Pontiac Motor Division debuted the new Catalina in 1950, and the model lasted three decades, until 1981. For Pontiac fans who didn’t want to spend the extra coin for a Grand Prix, the Catalina became an attractive alternative. Starting prices for a Catalina Convertible in ’62 were $2,726, which was average for a full-size convertible coming right alongside the Chevy Impala. This gorgeous example is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $40,000. It is in or around Batesville, Indiana. Thanks to Pnut for this great tip!
In 1962, the Trophy 425 389 tri-power engine was a $300.00 option for the Catalina. The original horsepower rating for the tri-power 389 was 318, and it produced 425 ft.-lbs. of torque. The seller says it is a “very good cruiser…runs great but no hot rod.” The GM Jetaway Dual-coupling Hydramatic in this car was an innovative, lightweight alternative to the 2-speed Powerglide of the day. It provided an enhanced driving experience, better power transfer, smoother shifts, and improved acceleration and efficiency. Four-speed automatics were relatively new for American cars in 1962, with only a few manufacturers offering them.
The interior is a beautiful ‘60s two-tone red with white inserts. A convertible that seats six very comfortably, this Catalina is fully functional, according to the seller, including the radio and reverb unit. The green “COLD” light works, alerting the driver that the engine hasn’t warmed up enough to use it at higher RPMs. There are no pictures of the car with the top up, and its condition or color isn’t mentioned, though a good guess would be white, as there is also a white convertible top boot. From the ad, the seller claims there is no evidence of damage or rust ever and that the trunk, engine compartment, and undercarriage still have the original paint.
According to the Hagerty valuation tool, a #2 excellent-condition 1962 Pontiac Catalina Convertible with tri-power has a low of $53,633 and a high of $69,767. That would make the $40K asking price pretty much a bargain, I would think. More pictures of the interior, including the instrument cluster and the rest of the dash, and the convertible top would be helpful, as the ad has quite a few photos of the exterior and only one of the interior and one of the engine. Can you see yourself breezing along with the top down in this Pontiac?
Nice car and nice writing. I think the 4 speed hydramatic was available before WW2 in some Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Cadillacs.
I believe that the 4 speed dual range Hydramatics which were bolted behind Cadillac V8s were used in the WW2 in the M5 Stuart and M24 Chaffee. It allowed the drivers to focus more on all that was going around them and not have to worry about shifting gears which could slow them down. Very tough and reliable transmissions for sure.
Very nice car. I think the Roto Hydramatic aka the “Slim Jim” was used from ’61 to ’65 on Full sized Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles. The interior and exterior look great, and as Kevin already said, some images of the convertible top would be nice.