Debuting in 1950 as a trim package, the Catalina would enjoy more than a 30-year run in the Pontiac lineup. It would become the maker’s best-selling full-size series and could be thought of as the Pontiac version of the Chevy Impala in terms of its appeal. This 1970 Catalina is a 9-passenger wagon that’s rough around the edges, including what may be older customized paint that has begun to go south. But it could be perfect if you want something a little different. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this people mover is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Our thanks to Pat L. for this low-rider tip!
The Catalina was redesigned in 1965 along with the rest of General Motors’ full-size machines. The B-body platform it was based on has turned out to be one of the best-selling platforms of all time in the cars business, only eclipsed by the likes of the VW Beetle and Ford Model T. The big styling changes for 1970 would be the use of a V-like nose and grille that resembled that of the Grand Prix. Pontiac’s version of the 350 cubic inch V8 would be standard while you could order your way up to a potent 455.
This Pontiac has a triple seating configuration with the back seat facing the opposite direction. That’s so the kids riding back there can torment the drivers behind them. Nearly 17,000 copies were built like this in ’70, plus another 12,500 with only two seats. The seller uses a different approach to market this 1970 Catalina wagon. He/she attempts to appeal to the coolness of an old car that has 150,000 miles, a patina look with rust, and an interior that’s seen better days. If that works, the buyer will likely leave the car just the way it is and drive the wheels off of it.
A 400 V8 with bling is under the hood and – while it’s period correct – it’s not the original engine. The TH-400 automatic transmission has been recently rebuilt. The wagon has been lowered all around, more so in the front than the rear. The front seat has a throw over it, so we’re not sure how good or bad the upholstery has held up from the driver’s position. Because it needs replacing, a spare rear quarter panel (passenger side) comes with the deal as does an extra rear axle. What it boils down to this, in the seller’s vernacular: are you too cool for this Pontiac or is this Pontiac too cool for you?
pretty sure its the (driver’s side) rear quarter that needs attention….
Yeah 6500 is really pushing it. 4500 would even be kind of high.
And I mean you’ll be pushing it home HhhhaaAa
“older customized paint that has begun to go south” Begun??
thank you Barn Finds for posting this (yet again) not a barn find find !
i think i more than like it, this might be love,,
and though that quarter is a bummer, having the replacement is a great start..
for me, ive been seeking just such a wagon, and the power windows bring this one to the near irresistable level
im gonna call him and just might put my money where my mouth is ;)
ill follow up here with the outcome.
vision:
paint it, big block, buckets, AC back in, tint, maybe bag it or just lift the nose back up a lil bit;
im stoked !
sweeet find, again Thank You BFs
That would absolutely be cool I really hope you get it. Keep us informed.
$ definitely keep us posted, this one is cool not your average impala wagon. Personally I would loose that vinyl top clean up the interior than do the body. Love that it’s got power windows and yes recomish that a/c for sure. Good luck!
That frontend on these and the GP’s is purely iconic!
IMO, much preferable to the gargantuan ’71 model or worse ’74 with the big bumpers.
Did GM offer a dual opening rear on their 1970 full size wagons, or was it just better-idea Ford?
GM definitely offered the dual opening rear door. Growing up, my family (of 6) had a GM (I think Chevy) station wagon with the rear facing third row seat. The rear door opened like a tailgate or a side swinging door that i believe opened owards the driver side and then there was a cutout/flat spot in the bumper to act as a step to get in. Worst part about it was watching where you had been as you are going down the road and facing rearward. Probably not very good for a person who gets car sick easily. there was a luggage storage compartment between the rear facing seat and the second row seat. my siblings used to pretend that they forgot me at the last stop my parents made but i was hiding in that storage area. It was all fun an games until the day that I was left behind at boy scouts and my parents made it all the way home and then had to come back to get me. Story still stick where I told the scoutmaster “they will never miss me.” haha
Early 80s, high school, my gearhead best friends mother needed a car desperately and had absolutely no money. We found the identical twin to this car in the neighborhood for sale – bad transmission, $200. The torque converter to flywheel bolts had come loose and exited out of the tin cover. New set of nuts and bolts, and back on the road for less than 10 bucks! It was a beautiful original car, quiet and smooth, and the AC even worked(!) , served her well. Found a 428 powered some thing or another in the junkyard and harvested the complete four barrel, set up, chrome package, and talked to my friend into installing it on his mom‘s car with some dual exhaust. I can’t remember exactly what the exhaust was we put on the car (no money to do a muffler shop install, we did it in the driveway ) but it was terrible, just ruined the car. Still feel guilty about that to this day. Ah my parents put up with……….
There aren’t many better looking wagons in profile, at correct ride height, than this model Pontiac wagon. I love ’em.
Why would anyone want to lower the suspension? Do they enjoy bottoming out?