Previous owner comments:
1965 PONTIAC CATALINA CONVERTIBLE,NUMBERS MATCHING 389 ENGINE,HURST SHIFTED MUNCIE4-SPEED, FACTORY 3.55 POSITRACTION REAR.
I guess we can call this a "Barn Find" because it has been stored in my barn for about 30 years! I was the third owner when I bought the car around 1980. It was originally a 389, 2-barrel automatic with casting number 093 heads. I converted it to a 4-speed using ALL FACTORY parts from a donor car, including a complete factory3.55 positraction rear axle. I also installed a factory GTO camshaft along with a 1965 factory Tri-Power intake setup. I used the car as a daily driver for about 3 years. Aside from thecam and intake installation, the engine has never been disassembled. Eventually the engine got "tired" but NOT broken, and Iput the car in dry storage where it has been for the past 31 years. Before storing it, I removed the camshaft and Tri-Power intake manifold.(NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE)
This Catalina has survived VERY WELL. Aside from a couple of quarter sized holes, one in the trunk pan and onein the front lower quarter,it is nearly RUST FREE. The car has the old school Acrylic Lacquer paint on it. This type of paint tends to "check"from temperature change, and blister from moisture. The lower edges of the body panels, where moisture collects and wicks up and under the paint, shows somebubbles in the acrylicpaint. The bubbles are NOT from rust coming through the panels. To prove this point to any bidders, I sanded down the paint bubbles in one area,to showthe SOLID METAL behind the bubbles(see pictures). There is 1 small hole in the metal where the lower front part of the quarter panel meets the rocker panel under the right door. The rocker panels and lower quarters are "rock" solid. ALL of the floor pans are amazingly RUST FREE. Under the carpets still shows the factory white paintoverspray. Convertibles nearly all have rust problems in the trunk floor pans from leaks. NOT THIS CAR! Aside from 1 fifty cent piece sized hole, and 2 cracks over the body mount area,the trunk pans are solid. The drop downs in the trunk and quarters are solid metal on the trunk pans and lower quarterson both sides.
The paint is a combination of repaints and original paint. Overall the paint is very well presented, and in my opinion, the car could be proudly driven as it is. The stainless trim is in great condition. The outside chrome, like the paint,is a matter of taste or opinion. It could be redone or driven as it is. The beautiful red interior has held up very well. Pontiac's "Morrokide"(sp) material stood the test of time. There is some wear on the driver's seat, but still very presentable. Of course the back seat looks like no one ever sat in it. The carpets were replaced somewhere along the way, and look super nice. The car comes with a matching red "boot" for the convertible top. The bootis in excellent condition. Thevinyl top is old, but does not have any holes or tears. The clothmaterial for the "well" that the top stores in is old and brittle.The car sports a nice set of 8-lug wheels, including a spare on an 8-lug rim. There is a picture of the car with it's fender skirts in place.They come with the car. Please notice the pictures that show the "shut lines" or "panel gaps". They are all nearly perfect on every panel on the car. This is evidence that the car is solid and straight, and has never been apart or wrecked. There are absolutelyNO body patchesor bodyfiller anywhere on the car.
The condition or presentation of this car depends on the idea or concept of the new owner. One approach would be to get the engine running and drive the old girl just the way it is, and be proud of it's survivor status. The other would be to take advantage of the excellent, solid, rust free condition of the car, and easilyrestore it to a beautifulhigh performance Pontiacconvertible. Sort of a GTO on steroids!
There aren't as many "big car guys" out there,as there are "GTO guys." However, now is a chance for one of you to own a Catalina Drop Top. The '65 is the best lookingone from the mid sixties.NOTE: ALL PREVIOUS DESCRIPTON COMMENTS ARE FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER.
Shipping or pick up will be at the expense of the buyer. I am willing to help with the shipping of the car in anyway I can. I can help you find a shipper if you don't have one in mind. I will work with the hauler to get the car on the truck. $500.00 Deposit by paypal due at auction end. Balance by cash, cashiers check, certified check, personal check or bank wire. All funds must be considered collected funds before title or auto leave my possession. Thank you for viewing and call if you have questions 941-400-5621