in 1988 my sister and I were riding in Dads Pontiac. Same Catalina, same engine. I will never forget the look on that kids face when his 88 Fox Body 302 got dusted by my lil sis in an OLD car. We didnt have much back then, but that damn Pony was no joke.
I love the 65 Pontiacs!!! My aunt had a 65 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 8 lug wheels, the translucent steering wheel & three 2 bbl carburators!!! She drove with a lead foot too!!! 👍👍🙂
@@christopherkraft1327 we had 6 Pontiacs 1965-66 and we sold our GTO convertible recently. I shouldn’t have. But I’ve got some cool videos of them here on CZcams.
In 1977, in HS, I bought a 1966 Bonneville (bomb-a-ville) from a nun at my school. Sweet ride. Paid $200 for a car iwth 55,,000 miles. Needed premium but was worth every drop. 389 with weber downdrafts. Not a racer, but damn fast cruiser. Nice trip down memory lane. Thanks.
$200 from a NUN? She was styl'n. That was a major, major score. I bought in 76 a 1967 396 Chevy Impala Super Sport with 70k miles for $450.00. And the car was probably in half the condition of what you bought.
I was a Pontiac guy back in the '60s. My first Pontiac was a 58 starchief. The second was a 62 Grand Prix. It had the big 389 with three twos. 348 horsepower. 13 straight trophies at the drag strip. The next one was a 65 2 + 2 421 HO 4 speed 376hp. I could routinely blow the doors off of GTOs. Got in a race with a GTO down in New Orleans. Was kicking his butt. However, this time when I slam third gear, it blew the transmission all over the pavement. The good news was that Pontiac repaired the car on warranty for me. The Hurst shifter was a junk. I broke the rod off one night slamming third gear. That's when I changed over to a real Hurst shifter. I went crazy with the options list that year. Had almost every option they offered and there were a bunch. Things like a calibrated speedometer, extra frame member, the wheels that you see in this picture, and so forth. It was a great car. Next was a 67 Firebird 400 HO. Another great car. But in 1969 I switched to Corvettes. I still have my 70 Corvette. In fact I'm just painting it again now.
Well we are the lucky generation who could still experience those great cars. And you held on to the wonderful GM cars of the Golden Age. No car ever since was better than the good old things that were built til 72. Honestly my first cars in Europe were Italian cars and German GMs. But since I am 21 years old I always owned at least one fullsize GM. And I never sold or dumped even one.
i also had a 62 gp with the348 hp 389 with the wide ratio 4 speed and 323 rear gears, what a great car, and such a good looking car, i wish i had it today.
Mid 60's Pontiacs were at the pinnacle of their design and very influential across the board in my opinion. Other manufacturers tried to emulate them with stacked headlights and that coke bottle shape. I still remember my father having a '66 2+2 Catalina on order in the fall of 1965 at a local Pontiac dealer, when he happened to stop in to check on the status of his order. Sitting on the showroom floor was a gorgeous green '66 Bonneville convertible with black leather seats. He decided to drop his order and bought the Bonneville. That thing was like an aircraft carrier, a huge car, but really stunningly beautiful.
Another great review. The ‘65s truly were Pontiacs moment - I think you’ve pointed this out before; the entire lineup won Motor Trends COY - back when that really meant something. One thing people don’t appreciate as much today was the lengths Pontiac went too in an effort to create a unique sound. They used resonators at the rear on full size bodies to help emphasize a low frequency rumble or burble. This was always noticeable at idle and one of my favorite memories of the era. They quit doing this by the mid 1970’s and frankly not an expense that most replacement systems included but it was a hidden component of the signature sound. What a time to be a kid in the back seat!
@@boblozaintherealworld3577 - "Muscle cars" are mid sized cars with the engines from a full size car... this is simply a kinda fast full size car... and a faster one was also an option...
@@BuzzLOLOL You are absolutely correct, sir. I was (mistakenly) referring to the American cars of the mid-1950's to the early 1960's. Earliest example, in my opinion, would be the 1956 Chrysler 300. You think?
