1965 Pontiac Catalina

2+2 Convertible

421 V8

Automatic

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is my 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 convertible. Red exterior, black interior, white top. This is a genuine, PHS-documented 2+2 convertible, one of only an estimated 2,200 made that year. Much more rare than the GTO, the 2+2 has the same sharp silhouette, but writ large. It has the very desirable 421-cubic-inch engine (remember, GTOs that year topped out at the 389; if you wanted the 421, you had to step up to the full-size Pontiacs) with only 84,000 actual miles, married to a three-speed automatic transmission that has been professionally serviced (all seals replaced) within the past 100 miles. New master cylinder 100 miles ago, new battery last winter. Drum brakes were professionally serviced with new shoes/pads/rebuild kit this past spring. That was done at a Buick/GMC/former Pontiac dealer, and while the car was on the lift the mechanic (a ’67 GTO owner) confirmed that the frame is solid. Here are details on the major systems: Drivetrain: The date-code correct 421 V8 (note: no “numbers matching” for Pontiac in 1965, but the date code on the engine block makes it likely that the car left the factory with this engine) starts right up and settles into idle with a satisfying rumble. Chrome headers where part of the 2+2 package. Engine pulls like a beast through all 3 gears of the auto trans, which shifts smoothly. Body: All panels are in good to very good shape. Any rust had been repaired prior to the previous repaint, and any repairs that were done are holding up well. There is some surface rust on the trunk lid and one small spot betwixt the decorative vent “gills” on the passenger side fender (see pix). Undercarraige: The frame is solid, as confirmed by the independent mechanic who had the car on the lift to do the brakes. The trunk pan and floor pan had the usual rust for these cars (a new trunk gasket has stopped the water that was getting into the trunk). A previous owner patched over the rusty areas with a fiberglass mat overlay epoxied into place. The repairs are serviceable, but ideally metal trunk and floor pans would be put in during any restoration. Paint: The original color was Teal Turquoise (a dark teal), but a previous owner had it repainted Matador Red. The respray is passable for a driver but showing its age, with chips and flakes in some places. Also, it looks like either solvent was spilled or applied intentionally to the driver front fender (see picture), so the paint is eaten away there. Interior: The car was ordered with the bucket seats (standard in the 2+2 option) but console delete (have repro of the punch card that shows the console was not selected at time of order), so the shifter is on the column. This was sometimes done by mistake by the dealer (specifying the 2+2 option was not enough; they had to know to specify the console, too), or some buyers did not want the console (in farm country—this car was delivered to Webster, SD—between the front seats is where the dog got to ride!). The front seat bottoms need to be recovered; the stuffing is shot and the vinyl is split. But the front seat backrests are in good shape, and the back seat is pristine. Looks like it was never used (a shame in a car this spacious ). The carpet was replaced by the previous owner, and is serviceable. The dash is in very good shape, and has never been cut up for an aftermarket radio. There is one crack in the dash pad right in front of the steering wheel. Chrome/trim: The various 2+2/421/Pontiac emblems are present and intact except for the Pontiac logo on the nose of the car, which has lost its point (a repro can be had for $50 or so). Brightwork does show the usual pitting. I have 7 of the 8 stainless steel trim pieces that go along the bottom of the fenders/doors/quarters below the crease (they are currently not on the car; see pix). The front and rear bumpers are not dented, but could use to be replaced. They have some rust, and each has a hole that makes them likely beyond repair. Top: The white top is serviceable, but could use to be replaced. A couple seams are coming apart, and it is dingy from being outside. The top pump works and the frame is in good shape. (The cylinders are currently unhooked to refill the fluid). The weather stripping on the frame, where the windows meet the top, needs to be replaced. In a driving rain, water makes its way inside. Glass and tires: All glass, including the glass back window, is in good shape. Tires have plenty of tread left, and the original PMD wheel covers are in good shape. Electrical: The turn signals light, but do not blink (usually an easy fix). The high-beam bulbs work, but the low beams do not. The radio and gas gauge don’t work. Please note that I’ve described the car as best as I can, and information is accurate as far as my knowledge. The car is being sold AS IS and no warranty is implied or conveyed. I encourage prospective bidders to ask questions first, and to see the car if possible.