Detail Info for: 1978 Pontiac Catalina Bonneville Survivor Original

Transaction Info

Sold On:
08/17/2010
Price:
$ 2994.00
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
33000
Location:
Upstate NY,
Seller Type:
-

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:
1978 Pontiac Catalina
Submodel Body Type:
Sedan
Engine:
8 - Cyl.
Transmission:
Automatic
VIN:
Vehicle Title:
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

Here is a truly amazing vintage automobile! This 1978 Pontiac Catalina sedan has been in 1 family all its life and is in unbelieveable original un-restored "Survivor" condition! It has never been wrecked, repainted, or rusted, and has been garage kept since new! It was owned by an elderly retired couple that went south in the winter months, so was never driven in snow or salt. The man died years ago, and the car was re-titled in the widow's name. She also has passed away, and the car is an estate settlement. If you buy the car, you will get the title, copy of death certificate, and power of attorney from executor to transfer the title to your name. This car has had just 33,000 ACTUAL TOTAL MILES SINCE NEW! It is equipped with 301 (4.9 liter) Pontiac small-block V8 with 2bbl carb, power steering, power disc brakes, am radio, automatic transmission, rear window defrost, deluxe cloth interior, full wheel covers, and air conditioning. Being an elderly person's car, they did not go in for all the power stuff like windows, seat, or locks. Actually, to my way of thinking it's better this way; less expensive stuff to break and go wrong on an older car. Everything works on the car, even the clock! The air conditioning also is still in good working order. Car also has nearly new tires, and has recently had a new thermostat and the cooling system flushed. I don't know of anything it needs mechanically right off the bat. The engine and transmission in this Catalina are smooth and powerful! I have never seen it smoke or leak. The car is comfortable, and is like sitting in your living room. It is very quiet and smooth at all speeds. It burns regular 87 octane gas. I have been getting 18-19 MPG locally, and about 22 MPG on the highway. This is a very economical full sized car! Cosmetically, this Pontiac is an unbelievable time-warp! Paint is amazingly bright and shiny, not faded or dull. Chrome, trim, and bumpers are also brilliant and bright. The sides are not banged up or dented like most older cars get. Paint has just a few small superficial nicks and scratches that any used car more than a year or 2 old would normally get due to stones, opening doors, etc. Most of these you really have to look for. The interior is also stunning! Seats, door panels and dash are immaculate. Original carpet just has a couple of very small holes that are hardly noticeable that look like they are from lady's high heel or pointed toe. Again, you have to look for this. Trunk is immaculate with original spare. Underside of car is clean and solid like top, not all scaly or rusted out. Engine compartment is basic un-restored original, not steamed or detailed for show. This is a great all-around car! It would be good for general transportation if so desired. It would also be an inexpensive way to get into the antique car hobby! It would make a great tour car for antique auto tours. Also, it would be a serious contender for trophies at antique car shows in the un-restored "Survivor" classes that are becoming more and more prevelant these days. Even if you decide to use as general transportation, the beauty of this car is that it is easy to work on, parts are plentiful and inexpensive, and it doesn't have all the complicated computers and electronic gizmos that go bad and are expensive to fix. Best of all, it only has to pass a basic safety inspection in most states, NOT the complicated OBD-2 pollution inspection. If you have a teenager, there are probably very few used cars more safe than this one! I think most of the plastic "pint-sized" modern cars would come out second-best in a collision with this one (Perish the thought!) This is a car that is really the best of all worlds! Please feel free to call me with any questions. Car is at my summer residence in Upstate New York. You may reach me at 518-835-3710 home or 704-661-1326 cell. It is best to call both numbers and leave messages at both if I am not home. It should be noted that un-restored "Survivor" cars are the up and coming thing in the vintage car hobby. A premium is placed on these rolling pieces of history. Remember, anyone can restore an old worn out car, but a car is only new and original once! If someone GAVE you a basket-case restoration project car, you could not turn it into this car for the amount of money you can buy this one for! Please feel free to call me at 518-835-3710 (HOME) or 704-661-1326 (Cell) with any questions about this beautiful automobile! Thanks very much for looking! IMPORTANT: I live in a remote area where cell service can be unreliable. Best bet is to call both numbers and leave messages at both. About Me: I collect, restore, and fool with nice original vintage autos from the late 1950s to late 1970s. I keep a "rotating collection" of 7 to 10 such vehicles and will sometimes sell one to make way for a new acquisition. I also will sometimes have a nice clean original used car. I have been in the classic car hobby for over 30 years! Please call me at with any questions. Thanks for looking! USA SALES ONLY! SORRY: NO TRADES! The only thing I want to trade this car for is MONEY. Thanks. Now for the Rules: 1. Your bid is a contract! If you are the high bidder, you are expected to pay! Please have your money arranged and all contingencies handled BEFORE you bid! 2. A NON-REFUNDABLE $1000.00 partial payment is due within 48 hours after the end of the auction. This can be by bank wire, or money order. Pay Pal is NOT acceptable for this. 3. Balance of purchase price is due within 7 days of auction's end. 4. You may pay balance in person when you pick up the vehicle, as long as it is within the 7 days. If you are paying balance upon pickup, it must be cash in person! No exceptions! Title and vehicle will NOT leave here until paid in full. 5. Vehicle is sold AS/IS, with NO WARRANTY expressed or implied. 6. Vehicle is sold at my premises. Transportation is buyer's responsibility. I will help with arrangements as much as reasonsble possible, but it is still YOUR responsibility. 7. Purchase is subject to a $99.00 administrative fee. This helps defray some of my marketing and clean-up costs, as well as a temporary transport license plate, and title fees. This does NOT cover all of my expenses, but helps pay some of them. NOTE: If you click on Buy it Now, and pay right away, I will waive this fee. 8. It is ok if you cannot pick up vehicle right away. It can be stored here at no charge for a reasonable amount of time. This will be at your own risk, as I have no control over acts of God, or other circumstances beyond my control. Vehicle must still be paid for within the 7 days of auction's conclusion. 9. Vehicle is also advertised locally. I reserve the right to end auction early if vehice sells through that venue. Sorry for all the rules, but I guess 5% of difficult people spoil it for the 95% who are good. Thanks very much for looking, and remember, if you have any questions, please call me at 704-661-1326 (Cell) and 518-835-3710 (home).

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