1962 Pontiac Catalina Hardtop

Pontiac started as the Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works in 1899 and by the 1950's, Pontiac was prospering with a name built on reliable but somewhat bland designs. Sales wanned mid-decade and Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen arrived to restart the stalled brand, most notably by aggressive supporting motorsports. The performance focus would continue throughout the 1960s.

It was this philosophy that led to the 421 Super Duty. First offered as a Drag Racing engine late in the 1961 season; then as a factory option on Catalina for 1962. NHRA rules for 1962 required engines and body parts to be production pieces which led General Motors to add it to the option list - albeit an expensive, limited-run option. Fewer than 180 examples were built in 1962.

Pontiac was vague in stating horsepower; in fact, most believe it was actually far higher than the advertised 405. It was after all, essentially, a street-legal race engine, fitted with four-bolt mains, forged rods and crank, solid lifters, and NASCAR heads bolted to a manual transmission. The Division also offered optional lightweight components - including an aluminum front-end and lightened frame to shave valuable weight for drag racing.

This car was campaigned by Ace Wilson's famed Royal Pontiac and piloted by advertising man Jim Wangers who won the NHRA 1962 National Super Stock title in it. Ace's dealership was just off Woodward Avenue, Detroit's legendary cruising strip and unofficial proving ground where more than few young men tested their mettle and their metal.

This example has been recently restored and hasn't been shown in over 25 years.