Modern car interiors typically feature enough bells and whistles to ensure that most journeys are undertaken in total comfort. However, they lack the type of trim that imparts a sense of occasion for the occupants. That criticism can’t be leveled at this 1959 Pontiac Catalina Safari. Its exterior is tidy and it is in excellent mechanical health, but its interior is a guaranteed show-stopper. It needs nothing and would garner admiring looks and favorable comments wherever a new owner might choose to take it. That first journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Pontiac here on eBay in Lagrange, Ohio. Bidding sits below the reserve at $22,099, but there is a BIN option of $45,000 for those who can’t wait for the auction to end.
Formerly a trim level, the Catalina achieved standalone model status in 1959. The company offered buyers several body styles, with our feature Catalina one of the 21,162 six-seat Safari Station Wagons ordered during that first production year. The seller confirms it received an older repaint in its original Canyon Copper and that close inspection will reveal minor flaws and defects. However, the shine is excellent, and the overall presentation guarantees it will still turn heads over six decades after it rolled off the showroom floor. The panels are straight, while the comprehensive set of images supplied by the seller confirms this classic is rust-free. The trim is in good order for a survivor of this vintage, and there are no problems with the tinted glass. The Pontiac retains its original steel wheels and spotless hubcaps, with the whitewalls adding the ideal finishing touch.
Mere words don’t seem sufficient to do the Catalina’s interior justice, because it is simply stunning. The seller confirms it received a retrim, and the condition suggests it hasn’t seen much active service since. The seats are in exceptional condition, and I question whether the back seat has ever seen occupants. There is no wear or damage, and apart from a couple of fitting issues that could be eliminated with a slight adjustment, the carpet is equally impressive. The door trims are spotless, the headliner is new, and the dash is a work of art. The painted surfaces look perfect, and there is no visible wheel wear. It lacks luxury appointments like air conditioning and power windows, but the upholstery combination and bright trim would make any journey feel like a special occasion worth celebrating. The AM radio provides entertainment on the move, but this interior would undoubtedly draw admirers like moths to a flame if the new owner rocks up at a show or a Cars & Coffee in this baby.
The seller adds confusion to their listing by suggesting this Pontiac’s engine bay houses a 347ci V8. That would be incorrect if the drivetrain is original. While the 347 was available in 1957, Pontiac engineers enlarged its bore and stroke so that its displacement grew to 389ci by the time this Safari rolled off the line. Assuming everything is original, the V8 sends its 280hp and 408 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes ensures this relatively large Station Wagon should feel light and nimble. Potential buyers face more good news because the seller recently spent a considerable sum to guarantee this Safari is in excellent mechanical health. The extensive list includes a new camshaft, lifters, a timing chain, installing an electric choke, replacing the differential pinion and axle seals, and installing the parts required for a complete tune-up. The Catalina runs and drives perfectly, ready to head into the sunset with its new owner behind the wheel.
Those contemplating the relative worth of any classic must consider many factors, but two help this 1959 Catalina Safari stand out. Domestic manufacturers show no signs of reintroducing Station Wagons to their future model range, and this classic was produced by a manufacturer that has passed into the pages of automotive history. Those factors have seen values for the ’59 Catalina Safari climb by an exceptional 20% during 2023, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. The seller’s BIN is probably optimistic, but I would be amazed if the bidding didn’t push well beyond $30,000 before the hammer falls. Whatever the final price, someone might drive away in a Wagon that will make them feel special whenever they slip behind the wheel. Could you be that person?
This is the type of vintage classic I love to see, a rare model in excellent condition in and out. This Pontiac Catalina Safari is an absolute beauty! Considering that this car is a turnkey proposition that doesn’t seem to need much unless you’re a perfectionist, maybe $45K isn’t an unreasonable ask. You’ll certainly stand out at any show or cruise night you take it to. The recent mechanical work is a big plus, there are probably lots of trouble-free miles to be had before you have to turn any wrenches under the hood. Adam definitely used the best adjective for this Pontiac, it’s simply stunning.
I can just imagine what it must have felt like back in the day when your favorite aunt and uncle showed up with the cousins in this beautiful car! Good times! What a beautiful piece of family history!
