Pontiac’s big cars were all about size in 1966, a sort of long and even longer model lineup. And while the Catalina was positioned at the bottom of the ’66 Pontiac totem pole, it was still a lot of car. Today we have a 1966 Catalina convertible that has been barn-bound for years and even in dispirited condition, it is still a sizeable and impressive piece of domestic ’60s machinery. This drop-top is located in Mertztown, Pennsylvania and is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds or here on craigslist for $7,000.
According to the seller, this Pontiac has been barn bound since 1973 and there is a windshield registration sticker attesting to that date. The seller has owned it for a year, but due to physical infirmities, he has decided to pass it on. The body appears to be pretty straight with no sign of obvious exterior rot, though the trunk floor, typical with a convertible of this generation, is showing degradation. Assuming accuracy in this car’s parked date, it wasn’t on the road for long, seven years at best and a reported 69K miles (or maybe once around). The removed bumpers are included in the sale and there are actually two available for the front. The good news is that this Catalina was parked with the top up, the bad news is that the top has deteriorated to the point that the interior is as dusty as the exterior.
And while we’re on the matter of the interior, it’s difficult to get a detailed look at it due to all of the dust. The carpet has been removed and the floors seem OK, as does the under backseat panel, but the rest is pretty much anyone’s guess. A good cleaning will reveal wonders.
The standard Catalina engine for ’66, when equipped with a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, was a 290 gross HP, 389 CI V8 – it is assumed that’s what resides under this convertible’s huge, flat hood – there is no related detail. The seller advises, “The engine is stuck but haven’t tried to free it yet“. That’s never a good sign. It doesn’t necessarily mean curtains for the engine but it’s not an encouraging sign. Improvements performed so far include rear brake replacement, new rear axle seals, and new tires. Note the dust-covered 1977 Chiltons repair manual on the radiator bulkhead!
The seller adds, “This car would be a great frame-off restoration piece“. That could be true but a thorough inspection would need to be made to make that determination – rust never sleeps and likes to hide in unsuspecting places. While not a rare or highly collectible model, full-size convertibles from the ’60s are always nice finds. There is nothing else like a Catalina convertible being made today, and there probably never will be again. So, what do you think, a worthwhile challenge?
What’s with the hood?
Two different colors?
Started to wash it maybe?
I doubt it would garner $7k running and driving. It will $30k to restore it
Hhhhmmmmmm…..
lol only driven for seven years, yet the bumpers are off, radio knobs missing, etc? Can’t figure out why it’s in such sorry shape….all over!
Not to mention the stupid looking ribbed radiator hose! There is no reason for anyone to use those on a 7 year old car. Smh
Did that barn have a roof, or even walls…? That’s a LOT of wear to believe the seven years road use claim
I brought a 66 Catalina 2dr Hardtop back from the brink a few years back and it was in better shape than this one is. Changed plugs, wires, points and radiator and got her running again kept it a couple of years and sold it for $4800. The 389 was in need of a rebuild and odometer showed 76k. She was a lot of car.
I would be very concerned for any car prior to 1973, located in the Mid-Atlantic area, especially in South Eastern PA, because that area was innundated with massive flooding from Hurricane Agnes, the biggest and most destructive hurricane to ever hit America.
When I see a car like this, put away in 1973 [when Agnes hit], and it appears the carpets and rear seat were removed before the current owner bought the car, this is a red flag. If this car was parked with under 70,000 miles, the carpets should have been OK. It also appears the car was being readied for a repaint. My question would be why?
I would carefully examine horizontal areas starting with the lower areas, checking for a layer of caked-on FINE mud. Especially check the underside of the front seat, inside the doors, and the back side of the dash. Make sure all the electrical switches work, [headlight switch, dimmer switch on floor, radio knobs turn, etc.], because these can quickly corrode after a flood.
I was a mechanic in the mid-Atlantic area when Agnes hit, and where population centers were in rural towns along small rivers and creeks, upwards of 50% of all vehicles in some counties became flooded.
Let’s hope this is NOT an Agnes flood car. The owner explaines he is in the process of having another 389 V8 rebuilt at a machine shop, and those costs will be added to the car’s already high sale price. Good luck.