This unicorn Poncho long roof is back on the market again. It was featured here on Barn Finds last November when it was located in Chadsworth, Ohio, with a $25,000 asking price. I read the comments from fellow staff writer Jim ODonnell’s excellent article and the station wagon was sold, but it’s now located in Camby, Indiana, with an asking price of $27,000. It is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace and we’d like to thank super-spotter T.J. for sending this rare 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari our way to feature again.
I grew up with a 1960 Catalina (a 4-door Vista Hardtop) as our main family car for eight years and also owned a 2-door Hardtop back in the ’90’s, so I’ll always be sentimental towards ’60 Pontiacs. This is an amazing example for several reasons: 1) It’s a station wagon that somehow survived the usual “rode hard and put away wet” fate of ’60’s station wagons, 2) The original interior is in great condition for its age, 3) It has a three-on-the-tree manual transmission – one of only 714 assembled according to the prior owner, and, 4) Its power plant is a Tri-Power 389-cubic-inch V8. Pretty strong sales points in my book.
I’d love to know the story behind this Safari and how it has remained in such impressive condition. The attractive shade of Coronado Red Iridescent paint (my uncle had a ’60 Pontiac Star Chief in this exact color) looks very presentable and is claimed to be 90% original, and the wagon’s very long roof is finished in a contrasting Shelltone Ivory. The seller claims that rust hasn’t been an issue and no scrapes or dents are visible. The glass, chrome, and trim look good as well as the underside. The only things I’d change on the Poncho’s exterior are replacing the hub caps to the proper 1960 full wheel or dog dish type and dressing it up with era-correct whitewalls.
Even though the Catalina was the entry-level Pontiac, its tri-toned cloth and vinyl interiors were attractive as well as rugged. And the fact that this Safari still has its original interior is just short of amazing. It looks very good with minimal wear visible and I’m not seeing any splits, rips, stains, or tears on the seats. Even the cargo area, which usually took the brunt of the punishment, looks good. The previous listing stated that the original clock and radio still worked.
Under the long roof’s long hood is a nice surprise, a 389-cubic-inch V8 that’s fed by three 2-barrel carburetors. This “Tri-Power” may have been added after it left the factory since the Tri-Power medallions are missing from the front fenders. Nevertheless, it’s a cool, unusual feature that just adds to the unique desirability of this Safari wagon. As mentioned earlier, it’s paired to a three-on-a-tree manual transmission and the current seller shares that the Poncho has been treated to new brakes on all four corners. The seller also says that the car “runs and drives nice; fly in and drive it home.” I love station wagons, and this 66-year-old Poncho has the right color combination, a straight, rust-free exterior, a beautiful original interior, and a Tri-Power under the hood. What’s not to love about this great-looking grocery getter?
NOTHING! I love it, I wish I could buy it.
FB link non-op. Watching vintage drag racing, many times, these were used as push start cars for the dragsters. Need I say it? It’s a beautiful car, could appeal to a wide range of buyers, except for? That’s right, the stick. I believe it would be more appealing if it even had a 4 speed, but this is no longer acceptable for the future. I think someone has a bit of remorse here.
I would retrofit a a 4.5 or 6 speed.
Bad Ass. Wagons r Great..
This is one of my all time favorite BF featured cars. I’d never drop that much cash but would certainly walk back for a second look at a cars/coffee.
Sleeper wagon right there!!
Yup put the seats down and you can sleep in the back
Beautiful wagon, and with a column mounted 3spd behind the tri-powered 389! Exactly, what’s not to like. I’d keep the wheel treatment as is but swap in disc brakes up front.
Just a minute while I take a cold shower! :)
everything considered the price is fair but a bit high. you’re not going to redo 1 for that price. tri power looks cool but its 3x the trouble. single 4 is the way to go and it needs w/w tires for sure and as the writer said find period correct caps. this is 1 bad a** wagon for sure great colors
Tri-Powers are basically easy to set up, and developed more power than the old AFB of the days. It would look killer with 8 lugs on it.
My fuzzy memory suggests that 3-speed Catalinas of that year were fitted standard with a 2-barrel carburetor, kinda’ entry-level low-power. I have no idea if all 389’s were internally alike, or if the 2-barrel versions had the same cam, exhaust, and compression as their 4-barrel-and-up relatives. This may be a relatively anemic 389 with a 3×2 intake.
Yep, sleeper in more ways than one….
Three-on-the-tree without overdrive is a problem on the Interstates. Not sure if this “entry level” Pontiac ever came with full dress hubcaps and whitewalls. I like it — but not at this money — and I’d imagine that it’s one THIRSTY beast!
Ah, it’d knock out 9-10 MPG on the highway if you kept your foot out of it. Way out if it.
The 3spd would have the same basic final drive as a 4spd do not a problem on the highways.
They did if you paid for them. At the time, both were extra-cost options.
Third gear is 1:1, the same as it is on the 4-speed transmissions.
While I am a fan (I have a 65 GTO Tri-Power) I believe that the individual air cleaners are incorrect. Pretty certain that it would have been equipped with the large single air cleaner. If you add the chrome air cleaners, you need to add the chrome valve covers to match.
Wow! I think I’m in love.
My Dad had a ’60 2-door Catalina with the 3 deuces! Same color, sold it for $400 in 1975 after purchasing the 73 340 Magnum Charger, that became my first car, and still have today!!
Serious overspray under the hood.
Wow, remember boys & girls in 1960 you could order any Pontiac any way you wanted, long as you had money. Now this is a sweet ride, buy, enjoy and drive the Schmidt outta it!!!