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1965 Pontiac 2+2 "Big Brother" Is Restomod Royalty

The sheer idea of a Pontiac Catalina 2+2 being taken down the restomod path is enough to have us excited and when the process has the Roadster Shop's name on it, you can be certain this is a build to remember.
1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop 6 photos
Photo: roadstershop.com
1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop1965 Pontiac 2+2 by Roadster Shop
Before we move on to discuss the modern touches added by the famous Illinois-based specialist, let's take a bit of time to zoom in on the history of the said Pontiac.

The carmaker presented the model as the big brother of the GTO and the message was clear - the latter polarized the mid-size-body-biggest-engine muscle car formula starting from 1964, but Pontiac also wanted to keep the full-size performance aura alive.

As such, Pontiac first introduced the 2+2 as a performance package for the Cataline hardtop and convertible, back in 1964, with this involving the engine, suspension and trim. The following model year saw the 421ci V8 becoming a standard feature of the pack, while the 2+2 became a separate model for '66, albeit still using the Catalina base. The 2+2 returned as a package for 1967 and this was the last time the badge was present in Pontiac showrooms.

While the look of the '65 Catalina 2+2 we have here might not sit too far from the production model, this has been modernized across the board.

The transformation started with the Roadster Shop's Fast Track chassis, which brings an independent rear suspension. And while we're talking the connection to the road, this is now established via Roadster Shop wheels machined by the Greening Auto Company.

Under the hood, we find an unexpected level of sophistication, namely a DOHC 4-cam V8. Supplied by Mercury Racing Engines, this delivers a meaty 750 horsepower, placing this bad boy on par with modern muscle range-toppers, while a a manual tranny ensures the driving experience is completely immersive.

This big boy also packs matching stopping power, with the hardware coming from Baer Brakes.

And while the exterior is a classic combination of black and chrome, the red cabin comes from Avant-Garde Design, featuring Dakota Digital gauges.

Oh, and did we mention the baby blue valve covers that bring an extra smile on the face of those who get to take a peek under the hood?

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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