Determining whether a car is all its owner claims is sometimes challenging. However, there is no question that this 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 is the real deal. Assessing its overall condition is difficult because the seller leaves out a few vital details and photos that would make life easier for potential buyers. However, it does hold promise as a restoration candidate that runs and drives. The 2+2 is listed here on eBay in Lodi, California. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $4,869, with time remaining for our readers to throw their hats into the ring for this classic.
Pontiac introduced the 2+2 to its model range in 1964 as a trim option for its Catalina model. It was offered in Convertible and 2-door Hardtop Coupe form, with our feature car being the latter. I typically defer to our readers when it comes to the subject of whether any classic is the real deal. That is because I am one person, and you represent an almost limitless resource of knowledge and experience. However, this 2+2 leaves no questions regarding its authenticity, courtesy of the included original Window Sticker and Ident-O-Plate. The seller indicates it has never undergone restoration, suggesting that the Yorktown Blue paint cloaking its panels is original. It shows its age, with significant wear-through and surface corrosion. The panels also sport dings and dents, and a cosmetic restoration would seem to be the starting point for returning this gem to its former glory. How involved and complex that might be will depend on what an in-person inspection might reveal. There is visible penetrating rust in the lower front fenders, and the seller doesn’t state whether further issues are lurking below the surface. Some trim pieces are missing, but the glass looks okay. The wheels are an aftermarket addition, but sourcing the correct items shouldn’t pose a challenge.
The Pontiac’s interior is a mixed bag. Perhaps the best news is that it retains the beautiful original wheel, and the translucent sections haven’t suffered the typical cracking issues. This is an important consideration because even if you could find a replacement, the cost would be significant. With that in mind, I would probably fit a wrap to this one to protect it from the ravages of UV rays. The 2+2 also features its desirable factory tachometer, while the dash and pad are excellent. However, there are changes and missing items that require attention. The seats are from a Grand Prix, and the original console is gone. The door trims show deterioration, and I suspect a retrim will be on the agenda due to the general deterioration. However, it is far from a lost cause and remains serviceable in its current form.
The seller supplies no engine photos but confirms this 2+2 features its numbers-matching 389ci V8. This powerplant sends 283hp and 418 ft/lbs of torque to the Safe-T-Track rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The original owner made the interesting decision to equip the Pontiac with power brakes but didn’t tick the box for steering assistance. The 2+2 was never intended to compete head-to-head with the GTO, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds was, nonetheless, pretty respectable. The seller recently installed a new fuel tank, sender unit, brakes, shocks, and springs. This beauty runs and drives well, allowing the new owner to enjoy all it offers immediately. The icing on the cake is the included parts car. It is incomplete but could be a goldmine of small pieces to help return this 2+2 to its former glory.
Pontiac sold 265,766 examples of the Catalina across all derivatives in 1964, but only 7,998 buyers took the extra step of ordering a 2+2. That represents a take-up rate of around 3%, making these a relatively rare beast. This one needs love, but the initial indications are that it is a viable project. It has only attracted six bids, with the price definitely affordable at the current level. Those factors may cause the action to intensify, but if it doesn’t, someone could become the new owner at a bargain-basement price. Does that thought tempt you?
Uncle ____( fill in name, we all had one) didn’t quite make the scratch for a GP, but dang, did pretty close. The sticker shows, with options, right around $3,400, heck, the tach alone was almost as much as the radio, the 4 speed, a whopping $231 bucks, but Uncle ____ had no trouble smoking those 8.00×14 rayon hides, I bet. They were nice cars, but in my usual stance, the 4 speed may hamper future sales. I’m sure many today would like the car, but the stick will be the killer. I know, the “peanut gallery”, consisting of all us old farts, would love a 4 speed in this car, it was the style we were used to, but today, I just don’t see it.
