Pontiac Catalina
| Pontiac Catalina | |
|---|---|
| Production period: | 1959-1981 |
| Class : | upper middle class |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Previous model: | Pontiac Chieftain |
The Pontiac Catalina was a full-size model built by the US car manufacturer General Motors under the Pontiac brand and offered from 1959 to 1981.
Pontiac had previously used the name Catalina from 1949 to 1957 for the two-door hardtop coupés of all model series.
From model year 1959, the Catalina was the cheapest “full size” model from Pontiac. Above that, several more expensive series were ranked under different names: Star Chief (1959–1966), Ventura (1960), Executive (1967–1970), Catalina Brougham ( 1971–1972), Bonneville (throughout) and Grand Ville (1971–1975), some on a longer wheelbase. The Catalina 2 + 2, which was only offered in the model years 1965–1967, was a performance-enhanced variant of the normal Catalina.
Model history
Catalina (Series 21, 1959-1960)
| 1st generation | |
|---|---|
 Pontiac Catalina four-door sedan (1960) |
|
| Production period: | 1959-1960 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 6.4 liters (158–208 kW) |
| Length: | 5428-5605 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3099 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1737-1995 kg |
In 1959, Pontiac renamed the previous entry-level model Chieftain to Catalina. At the same time, the car received a completely new body. The twin headlights, which were arranged side by side, now sat in a two-part radiator grille that carried a lacquered central bar between the opposing horseshoe-shaped borders. The tail fins were flared like wings on the sides. The elegant cars were available as two- or four-door sedans, two- or four-door hardtop models (the latter with the additional designation Vista ), two-door convertibles and five-door station wagons (with the additional designation Safari ) with six or nine seats.
The vehicles were powered by an overhead V8 engine with a 90 ° cylinder angle and 6,375 cm³ displacement, which developed 245 bhp (180 kW) at 4200 min −1 . On request, there was an uprated version with 280 bhp (206 kW) at 4,400 min -1 .
In 1960 the Catalina was slightly redesigned: the two-part, horseshoe-shaped grill was replaced by a one-piece model with horizontal chrome bars. The engines of the same size developed 158 to 208 kW (215 to 283 hp).
Catalina (Series 23, 1961-1964)
| 2nd generation | |
|---|---|
 Pontiac Catalina hardtop coupe (1964) |
|
| Production period: | 1961-1964 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 6.4–6.9 liters (158–301 kW) |
| Length: | 5334-5431 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3023-3048 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1653-1918 kg |
In 1961 there was a major facelift . The wheelbase was reduced by 3 ″, and the smaller cars had softer contours and a V-shaped, painted center bar in the grille. The engine range has been significantly expanded: The 6.4-liter engine was now available with 158 kW (215 hp), 169 kW (230 hp), 173 kW (235 hp), 196 kW (267 hp), 211 kW (287 PS), 234 kW (318 PS), 245 kW (333 PS) and 256 kW (348 PS). A V8 with 6899 cc and 298 kW (405 hp) was offered as the most powerful unit.
In the following year, the center bar in the radiator grille became narrower and emerged in the shape of an arrow. The expanded V8 engine range looked like this:
- 6375 cm³ with 215 hp (158 kW) at 3600 min -1 , 1 twin carburettors
- 6375 cm³ with 230 PS (169 kW) at 4000 min −1 , 1 double carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 235 hp (173 kW) at 3600 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 267 hp (196 kW) at 4200 min -1 , 1 twin carburettors
- 6375 cm³ with 305 hp (224 kW) at 4600 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 318 hp (234 kW) at 4600 min -1 , 3 double carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 333 hp (245 kW) at 4800 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 348 hp (256 kW) at 4800 min -1 , 3 double carburetor
- 6375 cm³ with 385 hp (283 kW) at 5200 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
- 6899 cc of 405 hp (298 kW) at 5600 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
In 1963, the twin headlights, which had previously been arranged side by side, were arranged one above the other. The coupés, convertibles and sedans got a 1 ″ larger wheelbase. The 6.4-liter engines with 305, 318, 333, 348 and 385 hp were eliminated. A new 6.4-liter engine with 313 PS and five new 6.9-l engines with 260 kW (353 PS), 272 kW (370 PS), 287 kW (390 PS) and 301 kW (410 PS).
In 1964 there were few stylistic changes. Only the tail fins became smaller. The engine range was further streamlined. Four different 6.4 l delivered 173 to 243 kW (235 to 330 hp), three 6.9 liter engines came up with 235 to 272 kW (320 to 370 hp).
Catalina (series 252/2 + 2 series 254, 1965–1968)
| 3rd generation | |
|---|---|
 Pontiac Catalina Convertible (1967) |
|
| Production period: | 1965-1968 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 6.4–7.0 liters (188–287 kW) |
| Length: | 5451-5547 mm |
| Width: | 2020 mm |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3073 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1677-1997 kg |
In 1965 the Catalina increased its wheelbase by another 1 ″ and got a stylish hip swing over the rear wheel cutouts. Two 6.4-liter engines delivered 188 to 213 kW (256 to 290 hp). The 421 - (6.9 l) engine with 249 kW (338 PS) was reserved for the Catalina 2 + 2, a sport variant of the normal Catalina (see below).
In 1966, the chrome-plated radiator grilles were replaced by plastic ones. There were no technical changes.
In 1967 the Catalina got fuller flanks. The twin headlights, arranged one above the other, sat in rectangular boxes. The upper half of the previous radiator grille disappeared in favor of a hood that was pulled down, the lower half was integrated into the front bumper. There was also a completely new range of engines: three 6555 cm³ engines delivered 195 kW (265 PS), 213 kW (290 PS) or 250 kW (340 PS), two 7014 cm³ units delivered 276 kW (375 PS) or 287 kW ( 390 hp).