Yes, these were a sight to behold! Neighbors of ours in the early 60’s had one in that seamist green, it impressed me as a 5 year old and still does at 67. I’ve not seen one in the metal since they traded it in 64…
Safari, sogoodi! Longroofs with fins and skegs rule!
The ’59 was a major upgrade over the ’58, getting a new body plus new power trains, unusual in that GM would normally update the body one year, power trains the next. But the new “wide tracks” worked, Pontiac sold nearly twice as many ’59s as they did ’58s.
What a beauty – properly vaccumed interior b4 photo shoot.
I think i remember reading some of the wider lower ’59 vehicles rusting quicker than earlier ones, but i forget which make & model.
Imagine trying to find a parking space for 1 of these in any congested area parkin lot – or try to fit this car on converted-3-into-4-lane-using the-same-space highway. Say yer prayers as you approach concrete construction barriers sometimes w/o warning, placed close to the edge of the fast or slow lane. & the 2 middle lanes are hardly what i would call accomodating either.
“Wide track” indeed! And you’d need a LOT of our $5 per gallon California petrol.The fastest thing in that big Pontiac might well be the needle in the gas guage? It might be cheaper to run on white zinfandel?
Yeah, if this beauty were mine, she’d never be on the highway with the crazies, not the way they drive nowadays, nor would she ever grace the parking lot of wally world, or any other parking lot where the lot is more than an acre, where folks are buzzing around looking for a closer spot, or making circles waiting for the missus to come out .. no, this sweetheart would stay strictly on the two-lanes, close to the little towns that dot the landscape in these parts, probably take her up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and just roll around the mountain tops. This is a car meant to be driven slow, to give everyone a chance to take it all in, because imho this whole car is a work of art, just as she sits.. sorry, evil side, no smoke shows in this beautiful piece of history! I love these old wagons! And this one’s a real peach! Love to be the lucky one who coughs up the loot for it!
“Just lemme know, if you wanna go. To that shack outside LaGrange…”
Previous Mecum car…bidding reached $24k- no sale. Been on eBay the last 2+ years offered by Ellingson Motorcars out of Rogers, MN for $50k
https://www.mecum.com/lots/443349/
I think if they would have placed the original wheels and hubcaps like it is now on ebay, it might have gone further than 24k. Never was a fan of modern wheels that don’t belong on beautiful classics.
The wheelcovers on display now are for a 60, not a 59.
Oh how this triggers great memories! Fixing my eyes on my uncle’s jet black ’60 Chevy Nomad, parked along the Lake Erie sand at family gatherings near Sandusky OH, sticks in my mind like it was only yesterday. This Catalina would for certain do the same for geezers like me or ones half my age. What a beautiful find!
Many majestic wagons of the era were scoffed up from the local used car lots and repurposed as surf gear transporters by beach crazed youth of the 60’s. Fortunately, this Safari escaped that fate.
most has numbers spray painted on their doors and wrecked in derbies across the country ; such was the fate for a good number on wagons
As, mentioned, The ’59 Pontiacs were marketed as “wide track”. What a beautiful automobile. Loved the Poncho tail lights much better than the “bat wing” Chevys.
In 1971 I bought a wagon just like this one but with over 100.000 miles clocked for $65.00. Same color as this one, it was due for a valve job which I did. pulling the heads and taking them to a local machine shop for $15.00 per head a new gasket set and i had my family of wife and 3 daughters on the road. We drove it for a few months before trading it for something else I don’t recall what because I traded cars like shirts in those days. It’s good to see prices are getting due respect for these beautiful cars.
God Bless America
My second car was a ’60 Catalina 4 door. It came with the 389 and 4 speed HydraMatic as well. It had a 10.25 to 1 compression ratio and it did NOT like cheap gas. I could only use high test and good high test at that-no Speedway brand. It preferred Gulf and Shell.
I banged my knee on that curved windshield many times.
“Formerly a trim level, the Catalina achieved standalone model status in 1959. ” —– WRONG!
Prior to 1959 models – there was NO Catalina in Pontiac’s lineup. In ’57 there was: Chieftain – Super Chief – Star Chief – Star Chief Wagons (Safari) – Bonneville – in order from lower to higher trim and options levels.
