1960 Pontiac Catalina

Pontiac offered some of the most exciting vehicles of the era, wrapped in luxury unsurpassed by far more expensive cars. The Pontiac Catalina was considered a substantial setup above the popular Chevrolet Impala, in regards to trim and appointments, and came standard with more amenities than the Chevrolet models as planned by the GM established brand hierarchy. The standard 389 CID V8 was larger and more powerful than Chevy's six-cylinder or 283 and 348 CID V8s. The four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission option on the Pontiac was much better than their Chevrolet two-speed Powerglide counterpart.

Above the Catalina in the Pontiac lineup was the Ventura, offered as a Vista Hardtop ($3,050) and a two-door hardtop ($2,970), and the Star Chief ($3,000 sedan, $3140 Vista hardtop, and $2,930 sport sedan). The Ventura was a Custom trim level Pontiac with Ventura front fender scripts, model name insignia, and a higher level of interior appointments and options than the Catalina. The top-of-the-line was the Bonneville, priced at $3,330 for the vista hardtop, $3,260 for the hardtop, and $3,480 for the convertible. The Bonneville Custom station wagon, which rode on a different 122-inch wheelbase than the other 124-inch Bonnevilles, was priced at $3,530.

The Catalina, Ventura, and Bonneville Custom wagon shared the 122-inch wheelbase, while the Bonneville and Star Chief used the longer 124-inch platform. The Catalina, Ventura, and Star Chief were powered by a 389 cubic-inch, overhead valve V8 engine with a cast-iron block, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 215 horsepower with the synchromesh transmission. With the Hydra-Matic and higher compression, output rose to 214 bhp. The Bonneville used a four-barrel version of the 389 CID V8 rated at 281 bhp (303 bhp with the Hydra-Matic).

The 'Wide-Track' models, featuring a five-inch wider chassis, promised a steadier ride, firmer control, and were nearly impervious to crosswinds. Pontiac touted them as being the pinnacle of perfection in the world of handling characteristics and helped the company segment itself into the performance-oriented arm of General Motors. The wide track platform, larger standard-displacement powerplants, and angular styling cues aided the company in its quest.

In 1958, the 'Chieftain' and 'Super Chief' models were the entry-level Pontiac models. In 1959, the Catalina became the new entry-level model, while the former top-line Star Chief was demoted to mid-line status, and the two-door Star Chief Catalina was dropped from the line. The Bonneville nameplate became the full-size flagship model.

The 1959 Pontiacs were new styling and a new General Motors B-body platform that was shared by all GM divisions, including Chevrolet and Cadillac. The B-Body replaced the previous A-body used by Pontiacs and Chevrolet for a single year - 1958. Styling highlights of the 1959 Pontiacs included thin-pillar rooflines, increase glass area, a one-year-only 'split grille', quad headlights, and twin tailfins.

Minor styling updates were applied to the 1960 Catalina and other Pontiacs, including a new full-width horizontal bar grille similar to the design used on the 1930s Cord 810 and 812. Additional changes included round taillights, a new decklid, and full-length side trim moldings. The name 'Pontiac' in block letters was placed on the belt latch panel, and the 'Catalina' nameplate was placed on the front fender.

The list of standard equipment included an oil filter, turn signals, tubeless tires, and courtesy lamps on convertibles. A 'Sportable Transistor' radio joined the options list and could be used in place of the regular 'in-dash' radio or removed for use as a portable with battery power. 'Eight lug' aluminum wheels with integral brake drums also joined the options list, enhancing the car's visual appearance and providing increased stopping power.

Within the Catalina model line was a two-door sport sedan priced at $2,630, a four-door sedan at $2,700, followed by a two-door hardtop priced at $2,770, and a Vista Hardtop at $2,840. The convertible listed for $3,080, the six-passenger station wagon at $3,100, and the nine-passenger version at $3,200.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021