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?
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