General Motors redesigned its 1959-60 cars in search of a longer, wider, lower appearance akin to the 1957-60 Chrysler “Forward Look” styling. For those years, the Catalina was on par with the Chevy Impala and represented the lion’s share of Pontiac sales. The seller’s 1960 Catalina is a “Vista” 4-door hardtop (details to follow) that has the impression of a Saturday night stock car racer. It doesn’t run (no carburetor), but it could make an interesting project to revive. Located in a garage in Hinton, Iowa, this vintage “Poncho” is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500. Kudos to T.J. for another cool tip!
The “Vista” is a marketing term applied to the roof styling of 1959-60 GM 4-door hardtops. The 2-door would earn the nickname “Bubbletop” by car people all over. Other phrases used to describe the Vista were “Flying Wing” and “Flat Top.” Whatever the case, the look was quite stylish, futuristic, and emphasized lots of glass. All GM divisions shared the Vista in those model years, including the Pontiac Catalina, which built 32,710 of them in 1960 (when the seller’s hardtop was assembled).
We don’t know much about the background of the seller’s Pontiac. He bought it as a project, but has since concluded that a lack of time will preclude following through. We’re told the 389 cubic inch V8 turns over but won’t do more due to the lack of a carburetor (and maybe more). The odometer has turned over, but 116,000 miles should be accurate. Though some racing markings adorn the faded white over red paint, there is no indication that the Vista was ever actually raced (a 2-barrel manifold doesn’t equate to 335 hp).
The tires may be track-ready – Mickey Thompson Sportsman STs. The sheet metal could all be sound, but we’re told the interior is going to require some work. This Pontiac seems to offer lots of potential, regardless of the direction you decide to go in – stock cruiser, vintage racer, or restomod. Which way would you go?
First of all, I don’t remember very many 4 doors in racing. Convertibles, maybe. Fireball Roberts, who ironically died in a fireball, had some success with a 1960 Poncho, but they had more wins at the dragstrip. ’61 and ’62 were Pontiacs big years, with big names driving Pontiacs, but Fords 427 in late ’63 put an end to Pontiacs racing, for a while. They dominated drag racing in the 80s. There again, Toyota put an end to that, however, it makes me happy Toyota is pulling out of drag racing, and many are using Dodge bodies again. USA, USA!!!.
For the record, that is a 4 barrel, manifold, a 389/4V did put out around 333hp.but do the old Chief some dignity, get the DA sander out, and remove that silliness, and paint it,. People may or may not know what “Wide Trackin” is/was, but with that wraparound back window, it was an extremely attractive car, and could easily be once again.
A rusty non-running project with fake race car lettering for $3,500. There are plenty of turn key 4 door from the 1950’s through 1980’s in much better condition in this price range. Better to keep looking for something else unless this is your dream car, this car sits squarely in the segment of the market is extremely competitive, it’s a buyers market for this type of car.
Steve R
The ’60 Catalina’s that appeared in NASCAR were 2-door models. Cotton Owens drove a ’60 Catalina during the 1960 season – in 13 starts he achieved 1 victory, 3 2nd place finished and 2 3rd place finishes.