Long before the GTO cemented Pontiac’s reputation as a performance powerhouse, there was the Super Duty Program. Beginning in 1959, it allowed private racing teams to purchase lightweight body panels and high-performance mechanical components for use in drag racing. The program reached its peak in 1963 with the Catalina Super Duty before General Motors called a halt to proceedings. This 1963 Catalina is a Tribute to that era, featuring a fire-breathing V8 under the hood. It presents exceptionally well as a turnkey classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Catalina listed here on Craigslist in Plymouth, Minnesota. The seller set their price at $26,500, but may consider offers.
Launched as a standalone model in 1959, the Catalina badge remained a staple of Pontiac’s model range until 1981. The company released a new generation in 1961 that remained on sale until 1964. Our featured Catalina rolled off the line in 1963 and presents impressively in Arctic Ice Metallic. The listing indicates that it underwent a frame-on restoration, but not when. The paint looks consistent across the exterior, with a deep shine and no evidence of patchiness. I can’t spot any panel imperfections, and rust doesn’t seem to be an issue. The tinted glass looks flawless, and the trim is excellent. Pontiac’s approach to the Super Duty program included offering customers a range of aluminum body panels to reduce weight. More radical was the “Swiss Cheese” variant. Pontiac cut away frame steel in the box sections and drilled approximately 120 holes in the frame to lower the car’s curb weight. There is no indication that this Catalina has received that treatment, which is good news for those wishing to hit the road in this classic. That is because the frame modifications, designed specifically for racing duties, reduced the car’s overall structural rigidity. The relatively conservative wheels provide no hint of the potential lurking beneath the surface, which is why this Catalina is a genuine sleeper.
It is disappointing that the seller doesn’t provide a clear image of the engine bay, as this car is defined by what lies beneath the hood. The 1963 Super Duty received a 421ci V8, delivering a factory-quoted 410hp. However, as was the case during this period, it appears the company massively underestimated the output. A figure of around 500hp is considered more accurate, making the Catalina Super Duty a genuinely fast car. This Catalina doesn’t feature that engine, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. The overbored 400ci V8 has a capacity of 414ci, and that’s just the starting point. It features forged pistons and conrods, although, with a compression ratio of 9.5:1, it will run on pump gas. Add an upgraded camshaft, cylinder heads, an Edelbrock Performer intake, an 800cfm carburetor, and headers to the mix, and the dyno figures of 526hp and 512 ft/lbs of torque are unsurprising. The power feeds to an Auburn 4.11 Posi rear end via a four-speed 4L80E automatic transmission with a TCI controller. That is a recipe for rapid motoring on the street or the strip. Although not specifically stated, it appears this beauty is a turnkey proposition.
Apart from the roll bar, additional gauges, and the genuine Super Duty wheel, this Catalina’s interior looks surprisingly stock. It is missing the radio, and the dashpad fit is odd. Otherwise, its appearance is as tidy as the exterior. The lack of wear on the carpet and seats suggests the car hasn’t seen much action since the build ended. The color combination is classy, and although it is essentially devoid of luxury touches beyond the cloth seatcovers, life aboard this Catalina would still be pretty pleasant.
This 1963 Pontiac Catalina might not be a genuine Super Duty, and its price reflects that. It is at the top end of the market for a V8 example, but it is considerably lower than the six-figure sum typically commanded by the genuine article. Potential buyers will receive plenty of “bang” for their bucks, and creating an identical car for $26,500 would be challenging. It will almost certainly find a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?
Well thought out and executed. If it’s as nice as it looks in the pictures it’s a bargain.
This has definitely seen some track time, that roll bar is required for cars running 11.50 or quicker.
Steve R
One Sweet ride, one of Pontiacs finests creations in my book!
My dad bought a new 1963 dark blue 4 door Catalina from Roger Boas Pontiac in San Francisco. My dad traded in his 1957 Ford Fairlane he bought used from S&C Ford, also in San Francisco. Both dealerships long gone.
Wow, a real beauty! Well done mods. The last photo in the listing shows the car with the extra hood and 8-lug wheels. I did not see any mention of K-H 8-lug wheels, unless I missed it. I would love to have this car.
11.50 or quicker is rare air. 🏁 Very fast quarter.
With modern tires and a well built transmission with the right converter it’s not that hard. It you go to your local tracks Wednesday night, mid-11 second or quicker street cars with DOT tires are pretty common especially if the track isn’t at high elevation or it’s the middle of summer.
Steve R