Pontiac Catalina Convertible, 1961
Pontiac Catalina II
Pontiac Catalina II•
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Chassis No.: 361K11895
Auction: Kissimmee 2025
Auction date: January 19, 2025
Lot No.: S212
$110,000 | High bid
- Odometer: 329 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Transmission: Manual
- Exterior: Red Fire
- Interior: Oxblood
- Body: Convertible
- Built by Paul Atkins
- 6.2L LS3 V-8 engine
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Red Fire exterior
- Stayfast Black convertible top
- Custom Oxblood leather interior
- Wilwood disc brakes
- Curtis Speed wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport tires
This 1961 Catalina convertible, built by interior specialist Paul Atkins, may just epitomize the term “Resto Mod.” The styling and sheer presence that made the ’61 Catalina so special remain, while Atkins has tastefully upgraded and modernized key elements of the car to make it drivable well into the 21st century. Full-size Pontiacs had a whole new look for the 1961 model year for two key reasons. One was a return to the stylish split front grille design after a one-year hiatus. The other was an all-new perimeter frame that enabled Pontiac’s engineers to downsize the cars somewhat while retaining their spacious interiors.
The results were sleek, trim Pontiac models with better-balanced ride qualities that gave up nothing in terms of passenger comfort. The Catalina was the entry-level model in Pontiac’s lineup, which made it a favorite among the growing numbers of younger buyers interested in hopping up their rides for better performance. The modifications made to this car follow that classic formula. The Catalina’s body, now coated in Red Fire paint, retains all the styling elements Pontiac designed for 1961, though it is now hunkered down over Michelin Pilot Sport ultra-high-performance tires.
The wheels are contemporary versions of Pontiac’s iconic eight-lug wheels, which incorporate the brake drum as the wheel’s center. These modern versions were made by Curtis Speed Equipment. From the factory, the Catalina could be powered by one of several versions of Pontiac’s 389 CI Trophy V-8, which produced anywhere from 215 HP in base, 2-barrel tune to 318 HP when equipped with Tri-power induction. The 6.2L LS3 that Atkins installed in this Catalina may be similar in displacement to that 389, but its output is more like 430 HP, power that routes through a 6-speed manual transmission fitted, as all hot Pontiacs are, with a Hurst shifter.
Like the exterior, Atkins’ interior for the Catalina retains many of its original components, but he made some significant changes. The factory bench front seat was replaced with custom bucket seats upholstered in Oxblood leather. A new center console is home to the shift lever and a tachometer. The custom steering wheel is space-age translucent, and there are retro-looking Dakota Digital gauges in the instrument panel.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1132963/1961-pontiac-catalina-convertible/
Cost
403,975 AED
