Photo: eBay seller oliverjr05john
The 1962 model year didn't bring too many substantial changes to the Catalina lineup, though more notable news landed in the engine department.
The Catalina was offered with almost the same engine choices as in 1961, with the 389 again joining the lineup with a myriad of versions. The top configuration developed 348 horsepower, while the base unit produced "only" 215 horsepower.
However, it doesn't mean buyers couldn't get an even more powerful Catalina. They could, but the upgrade to 421 horsepower wasn't available officially, with customers getting the upgrade to 405 horsepower by specifically requesting it at the dealer. Pontiac dealers could also equip the Catalina and other models with lighter frames, significantly improving performance figures.
Getting all these goodies wasn't cheap. A Catalina carried a $2,725 base price, while the upgrade, which included the big block with two four-barrel carburetors, was available at an extra $2,250. Catalina's price almost doubled when ordering the engine upgrade, so finding this setup today is rare.
The 1962 Catalina in these pictures comes with mysterious bits, but it's certainly not one of the examples that used a 421.
eBay seller oliverjr05john shared a few specifics about the engine, but they claim the car is still completely original. It means the factory engine and transmission are still in the car, but it's impossible to tell if they work. However, I wouldn't expect good news under the hood, especially because the car looks like it's been sitting outside for years.
As a convertible, the car now exhibits a super-dirty cabin, which can only result from spending years under the clear sky. The good news is that the car is far from becoming a rust bucket, which you'd normally expect from a pile of metal sitting in the same place for a long time.
Unfortunately, the listing doesn't answer the essential questions, so I can't tell how complete it continues to be today. You should assume that some parts are missing, as a car spending years without moving eventually becomes a donor for other projects.
The Catalina looks doable, and I'm impressed by the body, which survived the test of time well. I like the patina, but I'm certain a collector or someone aiming for a tip-top shape would get rid of it and spray a new coat of paint.
The Catalina landed on eBay as part of a no-reserve auction, so anyone can take it home by winning the digital fight. Without a reserve, the car will certainly have a new home at the end of the auction. The car has already received ten bids, and the top offer is only $610. The price will definitely increase substantially in the remaining six days until the end of the fight.
However, it doesn't mean buyers couldn't get an even more powerful Catalina. They could, but the upgrade to 421 horsepower wasn't available officially, with customers getting the upgrade to 405 horsepower by specifically requesting it at the dealer. Pontiac dealers could also equip the Catalina and other models with lighter frames, significantly improving performance figures.
Getting all these goodies wasn't cheap. A Catalina carried a $2,725 base price, while the upgrade, which included the big block with two four-barrel carburetors, was available at an extra $2,250. Catalina's price almost doubled when ordering the engine upgrade, so finding this setup today is rare.
The 1962 Catalina in these pictures comes with mysterious bits, but it's certainly not one of the examples that used a 421.
eBay seller oliverjr05john shared a few specifics about the engine, but they claim the car is still completely original. It means the factory engine and transmission are still in the car, but it's impossible to tell if they work. However, I wouldn't expect good news under the hood, especially because the car looks like it's been sitting outside for years.
As a convertible, the car now exhibits a super-dirty cabin, which can only result from spending years under the clear sky. The good news is that the car is far from becoming a rust bucket, which you'd normally expect from a pile of metal sitting in the same place for a long time.
Unfortunately, the listing doesn't answer the essential questions, so I can't tell how complete it continues to be today. You should assume that some parts are missing, as a car spending years without moving eventually becomes a donor for other projects.
The Catalina looks doable, and I'm impressed by the body, which survived the test of time well. I like the patina, but I'm certain a collector or someone aiming for a tip-top shape would get rid of it and spray a new coat of paint.
The Catalina landed on eBay as part of a no-reserve auction, so anyone can take it home by winning the digital fight. Without a reserve, the car will certainly have a new home at the end of the auction. The car has already received ten bids, and the top offer is only $610. The price will definitely increase substantially in the remaining six days until the end of the fight.
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