Hypothetically, you have this gap in your garage, and you’re trying to decide what should occupy that space. A pristine classic might seem a likely candidate, as would a survivor-grade vehicle. You could jump in boots and all with a full-blown restoration, but I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting an excellent alternative. This 1963 Pontiac Catalina looks rough around the edges, but don’t let its appearance deceive you. It is actually a rock-solid vehicle that runs and drives well. All it needs is someone willing to take matters in hand and perform the cosmetic refresh it richly deserves. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on Craigslist in Pasadena, Maryland. If affordability is another consideration, the seller’s price of $6,300 could make this Catalina irresistible.
After spending most of the 1950s as a trim package, Pontiac granted the Catalina standalone model status in 1959. The First Generation remained on sale until 1960, with its replacement gracing showroom floors from 1961 until 1964. The latest offering featured squarer styling than its predecessor, and the split grille that would become an iconic Pontiac trait returned in 1961 after a one-year absence. The most notable change instituted for the 1963 model year was the introduction of vertical headlights, further emphasizing the grille. The first owner ordered this 1963 Catalina in Cameo Ivory, and while the paint looks tired and there is evidence of surface corrosion, delving deeper reveals plenty of good news. There appears to be a distinct absence of penetrating rust, with the underside shots revealing nothing beyond dry surface corrosion. If an in-person inspection confirms this, it seems that the grinder and welder can stay in the cupboard during this build. Most of the trim looks like it would respond well to some work with a high-end polish, and the glass is clear.
Powering this Pontiac is a 389ci V8 that the listing suggests is the two-barrel version. If so, that year’s Sales Brochure states that it should send 215hp and 394 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. With power assistance for the steering and brakes, life behind the wheel of this Pontiac should be anything but difficult. The engine bay doesn’t make a great first impression, and if the new owner decided to pull the motor, it would only be to detail everything within an inch of its life. The seller recently replaced a wide assortment of parts, including the water pump and perishable items. They say that not only does it run and drive beautifully, but they are willing to negotiate test drives for buyers who land on their doorstep with cash in their hands. There is one final twist, which some people may find irresistible. A replacement intake and matching four-barrel carburetor are included, so extracting considerably more power from that V8 may only require some time swinging some spanners.
I would describe this Catalina’s interior as serviceable, a view supported by the fact that the seller regularly slips behind the wheel. The seats are free from rips, although the driver’s side front shows stretching. There is physical damage to some other vinyl surfaces, and some of the paint looks tired. With deteriorating visors and a headliner that is beginning to sag due to seam separations, a retrim would appear to be the most appropriate course of action. That will also provide an opportunity for the buyer to decide whether to revive the aftermarket Sears air conditioning or whether a new system would be a better option.
This 1963 Pontiac Catalina isn’t a glamorous classic, but its price and lack of significant penetrating rust earmark it as an ideal candidate for a first project, or for enthusiasts preferring the DIY approach. It is a classic that can be enjoyed immediately, and preserving this car in its current form is a viable alternative for those wishing to cultivate the “shabby chic” look. Affordable V8 project candidates from the 1960s are becoming harder to find, which is why I think someone will snap up this Catalina fairly quickly. Are you tempted to beat them to the punch?
I’d refresh the paint and interior then swap in a 421 or upgrade the cam and add a tri-power set up. Would make a great sleeper. Nice car and the price seems fair.
As much as I like the 1963 Pontiacs, the work required here is mostly out of my wheelhouse, but for someone with the skills, this would be a nice project, you have a few different ways to go with this. Like those AMT “3 in 1” model car kits from back in the day, you can make it stock, custom, or competition!
This is definitely a great starting point for a restoration. Like Rustytech said above, drop in a nice 421 or do a Tripower set up. Or….. possibly, a Pontiac 455, and while you’re at it a THM 400 in place of the Slim Jim trans. Or….. Not, if what’s under the hood works good, keep it. Many different possibilities.
A neat car. The two door sedan style was well executed. It really needs restoration as it is a rare car just as it sits. There aren’t many left in unmodified condition.
Too much for too little. 63′ Catalina Ventura. With the gauge-pak in the middle of the dash bucket seat console Absolutely. Haven’t looked recently. But you could score a Ventura for 5 large or less. Here on the hi plains of eastern colorado in the same condition sometimes better. No gap in the garage. Every time I open the door of my 69′ Coronet in the garage and door ding it against the 428 meant for my 68 galaxie sportsroof. Reminds me what the h#ll. I’m liquidating not buying.
No wonder. Considering that your Coronet is 69’ long.
Door is on the side. Nothin to do with the length.
Don’t see how a 389 wouldn’t be enough in this car. Plenty of torque to move it along.
I would pass on the 58′ Edsel and pay up for this one. Nice car that needs some TLC – you could drive and work on it as you go.
In 63 there were at least two, 2 barrel versions of the 389. the difference was the compression ratio. If you look at the right front of the block where the stamped #’s are, if there is an E with a circle around it, it is the low compression engine. At 21 my parents said ” you need more responsibility, Your buying a new car and getting a checkbook”. So being a Pontiac family, family WE ordered a 63 Catalina, 2 dr hardtop, 389 with 4 barrel engine just under the Tri-Power set up, 4 speed, dual exhaust, small hubcaps, whitewalls, color a maroon, don’t remember color name. Car came in after an Eternity. Dad and dealership owner were friends. He told dad, “Ya know this car is gonna be back in my shop having the trans rebuilt every 2 weeks”. I didn’t know any of this, soon discoverd the 2 barrel engine and eventually learned about the E with the circle. Did a lot of power shifting with that car and killed a few synchro’s
Ok Adam, name one Barnfinder that has an extra space in their garage! I’m waiting, …..
Still waiting. I know I don’t, and I doubt anyone else will either. As far as swapping engines. Remember that 1964 and older had a,different transmission bolt pattern. If you want to put in a 455, then transmission also. (Doesn’t really matter anyway. Because any additional horsepower will fry the “slim jim” transmission anyway. Cool 2 door hardtop. I prefer the ’61 and ’62s but a ’63 with a manual gearbox would work too.
This just a run of the mill off the dealership lot Catalina- Nobody special ordered this one
Super Duty Tribute!
Door is on the side. Nothin to do with the length.