This 1972 Pontiac Catalina is one of those cars that’s certainly interesting both inside and out, but it also raises a few questions, such as why this one was parked and how long it has been sitting. Maybe it’s those low-profile tires creating the illusion that the wheels are level with the gravel, but I’m still getting the impression that it’s been a while since this one’s been on the road. That’s sad, as somebody put in a lot of work here, and it’s time for this Pontiac to start turning heads again. Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. spotted this groovy 1972 Catalina here on Craigslist in Waldorf, Maryland, and we’d like to thank him for providing this fun tip! For the right buyer, the seller’s asking price of $5,000 might be fairly reasonable here.
Fifteen years are said to have passed since this Pontiac received a restoration, and not too many details are provided about what sort of bodywork was done before the custom paint was applied a decade and a half ago. However, the car is claimed to be rust-free and have no dents, with the undercarriage stated as immaculate, so it sounds like the metal may be solid everywhere. The biggest issue outside is on the roof, as the finish is cracking where a vinyl top once resided. A suggestion from the seller is to put some new vinyl back up there, which seems like a much easier fix than starting from scratch on the entire body. What color material goes well with orange, silver, flames, and skulls?
Inside, things are said to be in great shape, and there’s been plenty of customization in here as well. The seller points out that there are TVs and speakers throughout the interior, and while it’s easy to understand the function of the latter, I’m not sure what the small televisions are for. Some other aftermarket items include the steering wheel plus at least three gauges in the dash, and this one also features bucket seats and possibly a handmade console.
The 400 engine is described as fresh and having only 1,500 miles, but the information stops here. The car is also mentioned as having a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, although there’s no word at all on its current health. This one needs some refreshing, but for somebody looking for a customized and attention-getting early-seventies GM hardtop, this 1972 Catalina might be well worth the needed effort. Any thoughts to share about this unusual Pontiac?
Restored is a funny word. Back in the day of the pulp advertiser booklets every week there were offers of tri-five Chevys restored ‘as new’ with a 350 CID engine etc. Supposedly this car was restored 15 years ago. So much depends upon the definition of restored.
Fifteen years ago this car could have been a ‘show’ car as in it looked good for the show. Considering the rims it might have been. Were spinners passe by then?
Former ‘show’ cars tend to be a losing gamble. There can be much quick and dirty work to make it look in the good short term, aka for the show. For the show it’s all about appearances. An example is the golly-gee-wow speakers and video screens(?) in the doors. Skulls and crap make it rad … then. For having 1.5K miles on it the fresh engine might have been fresh 15 years ago. All in all the quality of workmanship doesn’t really matter in the longterm. That’s the case with the tin injun.
At an auction this would be a $500 car if that.
Looks like a boogaloo turd to me
I personally believe, that if is as solid as the owner claims, it should be saved. I would turn it back to mostly stock, with some more subdued paint/interior/wheels tires. Would not be too hard to find a rusty one up here for a donor car for the modified interior items etc. These big cars are nice highway drivers. Definitely go with a white or black vinyl top. Hopefully there is some flex on the price, so this car can find a new home.