The seller of this 1959 Pontiac Catalina convertible describes it as a true time capsule. Typically a lofty claim for a 61-year old car, this is a documented one-family owned car and the included photos, at the least, don’t discount that claim. This Pontiac was sent to us by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Winsted, Connecticut. The auction’s reserve has not been met after 13 bids have set the current high bid at $8,400.
The Catalina was Pontiac’s entry-level full-size car for 1959. As many models from the 1950s to 1970s were, the Catalina was offered in 2-door, 4-door, station wagon, and convertible body styles. Of the nearly 383,000 full-size Pontiacs built-in 1959, 231,561 of them were Catalinas. The convertible was nearly the least popular Catalina body style with just 14,515 built, but the 9-passenger wagon edged it out by just a few hundred.
This Catalina is described as 90% original. The exceptions to originality are a replaced convertible top and a repainted driver side fender after a “garage incident” in the 1980s. The Royal Amethyst paint is a welcome departure from one of the more typical colors and while believed to be original, still appears to be in decent shape. The white convertible top looks bright and while the brightwork appears complete, it doesn’t look too bright. Rust in the trunk and rockers is noted.
The interior is clad in black and white fabrics. Some wear is visible on the carpet, but the front bench seat looks like its been used gently. The lack of photos would leave me with a lot of questions, but this is described as a “time capsule” so I’d set my expectations at a clean and usable level instead of a show car level. The seller does welcome a pre-purchase inspection.
Under the hood is the only engine offered in the Catalina – a 389 cubic-inch V8, which is backed by a column-shifted automatic transmission. The seller says it “runs, drives, and stops” and they believe the 94k miles on the odometer is original. The window sticker shows this Catalina is equipped with power steering and power brakes.
Based on the seller’s description it seems this Catalina is used sparingly. Being mostly original but still in running condition should offer appeal to those who are looking for a light project. Would you get this Pontiac sorted and back on the road or return it to its original glory?
Wow, 383,000 full sized PonPons in 1959. That just seems like a staggering number of automobiles. At about 20 feet per car, these cars, placed bumper-to-bumper, would stretch for some 1,450 miles, nearly halfway across the United States.
I think this has been said….but I am fascinated at how your mind works. For the record, I did give you a thumbs up.
I don’t think there was a more beautiful car in the late 50’s than the ’59 Poncho. I mean, look at it, the lines, the chrome, the “Wide-Track”,,just beautiful. Now,,,to put the skidders on that thought, this is the same kind of car some enterprising Yooper farmer, turned a black ’59 Poncho convertible, into his ( or her) rendition of a Batmobile. It was butchered and hideous. Lore has it, don’t give a Yooper a cutting torch , a welder and a free weekend. Red Green producers get their ideas from somewhere, and they had it out on their front yard, as a seemingly proud testament to their work. From what it looked, it was a pretty nice car before the,,um, transformation. Pontiac,,,, one of the nicest cars to ever come out of GM,,,and they killed it. Way to go, GM.
To be fair – you’ve got to be a little off to try farming in the UP. Unless of course you’re raising swamp hemlocks and black flies.
I’m with you on this one, Howard. My heart went pit-a-pat when I saw this ad. My Mom’s 2nd convertible was a slightly used 59 Catalina in powder blue and matching top with an aquamarine interior. It was the early 60s and I was a dumbstruck and madly in love 17 year old. Did I love driving it with the top down. I’ve wanted one of these forever. Connecticut (salt land) and 14 cars in hand already (6 projects, 1 parts car, and 7 drivers) and I’ll just have to wait. If not for a 59 Catalina then for a 67 LeMans convertible (her 3rd convert which I have said before on this forum that I was offered for free around 1980 or so and stupidly said no). Just shoot me, please.
Bat mobile was a ‘57 Lincoln
The Batmobile was not a 57 Lincoln. It was built from the Lincoln Futura, a hand-built Ford concept car/show car from about 55-56. There was only ONE Lincoln Futura built.
Great car. I just wish the seller would have gotten some photos of the rust so we’d know what we were getting into. GLWTA.
That’s true it was a Futura .Batmobile one of the coooooolest cars
fun to see a Catalina convertible.
Chevrolet missed the boat not offering a convertible Bel Air for those of us who prefer less bling…..
They tried that in 1953 by offering a 210 convertible. They built 5600 of them vs. over 24,000 Bel-Air convertibles. Any wonder why this experiment only lasted the one model year. They didn’t sell! If they don’t buy ’em, they don’t build ’em.
Traded a 56 Buick 4 door sedan for this , I’d say they made the right decision !
5 bars of gold Latinum!
These are beasts.. Lots of power and glide down the road.
Beautiful cars that just oozed class
We had a ’59 wagon. Rode and drove like a dream. Huge bench seat in the front. While out on a date, both of the seat tracks snapped and we rolled over backward. We got the seat back upright, and drove carefully home. I welded them back together the next day.
This car now resides in AZ, and I drive it almost every day…