Not sure i agree as the world becomes smaller and interest in 55 and up American iron holds steady. In many parts of the globe stickshifts are still prized. Even here some of the younger troop that gravitate towards tuner units prize the manual ones. Ask any millenial or gen Z that has an Integra or Supra. I think nice muscle copies will stay in the like catagory. The six with three on the column not so much. Like all things, read some of the car blogs from over seas and there is a big interest in old cars that are driven. By that i mean cars you drive , not ones that drive you. This is a great unit here. It has been around the block but it is a nice one to build. I have a 65 Catalina along with a 62 Impala that both sport 4 speeds and interest is anything but nill. My sons teenaged friends are facinated by big old cars with bench seats, no consoles, gear shifts and chromy dashes with no plastic exploding bags.
I looked at the Ebay listing and did not see any mention of an additional parts car. The seller claims to be selling this car for a friend, so buyer beware
The seller didn’t re-post the description text from his last auction (#204606746907) for this car that ended 1/14/24. Here’s what it said: “-1964 Pontiac Catalina 2doorhardtop parts car Included. It is not complete”.
The last auction was bid to $9,400, but didn’t meet reserve. The current auction has no reserve.
Eight photos posted in the current auction show the white ’64 parts car.
It’s in there just no pictures and he does say it’s not a complete parts car.
This same Catalina was discussed here last April: https://barnfinds.com/389-4-speed-1964-pontiac-catalina-22/ At that time it was for sale on Craigslist for $13,000.
Not one under hood pic…
The lack of under hood or inside the trunk pics is disappointing, but if I were near Lodi, CA., I’d go have a look. A 64 Catalina 2+2 with factory 4 speed and posi! The seller claims it currently runs, so it’s possible it could be driven while being a work in progress. I’ve always had a soft spot for mid 60s ponchos.
Re-run?
Yes.
It appeared on Barn Finds last April based on a Craigslist ad. The seller wanted $13,000 at that time, and no parts car was included. He did include a photo of a rust hole in the trunk floor, though.
So, let’s see… a Michigan car for sale in Remote, California with no chassis, floor, shifter, driver’s seat, trunk, optional “gauge cluster”, or engine photos… and “selling for a friend”. I’m not feeling it, even with the parts car. Pass
If only it was closer. I had a neighbor that had a 2+2. Red with black vinyl roof and interior. His had the 421 cu inch 4 speed. Beautiful car. He passed away this past December. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the 2+2 came with 8 lug wheels. The parts car has the 8 lugs but the blue one appears to only have 5 lugs. Still, this will be a nice project for some one.
Wasn’t the 2+2 a 421 powered car or was that the later years ?
Pontiac was all over the place with engines in the 2+2 for 1964.
The base 2+2 drivetrain was a 389 with a 2-barrel that was backed with a 4-speed or automatic (your choice). It had 267 hp if you ordered the automatic transmission. It had 283 hp if you got a 4-speed. If you ordered an optional 389 with a 4 barrel, you got 303 hp with an automatic and 306 hp with a 4-speed. Then you could also order a tri-power 389 with 330 hp using either transmission.
There were three optional 421 engines: a 4-barrel with 320 hp, a tri-power with 350 hp, and one more tri-power with 370 hp. You could have a 4-speed or automatic with any of the 421s.
My father ordered his 64 Catalina with the 421 Automatic. Later swapped the tranny for a 4 speed Automatic out of a Bonneville. Wasn’t a hole shot car but buried the speedo on the highway lol. I was lucky enough to drive it two years before I gave it to my sister and got me a Fairlane. Same.color as this one!
2nd car from CA I’ve seen on BF recently that’s a rust bucket. Since when did CA become a hotbed for rusty project cars?
I am 20 minutes away from Lodi if anyone is serious.I can take a look. Was there yesterday
This car has been on craigslist for a looooooong time.
That parts car has to be somewhere else because Lodi is flat as a pancake.
I searched for an ad on Craigslist in the Lodi area, but couldn’t find one. Where did you see it?
I checked and its not currently on there. It is probably the same person selling a 1/4 panel in Lodi. I always search 59 Pontiacs and this car would come up in my searches, that is how I know.