We may have passed the summer solstice, but there are still plenty of opportunities to hit the road on a sunny day in a classic Convertible before winter arrives. Hiding in this garage is a prime candidate for those activities. It is a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible that is a rock-solid driver. It presents nicely and is ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. The seller has listed the Catalina here on eBay in Cheektowaga, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $1,225, although the listing statistics suggest the action will intensify.
This Catalina rolled off the line in 1966 and is 1-of-14,837 Convertibles produced during that model year. The seller purchased the car from a Florida owner in 2023, and since it spent its entire life in that state, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The seller describes the paint shade as “Maroon” in their listing, although consulting the 1966 color chart suggests it is actually Montero Red. The paint shines nicely, and with no significant panel imperfections, the Convertible ticks the boxes for those seeking a driver-grade classic. The power top is as tight as a drum, revealing one interesting character quirk. It seems that a previous owner replaced the actuating switch, which now works in reverse: pressing the “Lower” side of the switch raises the top, and vice versa. The trim looks extremely clean for its age, and the glass is clear. I’m not sold on the wheels and would probably change them if I parked the Catalina in my garage.
The seller supplies no engine images, but confirms that this Catalina features the two-barrel version of the iconic 389ci V8. It was the least potent V8 buyers could order in 1966, although with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 256hp and 388 ft/lbs, it still provided very respectable performance. By teaming the 389 with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, the first owner ensured that any top-down touring would be pretty relaxed. The seller states that this beauty may soon require a new fuel pump, which is the only identified mechanical fault. Otherwise, it runs and drives extremely well, ready to provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring gratification.
One of the attractions of the 1966 Catalina Convertible is its ability to seat six people comfortably. That makes it ideal for enthusiasts with families where everyone wants to enjoy the classic motoring experience. The biggest challenge can be hiding substandard trim when the top is lowered, but the new owner faces no such problem. It is unclear what hides beneath the dash mat, but the Red vinyl trim looks excellent. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage, with the back seat particularly noteworthy for its spotless presentation. The carpet is clean, as is the dash. Someone added an underdash gauge cluster, but I can’t spot any further changes.
This 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible isn’t perfect, but I don’t see that as a bad thing. While it is wonderful to own a pristine classic, a driver-grade vehicle typically offers a more relaxed ownership experience. Having said that, few people would criticize its appearance, especially since it is a genuine survivor with six decades under its belt. I would probably change the wheels if I were the winning bidder, but that is a matter of personal taste. Otherwise, this Catalina is ready to provide the buyer with years of enjoyable top-down motoring. The bidding is modest at present, but would you consider throwing your hat into the ring by joining the party?
The seller/dealer gives very few specific details about the car, which carries forward to a lack of details in the pictures. I wouldn’t consider even bidding unless I could see it first and give it a thorough inspection.
Steve R
Vintage cars can and do rust in FL. I can guarantee that based on experience.
I’m making no judgements on this car. I haven’t seen it and it looks great but don’t mix FL up with somewhere like AZ when it comes to rust.
Walter, you’re absolutely right. I live in SW Florida on a barrier island, and boy oh boy do cars and trucks rust in this humidity. Like you, I don’t automatically consider a Florida car to be rust free.
The reason for this, assuming you’re even relativity close to the water, is that salt is carried in the air aka ocean breezes.
Love the breezes, but they come with a cost.
Also coastal areas in California where I bought an SVO Mustang that was solid as a rock except the roof panel that was rotted through. And almost bought a VW type II that was solid as a rock below the belting everything above that I could put my fist through with little effort.
Lifetime Santa Cruz vehicle.
Having lived in Florida and before that Detroit for most of my adult life, Cars rust differently in both places. In Florida the paint bakes off after a few years if not parked inside especially near the beachs. As for Detroit, the only way to avoid rust on a nice car was to have a winter car which for me was a rusted out 65 Baracuda and a 73 Gremlin both mechanicaly sound
I agree with Steve R that any person serious about buying this should take a trip to Cheektowaga to look at it. The wheels are missing the wire “baskets” that screw to the center hub to complete them. Even with the baskets the wheels aren’t all that.
Those ugly wheels need to go!
I was trying to decide what they were.(or off of) I forgot about those stupid basket wheels. I was thinking 2wd C10 or 2 wd Blazer. (Same bolt pattern)
good looking cat. very poor wheel choice. 8 lugs would do the trick for it. too many of the same pics. need to see in the trunk and the engine bay. could be a solid convert but needs to have a close in person look at before dropping any kind of serious cash.
Yup! Cars in Florida rust from the outside in and in northern climes rust from the inside out.
66 Catalina conv memories . . . the first car I ever bought without help from dad.
Parked in a rickety old garage is a brand new shiney red super stock car…….
First thought of picture
dash pad i probably shot ,steering wheel cracked all of which is not unusual if frame is good this still could be a great car, I have 3 one is great, one is a fixer upper, one parts car I love 65 & 66 full size Pontiacs
Has the engine been replaced? The engine looks like it has the wrong color blue.