roof.
The dreaded steering wheel cover and dash pad. Worse even than the bad photos.
Have you priced steering wheel or dash pad restorations lately? Covers have their place, especially on inexpensive cars. This car is way overpriced, even if the dash pad and steering wheel were perfect.
Steve R
That’s exactly why I’d want to know what is UNDER them!!!!!!!!
When you’re selling a car REMOVE the things. Otherwise, it looks like you’re hiding something!!!!!!
Always look in the TRUNK! At least this Catalina is big enough to handle one or more bodies! 🔫 😅 🤣
WOW! Could this be the car that Took Dana Carveys Church Lady 👩 cruisin to Catalina after Church Chat? Wellll ! Isn’t that special! 😉 Time for a Superiority dance 🕺. Sorry, sometimes I just can’t help myself! 🤪
I was in my early teens and a consumer of all things automotive, as many of you were, when this car was released. I remember seeing it featured in magazines with the “exposed horns” as part of the front end styling. I remember thinking (sort of like Mike76), why? Just to be different?
Anyhow, this looks like a nice survivor Pontiac. Pictures taken in sunshine would help people gauge its condition.
Total grandma’s car! It’s awesome! I would go to cars and coffee, and order decafe coffee😄
Tim! I’m totally Verklempt ! PLEASE Bring Grandma to COFFEE TALK! I’m Linda Richman 👩 and almost LIVE from New York, It’s Saturday Night! 😲 🏨 👍
Rick w….. Where do I know you from ?
Tim, the name rings a bell, but I really don’t know 😕. Lifelong NW Indiana, former teacher, car enthusiast, past gym freak and somewhat political activist. Also frequent commentator here in The BARN. What about you? I Googled your name and found multiple OBITUARIES. Obviously, not you.
Tim, I don’t know. I’ve tried multiple times to post giving some clues. But they won’t post! I guess too much personal information 😕
Wow, what the heck was going on with that front clip? Was this the inspiration for the “family truckster” from NL’s Vacation? YIKES!
It took a while, but does anyone else see a strong resemblance (front protruding grill and hood taper) to the Proposed Duesenberg revival? Or am I crazy 🤪? No comments needed on my sanity 🙃
These always appealed to me for their uniqueness. Much like a coffin nose Toronado or boat tail Riviera. I like this a lot but what is going on inside? From the horrible Catalina decal to the Chevy steering wheel. The wrap is the least offending feature inside.
Frankly, Nelson, I think the infamous EDSEL horse collar grille was better looking. Not to PONTificate. 🙏 😉
You drive home a point. Just not a pointy as the same year Thunderbird.
I never liked this style of Catalina because it looked like the fender skirts were missing. Also, the rear bumper was missing parts compared to the Bonneville.
Ridiculous price for an ordinary driver. Never mind the mileage even if it’s real. I wouldn’t spend 1/4 of the asking price for this modest car.
Heck, I think it looks pretty good! I guess I’m in the minority. A car like this wouldn’t have been wanted by basically anyone ten or so years ago. I remember seeing a pretty sweet looking 60’s or 70’s Pontiac full size car driven in and crushed. It still had the 8 track player in it and looked pretty decent. It was a blue on blue four door. Kind of hated to crush it, but no one wanted them back then, not even me.
The only Pontiac of the 60s and 70s I loved was the ‘hawk nosed’ 1970 Grand Prix.
The very authentic look(clean and a little bit of dust for credibility) is very convincing, until you look at that air cleaner lid. The problem? Pontiac didn’t put that “350-2” sticker on there.
Rick w….. Where do I know you from ?
Tim, I don’t know. I’ve tried multiple times to post giving some clues. But they won’t post! I guess too much personal information 😕
Love those ’70 Pontiacs my dad rented 4 of them for my wedding party in May 1970!
Repaint. Just look under the hood at the overspray near the hinges and the fender bolts painted (not original) and the painted over the rubber hood/fender insulators.
Approach with caution or hire an experienced vehicle inspector. Request photos of the steering wheel, sans cover. These models were notorious for rust around the rear window with leaks into the trunk. No photos of the inside of the trunk that I could find nor of the top.
Plus why the photos in the shade?
Hmmm
I can hear it barking from here. Woof.
This does look like one clean Catalina. Is it me? Or does the steering wheel look like its out of a 1970 Chevy with some glued on lettering? The dash too, with the large Catalina lettering on it. I don’t think Grammy did that. I have to admit. There was a huge change from the ( my favorite) 1965 ’66 Full size Pontiacs to these in ’70. I lean towards the Olds and Buick full size models from ’70 over the Pontiac. But that being said, of bought right this could be a really nice weekend cruiser.
Curious that it doesn’t have the original California License Plates The ones on it wee probably issued in the last few years,