1965 Pontiac Catalina 2-Door Hardtop

The Pontiac Catalina was introduced in 1950 and initially offered as a trim level for the Chieftain and later for the Star Chief. After nearly a decade, in 1959, the Catalina became its own full-size model in the Pontiac lineup. By the mid-1960s, the Catalina entered its first year of third-generation production. In a similar fashion to other 1965 Pontiac models, the Catalina received styling changes with larger bodies, vertically stacked headlights, and a redesigned grille. Seven body styles were offered, from coupe to convertible, and from sedan to station wagon. Style numbers 25237 and 25267 could be further equipped with the 2+2 package, gaining '421' fender badging, simulated louvers behind the front wheels, and '2+2' badging on the rear deck lid and rear fenders. Style number 25237 was priced at $419 and No. 25267 listed for $397.

This particular 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Sports Coupe left the Linden, New Jersey factory finished in Bluemist Slate over a blue interior equipped with the W51 Catalina Sport Option. It also received A50 bucket seats, D55 console, M20 four-speed synchromesh transmission. This Pontiac is one of 11,521 cars with W51 Catalina 2+2 option for 1965, and one of only 5,316 equipped with the four-speed synchromesh transmission.

It is believed that the car was sold new through a Pontiac dealership in Clifton, New Jersey, and eventually found its way to Sweden where it received a restoration. During the restoration, the original four-barrel carburetor setup was converted to a tri-power setup. The factory air conditioning system has been converted to modern R12 refrigerant. There is a console, push-button radio with rear speaker, front bucket seats, power steering, power brakes, and power windows. The 8-lug factory wheels are wrapped with whitewall tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021