Solid Survivor: 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible

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?