We all deserve a break to relax and recharge our batteries, but this 1973 Pontiac Catalina takes this idea to the extreme. It has occupied this garage spot for an incredible fifty-two years, accumulating a healthy layer of dust. The seller’s photos are inconclusive, but it looks like a promising project, offering someone the chance at mechanical revival while preserving its survivor credentials. Adding to its appeal, the seller says the price is negotiable, and they may entertain appropriate trades. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Catalina listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Reston, Virginia, for $5,700.
Pontiac performed a complete redesign when it introduced a new Catalina range in 1971. The new styling gave the badge a greater presence, and the 1973 refresh brought a restyled grille and the dreaded 5mph front bumper. Our featured Sedan rolled off the line that year, ordered by its first owner in Brewster Green. If the listing information is correct, this Catalina saw only a couple of years of active service before entering storage. The seller provides images of one side, but the lack of panel damage suggests it has been well protected. There are no significant bumps or bruises, and areas where the dust has wiped away reveal paint that shows promise. Of course, the big question mark hanging over this Pontiac is rust. The seller doesn’t furnish information on the subject, but the lack of active service and the dry storage environment are optimistic signs. The car retains its original Deluxe wheel covers and bumper guards as specified on the Window Sticker, but some body moldings are missing.
The first owner selected a few desirable options when ordering this Pontiac, including air conditioning, a rear defogger, special Green seat trim, and an AM radio. Standard equipment included a Deluxe wheel, two-speed wipers, and an array of interior lights. I initially viewed the interior favorably, but a closer look at some exterior shots reveals the front seat is badly damaged. That is at odds with the car’s history, because I typically wouldn’t expect significant upholstery failure after only a couple of years of active service. That raises enough doubts for me to recommend an in-person inspection. Since the seller says that they will negotiate on their asking price, interior shortcomings could be a worthwhile bargaining tool.
The single engine bay image is blurred, but this Pontiac’s VIN tells us much. The first owner ordered it with the entry-level 350ci V8, bringing a modest 150hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque to the table. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Some readers will view the power and torque figures as pitiful, but they are deceptive. Manufacturers quoted power and torque in Net terms in 1973, but comparing this motor with its 1971 equivalent shows it lost only 15hp and 5 ft/lbs compared to the Catalina’s 1971 factory figures. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 57,000 miles, which is probably genuine if the storage history can be confirmed. Some readers will be amazed that the motor starts and runs, forming a sound foundation for a mechanical revival.
The moment I spotted this 1973 Pontiac Catalina, I wanted to take a closer look. It is impressive that it runs after its fifty-two-year slumber, and the interior may only need a new front seatcover to present nicely. However, the seemingly dry storage environment is the driving factor, because the images suggest this beauty is rock-solid. If that’s the case, its cosmetic needs wouldn’t need to extend beyond meticulous detailing and reattaching some missing side moldings. If so, it would be an affordable proposition, and it would undoubtedly gain respect as people heard its backstory. Sometimes that is all it takes to transform a relatively mundane vehicle into something very interesting.
Math was never my strong point, but, 2026 minus 52 is 1974, and someone put on those miles in one year? Not likely.The bill of sale says NY, and the Virginia plate seems from the 90s, so holes galore on this one. Still a nice find.
57,000 miles wouldn’t destroy the front seat like that either.
This one is definitely sketchy.
N
Maybe 157,000 miles. I worked atca Pontiac store when these came out. I liked the new body style but did not appreciate the included front “park bench”. They did ride and handle better than their proceeding model. Most likely due to the new “Radial Tuned Suspension” for 1973! The 350 engine which we all thought (dealership employees) was too small for the Catalina. Since we all were used to the 400 in the “B” body cars. And our dealer ordered mostly 400 engines for “stock/on the lot” cars. But I don’t ever remember hearing any complaints from customers of low power on the 350 cars. These were just nice riding/handling competent cars.
In the seller’s defense, it is possible that this is the original owner. They could have bought the car while living in New York, and then moved to Virginia. I’m not saying that, this is exactly what happened in this case, but it is plausible. As for the mileage, is it possible that the owner was using it for long distance business, such as traveling sales, or liked to drive everywhere on vacations?? I’m more of a “glass half full” kinda guy, than a “glass half empty” kinda guy. I’m willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt, until they give me reason not to.
Those license plates are from the ’80s, so my guess it was on the road for at least 10 years. It was also sold new in NY, so probably spent some time there before heading to VA. Given the car’s history, I wonder if someone is in the trunk.
You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
This is an identical twin to the car that a farm family that I used to stay with had. When I bought my Grand Am, I came close to a Catalina instead; it just seemed like a more practical family car. Not that I had a family—yet. I could tell that I was growing up a little; the family cars that used to embarrass me were starting to become appealing…
Over 220,000 four door Pontiacs made in 1973. This particular one is not worth S##T.
Why does the junk survive?
Was first car I ever drove , thing was a tank but was a reliable gas guzzler. My dad put it in the demo derby when we moved out and the engine still ran at the end.
A slight mistake in the writeup: This car would have had a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, not a Hydramatic transmission.
really the only things that can be told from the pics is that its green and a 4dr. pics and details suck. drag it out of the garage and put some effort into it wanting to get the 5k you’re asking. sellers sure are lazy.
I don’t see a big deal about the front seat. I see that something sat on it for a long time putting indentions in the cover but they can be removed.
What would concern me is the NY plate on the floorboard and the rust that comes with those plates.
Otherwise these were great cars that rode and drove well.
I repaired the brakes for a pastor one time that had one of these. That car had over 250K miles on it and the original brakes. That was amazing.
Check out the photo looking through the windshield from the outside. The front driver’s seat back is trashed. Perhaps it spent a lot of those 52 years facing south outdoors.
Probably a lot to resurrect but what you get a glimpse of seems decent. Nothing too exciting but the 4-door is a solid more rattle free body. Brewster green over green would have looked sharp with a wax. That’s the standard interior as evidenced by that awful 2 spoke steering wheel, though trimmed in the available Morokide upholstery.
Pile of crap, 50,000 plus miles in one year. This is a scam. Had a 72 in 1975. Horrible gas mileage. Nice ride.