In 1968 a thorough stylistic revision was due again. The double headlights were arranged side by side again, the front bumper was part of a chrome-plated frame around the entire radiator grille, and the middle section of this radiator grille emerged as a V-shaped nose with a distinctive, chrome-plated center bar. Technically nothing changed.
Catalina 2 + 2
This sporty version was created in 1965 as an option for the two-door Catalina models. They had the larger 421 (cu.in.) Engine with 249 kW (338 hp) and "421" inscriptions.
In 1966 the 2 + 2 became its own model series with the serial number 254. Only the two-door hardtop coupé and the two-door convertible were delivered with this equipment. In 1967 the 2 + 2 was reintegrated into the normal 252 model series and was available with a 7.0 liter engine with up to 272 kW (370 hp). A total of 19,672 copies were made in three years.
Catalina (Series 252, 1969-1970)
| 4th generation | |
|---|---|
 Pontiac Catalina hardtop coupe (1970) |
|
| Production period: | 1969-1970 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 6.6 liters (187.5–213 kW) |
| Length: | 5535-5611 mm |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 3099 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1783-2087 kg |
In 1969 there were hardly any stylistic changes, but the wheelbase was increased again by 1 ″, and the two-door sedan was dropped. The nose protruded a little more because the front bumpers were split. The side triangular windows fell away. Only the two weaker engines from the previous year were offered.
In 1970, the radiator grilles on either side of the nose disappeared, and the twin headlights were placed side by side in rectangular, chrome-plated boxes. The weaker of the two engines lost another 10 hp.
Catalina (series 252 / 2L / 2BL / 2B, 1971–1976)
| 5th generation | |
|---|---|
 Pontiac Catalina hardtop sedan 1972 |
|
| Production period: | 1971-1976 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 5.7–7.5 liters (167–279 kW) |
| Length: | 5593-5875 mm |
| Width: | 2020 mm |
| Height: | 1360-1470 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 3137-3226 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1811-2300 kg |
In 1971 the Catalina was extensively revised. The nose was retained, but the twin headlights were now seated over low side grilles that stretched across the width of the vehicle. Wide, horizontal taillights adorned the stern. The wheelbase had increased by a further 1 ½ ″ (station wagons: 5 ″), and the new engine range was as follows:
- 5735 cc of 250 hp (184 kW) at 4400 min -1 , 1 twin carburettors
- 6555 cc of 300 hp (221 kW) at 4800 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
- 7456 cc of 280 hp (206 kW) at 4400 min -1 , 1 twin carburettors
- 7456 cc of 325 hp (196 kW) at 4400 min -1 , 1 four-barrel carburetor
The 1972 model year brought new, energy-absorbing bumpers and a new front with the lower parts of the grille integrated into front bumpers. There was also an expansion of the engine range. There was also a 5.7 l with 195 kW (265 hp), an equally powerful 6.6 l and one with 279 kW (380 hp). Of the large 7.5 l machines, there were two new ones with 211 kW (300 PS) and 279 kW (380 PS).
In 1973 the Catalina showed itself with a continuous, narrow front bumper and a higher radiator grille. The cabriolet had also been abandoned. The basic engine was a little less powerful and only delivered 167 kW (227 hp).
In 1974 there was a slightly different front with a coarser grille. The small 5.7 liter engine was dropped.
In 1975 the four-door hardtop sedan was also discontinued, so that only three body variants (two-door hardtop coupé, four-door sedan and five-door station wagon) were offered. The 1975 models are characterized by double rectangular headlights. Little changed in terms of technology. There were no changes in 1976 either.
Catalina (Series 2B, 1977-1981)
| 6th generation | |
|---|---|
|
Image does not exist |
|
| Production period: | 1977-1981 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 3.8–6.6 liters (118–206 kW) Diesel engines : 5.7 liters (118 kW) |
| Length: | 5431-5504 mm |
| Width: | 1923 mm |
| Height: | 1351 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2946 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1537-1823 kg |
In 1977 the Catalina appeared in a significantly reduced version. The wheelbase (now again the same for all body variants) had shrunk to 2,946 mm and for the first time there were also V6 engines with 3,785 cm³ displacement and 118 kW (160 PS). Stylistically, the new car, with its rectangular twin headlights and V-shaped nose, was reminiscent of its predecessor. V8 engines were optionally available, namely with 4,933 cm³ (151 kW / 205 PS), 5,735 cm³ (189 kW / 257 PS), 6,555 cm³ (201 kW / 273 PS) and 6,604 cm³ (206 kW / 280 PS) .
In 1978 the hardtop coupé was replaced by a normal coupé with B-pillars. The styling and engine range changed only slightly.
1979 was another facelift . The rectangular double headlights were built into a two-part grill with a painted, V-shaped central bar. The front was vaguely reminiscent of the 1961 model. The 6.6 l engines were no longer used.
In 1980, the return of the "nose" was celebrated, which - as from 1968 - made the cars appear more massive. The Catalina had this styling in common with the Bonneville . The base engine increased to 123 kW (167 hp); there were also V8 petrol engines with 4,342 cm³ (134 kW / 182 PS) and 4,933 cm³ (156 kW / 212 PS). The first diesel engine in the series was also new, a V8 with a displacement of 5,735 cm³ and an output of 118 kW (160 hp).
In the last year of production, a new V8 engine with 5,031 cc and 162 kW (220 hp) was added. There were few changes in style.
A total of 3.76 million copies of the Catalina were made between 1958 and 1981.
Web links
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- John Gunnell: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 . Revised 4th edition. Publication, Iola WI 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X , pp. 710-761.
- James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . 3rd edition. Krause Publication, Iola WI 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 , pp. 844-917.
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