1961 Pontiac Catalina
Pontiac called all of their hardtops “Catalina” from the very first one in 1950, but the name became its own model starting in 1959 with the introduction of the all-new B-body full-size GM cars. The B-body was unique in the history of GM because for the first time every full-size car from the Chevrolet to the Cadillac shared the platform, which meant there was a lot of body sharing and similarities top to bottom. The Catalina line consisted of two- and four-door hardtops, sedans convertibles and station wagons—basically all of the flavors of vehicle types GM made. With the body being lower and wider than previous GM products, Pontiac tried to capitalize on the dramatic look by marketing them as “Wide Track Pontiacs”. 1960 Catalinas got styling revisions but remained basically the same as in 1959. The 1961 Catalinas were all-new with “X” frames replacing the previous “Torque-Box” perimeter frames. Bodies were smaller overall and squared off, but with more sculpturing. The 1962 line was restyled again, with slight rounding of the surfaces and a new top for hardtops that featured creases that resembled a convertible. In 1963 the Catalina saw further restyling to a clean design devoid of sculpturing, which carried over to 1964 almost unchanged. The 1965 A-body platform was completely redesigned, with a semi-fastback design for two-doors. The wheelbase increased to 121-inches, and a more sporting “2 + 2” package was available for the first time. Slight restyling appeared for 1966, but 1967 saw a major facelift, which featured hidden windshield wipers among other details. Safety mandates from the government were also being incorporated into all vehicles this year. Minor changes and a new beak-nose grille were applied to the 1968 Catalinas, and in 1969 another major facelift took place. The Catalina’s wheelbase was also increased by one-inch. With the popularity of the Grand Prix, the Catalina’s grille mimicked the design, flanked by what was dubbed “Horns Ports” which were round vents on each side of the front end. Another redesign for the B-body in 1971 saw the wheelbase increase to 123.4-inches, and Catalina got a new offshoot with the “Catalina Brougham”. This was an upgrade in luxury features, but Pontiac dropped it in 1973 due to slow sales. 1972 was the final year for the Catalina convertible. The popular Grand Prix wrapping dash and other features were finding their way onto other Pontiacs including the Catalina. In 1973 federal safety and emissions mandates reduced power output, engine options, and compromised styling with the five-mph freight-train bumpers. Minor styling and detail changes marked the 1971-1976 Catalina in general. 1977 was the first year for the all-new, downsized B-body platform. Pontiacs sold these years in California received other division’s engines because the Pontiacs did not pass the more rigid emissions testing. 1981 was the last year the Catalina was manufactured as Pontiac embraced smaller cars in pursuit of better performance and more stringent emissions standards.
1961 Catalina
B-bodies received a completely new design for 1961, with the main change being the elimination of the perimeter frame for a sturdier “X” frame chassis. Wheelbase was also reduced by three-inches. The Pontiac trademark split grille returned, to continue for the duration of the Pontiac Division. Body styling was tauter and tops heavier than 1959-60. Special-order options included a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, and the 421ci “Super Duty” which was only installed at the dealer level.
AVAILABLE MODELS:
1961 Catalina
- Body Styles
- 2-Door Hardtop
- 2-Door Sedan
- 4-Door Hardtop (Vista)
- 4-Door Sedan
- 2-Door Convertible
- Station Wagon-nine passenger
- Station Wagon-six passenger
- Engine Options
- 389-2bbl V8, 215hp
- 389-2bbl V8, 230hp
- 389-4bbl V8, 235hp
- 389-2bbl V8, 245hp
- 389-2bbl V8, 267hp
- 389-4bbl V8, 280hp
- 389-2bbl V8, 287hp
- 389-4bbl V8, 303hp
- 389-4bbl V8, 333hp
- 389-3/2bbl V8, 318hp
- 389-3/2bbl V8, 348hp
- 389-3/2bbl V8, 363hp
- 421-2/4bbl V8, 373hp
1961 Catalina VIN Decoder:
First Character: Series
Second and Third Characters: Model Year
Fourth Character: Assembly Plant
- P ~ Pontiac, Michigan
- S ~ South Gate
- L ~ Linden, New Jersey
- W ~ Wilmington, Delaware
- K ~ Kansas City, Kansas
- D ~ Doraville, Georgia
- A ~ Arlington, Texas
- E ~ Euclid, Ohio
Fifth through Eighth Characters: Basic Production Numbers
The sequential starting numbers start at 1001/up.
Early Black Friday!