In ’58 there was: Chieftain – Super Chief – Star Chief – Bonneville
– from lower to higher trim levels and options. — In ’58, Pontiac offered a Chieftain Catalina for a short time, which was a further stripped down (lower priced) version of the lowest priced Pontiac – in order to try to get buyers who were going for the lowest priced Chevrolet’s. It didn’t work. – People buying Pontiac’s wanted something a step above Chevrolet as that is what Pontiac’s image was, so the Chieftain Catalina did not sell to consumers and were mostly sold off as taxi’s and such.
In ’59, Pontiac dropped the Chieftain and Super Chief designations and replaced them with the Catalina designation to make it simpler with: Catalina – Star Chief – Bonneville. Very briefly, in a few limited markets – they offered the ’59 in a Super Chief designation and then dropped it. If you can find one of those – they are rare.
Pontiac later played around with making the Catalina on a shorter wheelbase with its otherwise stripped down fashion – but that didn’t pan well either – and they just went back to the simpler way of it just being a trim level model designation. —
In ’59, the Safari came in all three trim levels – Catalina – Star Chief – Bonneville. — This one being sold here is simply the Safari in its base trim level – nothing more special than that. Of course, dealers back then made their movie theater popcorn money on special ordering cars with options that did not come standard on the car. – SO — you can find all kinds of different trim level models with a heady array of various options added when ordered — none of which has any significance whatsoever other than the preferences of the person who ordered it that way from the factory.
This ’59 Safari in the Catalina trim level is an INCREDIBLY well preserved car — It’s dash and seat covers are pure factory — or there’s someone out there who can replicate ’59 factory vinyl perfectly – as they don’t look like they’ve seen any sunlight UV in their life – or for that matter had anyone heavier than a professional jockey sit on the front seat. — It looks to me to be worth every penny of its BIN offer. If I had money to burn, I’d want it – but if I had that kind of money – I’d really want the ’59 Bonneville Safari – as it’s one of the most beautiful – and totally functional in every way – land yachts ever to be built!
I worked for Scholfield Pontiac in Wichita Ks for 10 years and love Pontiacs. What has to be done in order to burn ethanol/gasoline?
Great write up.
Go on line to find a gas station near you that sells “pure gas” which has no alcohol.
Apparently the seller is looking to make a quick flip, that explains his lack of knowledge regarding the engine. Wonder how much did he pay the dealer from MN? If it weren’t for the red flags I’m seeing, I might even make a bid on this one, looks turnkey. Buyer beware….
In person inspection required. Goes without saying, but a fine example nonetheless.
We were a Pontiac household, New 51, 56, 59 wagon like this offered but green, 61 used 59 got banged around, 63 Catalina 2dr hardtop my lesson in responsibility. Dad says you need to learn to be responsible, Your buying a brand new car AND your getting a checkbook to pay for it, my first venture into the Book Of The Month Club. Back to the 59 wagon, I’m 16, never had a date or a girlfriend. My 8 year old brother made a date for me says, you now so n so, your taking her out Sat night, OK. Picked her up in the 59 wagon, off to the local drive in movie. I sat there like a Kawliga, probably almost shaking, can still see her glancing at me with a sorta smirk on her face, she’d had a boyfriend before. Well half way thru the movie I found the nerve to put my arm around her shoulder. Yes at year’s old, I have a fondness for 59 Pontiac Wagons.
My parents owned one in green back when I was about 12 or 13 and unbelievably, it didn’t have power steering nor brakes. Being a car nerd back then (as well as now), I remember that the timing chain broke near my sister-in-law’s house with my mom driving it and the brakes nearly went totally out when she was endeavoring to stop in a store parking lot in Kalamazoo, Mi.(master cylinder issue). Embarrassingly, my parents allowed me to put number stickers on the sides of the front fenders, 3-8-9. I thought it was cool at the time. :)
One of these in this exact color sat at a yard I had many dealings with in the 80s. The car was a fully loaded one, from the luggage rack to the autronic eye. I won’t say what happened to it as it still bothers me to this day. This is a gorgeous car, I had a Catalina and a Bonneville in convertible form eons back but the wagon is tops. I believe Sidney Potie ” spelling likely wrong” drove one of these in the movie Little Nikita in the same color.
Pretty sure that is a replacement interior. Nice, but not OE. Look here:
https://barnfinds.com/first-year-wide-track-1959-pontiac-catalina/
Ended at $30,500, Reserve Not Met.