1959 Pontiac Safari El Catalina

Seeing the success of the Ford Rancerho and Chevrolet El Camino, Pontiac Motor Division considered building its own car-based pickup for 1960. Initially, there were plans to build three prototypes, but only one was completed. A second, nearly complete vehicle was destroyed. Intended to be called the Catalina Safari Pickup, the sole remaining prototype came to be known as the El Catalina.

The hand-built El Catalina prototype was constructed at Pontiac Motors by combining a 1959 Catalina Safari wagon, and the cab of the new 1959 El Camino. Once it was determined there would be no plans for production, the one-of-a-kind truck was pressed into service as a delivery vehicle at the Pontiac Retail Store, in Pontiac, MI. Later, it was driven to college by the son of an employee.

By 1969, the El Catalina had landed on a used-car lot in Pontiac. A local man purchased it with the intent of restoring it. However, after 40 years of delay and setbacks, he sold the pickup to the current owner. A 'no expense spared' restoration has returned the El Catalina to its former glory.