The idea of hitting the road on a sunny day in a classic convertible can be irresistible. The problem can be choosing the ideal candidate for the job. Sometimes space requirements remain a significant consideration. If you prefer something with room to spread out, this 1970 Pontiac Catalina could be ideal. It presents exceptionally well, with no apparent needs beyond a new home. The seller listed it here on eBay in New Bern, North Carolina. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $9,550, with time remaining on the auction.

The 1971 model year brought a totally redesigned Catalina in what was the badge’s Fourth Generation as a standalone model. The styling was crisp and modern, but it didn’t initially sell in the quantity the company envisaged. Only 129,983 buyers across all derivatives chose a new Catalina in 1971, marking the worst result since the 1961 figure of 113,354. Some classics can be automotive chameleons, blending into the background and remaining unnoticed. There is no danger with this Catalina, with its Cardinal Red paint and White power top making a bold statement. This paint shines nicely, with neither it nor the panels it cloaks showing evidence of significant flaws. The same is true of the top, which fits tightly and has no rips. The seller claims the vehicle is rust-free, and the photos seem to support that. Nothing is visible externally, while the floors and frame are said to be rock-solid. The chrome and glass are excellent, with the immaculate sports wheels and narrow whitewalls rounding out the exterior.

The theme of tidy presentation continues when we examine this Catalina’s interior. Its White vinyl upholstered surfaces have avoided the yellowing that can plague trim of this type, while there are no signs of dirty marks, stains, or physical damage. The carpet and dash are spotless, and the faux woodgrain hasn’t faded, worn, or lifted. I’ve been trying to find something to criticize, but the more I examine the supplied photos, the more I believe the interior could be one of this classic’s strongest attributes. It doesn’t look loaded with optional extras, although I think it features in-car entertainment for an AM/FM radio/8-track player.

The entry-level engine for the 1971 Catalina was the 350ci V8, but this car’s original owner plumped for the mid-range 400. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed THM-400 automatic transmission, with the original owner specifying power steering and power brakes. It is unclear which version of the 400 hides under this Convertible’s hood, meaning the driver has between 265 and 300hp at their disposal. With the Catalina weighing 4,281 lbs, performance is not in muscle car territory. However, cruising at freeway speeds or idling along some sunny boulevard should be equally effortless for this beauty. The seller says it is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving extremely well. If the winning bidder wanted to fly in and drive home, that could be a realistic plan with this classic.

There’s a lot to like about this 1971 Catalina Convertible, and not much of which to be critical. An in-person inspection will undoubtedly expose paint or panel imperfections not visible in the supplied photos. However, it is rock-solid, which is often half the battle when finding a good classic of this vintage. It has attracted forty-two bids, suggesting people like what they see. It remains affordable at the current level, but how high do you think the bidding will climb before the auction ends?