Those Pontiac engines were fabulous. I remember when I was a teen. We were driving on an highway in Northern Italy with our entire family in the 65 Bonenville convertible. In the rear view mirror we spotted a Ferrari and a Lancia racing at high speed. For once my Dad was mean and he told me: Son, I show you what torque is. He stayed on the left lane: In Europe you are not allowed to pass on the right. He even slowed donwn to about 70 miles per hour. The Italian sport cars were forced to slow down. Then my father made a kickdown. And the Pontiac shot forward at an amazing rate. I tell you: Within a minute the Ferrari and Lancia were hardly visible in ther rear mirror. They were probably half a mile behind us! I must ad: The older generation of my family owned a lot of high end Italian sports cars as well. Maseratis, Alfa Romeos and such. I have a friend who restores and deals with classic cars for Decades: He told me: I owned Ferraris, Maseratis and other Italian sports cars. But he said: My really "evil" engined US cars were faster accelerating.
great video.When I was a kid,my dad had a 65 Bonneville sedan.Beautiful car,we drove it out to Los Angeles on a trip,and then also to Idaho (from Texas both times).On the first trip,my dad failed to have the carburators adjusted before we got into the higher elevations of the High Rockies,which caused my dad to curse the car,until we pulled into a lonely service station in a small town in Colorado.The mechanic kind of laughed,adjusted the carbs,and my dad was a little embarrassed
My Dad’s first car a 65 Catalina w/ Ventura trim in Metalic slate mist. W/ vinyl top skirts curb springs on the passenger side. He picked up the car for my mom’s birthday in December of 64. Mom learned how to drive it that beautiful beast.
Back in 1965 my dad had been driving Pontiacs for 6 years and was known by his salesman as a guy who loved the hotter versions, and so would get called whenever something that might interest dad's power love. One of those was a red version of this car with the 8 lug wheels and the 376 hp version of the 421. What a blast that was to ride in! Float down the road like a Cadillac but then by planting the gas pedal to the floor and it turned into a beast!
A true classic. We had one but not in the 421 package or trim. But thr 389 2 bbl. auto couls still spin the tires when new & the engine & tranny were tight. A great car. It's a good thing we didn't have a 421, I'd be in real trouble constantly as an 18 yr. old.
Adam that’s a lovely car review. I’m in the Uk an I remember seeing a one of these in silver with lovely red Upholstery. Just beautiful and so rare in the Uk . Brings back sweet memories Thank you . 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Reminds me of my 65 goat, (trips and a stick), that I painted the same color, (in the late 70s). These 65 full sizes were so nice this year, even the interiors. This car has it all. Stick shift, trips, and "no A/C"!. love it.
My Dad's Dad bought a new Catalina in June of 1965. After he died in 67 my grandmother kept it. My dad still has it. It has the 389 2 barrel and 84,000 original miles. It still runs like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I will keep the car until I die and then pass it on to my nephew.
I have always been a fan of Pontiacs and was sad to see them go. They were my favorite car growing up. The 65 had such amazing lines and the tripower was quite the sleeper hot rod. Thanks for all your videos.
I own a 2009 Pontiac Soltice, black and chrome, 5 speed turbo convertible. The last year made for pontiac. I love it. 280 hp. Handles perfect. Bought it in 2012 with 15,000 miles for $12,000. I will keep this one forever.
Keep it!!! I bought my Grand Am in January 2012 for $950 and 177k miles. It now has 322k miles. Juts had the synchros replaced. Need to find some time to replace the clutch and other stuffs.
Out of 9,526 Catalina 2dr. sedans produced in '65 only 45 police "enforcers" were 421-equipped. My 1st speeding citation was "administered" by 1 of those 45!......."86 in a 55". Another EXEMPLARY video of my 2nd favorite year/model! MADE MY DAY!
This video was worth watching if nothing more than for the eight lug wheel information. I had no idea they were actually built in that manner. Now it makes sense why they went away once disc brakes were common.
My granddad tells me over and over how he wishes he still had his Pontiac Catalina 2+2. I think 67 year model. He said it had 3” dual exhaust from the factory, 3 two barrel carbs, 4 speed manual with the 421 HO v8. Said that car was the fastest thing around. I love when he tells me the stories of him in that car. Hurtin feelings all around with it.
I had a '67 Ventura 4-Dr hardtop for a few years. I also preferred the styling of the earlier cars. '65 was the best, '66 was ok, but they were starting to lose it in '67. Mike had a 400 with a 2 barrel. It wasn't a hot rod, but a great freeway sled, and I would get 18 mpg driving from Albuquerque to Los Alamos, which is a drive that involves lots of grades and high elevations. I was making that commute periodically back in the late 90s when gas was cheap. It was down to $0.87 per gallon at one point (December of 1999, I believe). It was a 200 mile round-trip so I would just top off the (32 gallon) gas tank on my way home in the evening. It would cost about $10-15.
We had a 1967 Grand Prix, the only full size Pontiac in 1967 with hidden headlights.. That looked much better to me than the other full sized Pontiacs that year with the stacked headlights.
I inherited a 65 Catalina from my gandmother in the 1980's...she never drove the thing. Sat in a garage for years. Only had 3,000 miles on it....tan. It blew everyone else off the road. It got stolen by some jackarse that moved here from out of state and sold it in Mexico.
I love the full size Pontiacs, especially the 421 2+2 with buckets and console. I believe there was also the Executive, which was a lower cost Catalina style trim on the Bonneville platform.
My dad had a 1965 Catalina Ventura , White with aqua interior. Had the 421 4 BBL . with automatic transmission. I loved that car but he used it as a trade in on a 1969 Cadillac, I never did like that caddy! LOL!
'65 was probably one of the best years for American cars during that decade. Ford Mustang, Chevy Impala Super Sport( w/duel antennas) Ford Galaxie. And the T-Bird with the nice full rear sequential turn signals, to name just a few.
My first purchased car in 1970 at age 16 was a ‘65 burgundy Impala SS with white interior, bucket seats, and center console. The SS designation was more of a trim vs performance upgrade, as mine had the 283” 2-bbl engine and two-speed PowerGlide automatic. While I loved it, I always wanted a ‘65 Catalina.
I have a 1963 Bonneville Sport Coupe 389 4bbl and you're right- the rear 3/4 and head-on views of these 60s Pontiacs, well... There's nothing like them!
Good review! What a fantastic example of a gorgeous car. And a perfect color! Younger folks might not remember that before the intermediate muscle car craze (kicked off by the GTO in 1964), big performance cars ruled the road. And no one did it better than Pontiac.
My dream car. One fabulous automobile. I love Pontiacs of the 60s. Had a '68 Catalina back in '76. How I miss that beautiful car! Nice job on this video. Reminds me of the good ole days!.
My high school friend in 1972 drove an early 1960s Pontiac Bonneville with a four speed transmission and bench seat. He said his father special ordered it.
“...it rides and handles like nothing else, before or since”. Truer words were never spoken. If you’ve never had the pleasure, you missed something special. I grew up riding around in a ’65. I knew it was a fine car then, but being just a kid, I didn’t realize how good I had it. Sound familiar? lol These cars look so good it is almost painful. I mean, how the precious moments and experiences of life are so fleeting, never to return. Make the most of what you have while you go for what you want. That’s one of the lessons I have learned. “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love... you make”.
America's "Ventura Highway" refers to the Ventura Freeway (US 101) in Southern California, which runs from the suburban southern San Fernando Valley to the Ventura/Santa Barbara county line. Construction began and was initially completed in 1960. Also, Gordon Lightfoot was inspired to write "Carefree Highway" after passing an exit sign while traveling along I-17 in North Phoenix, Arizona. The road is otherwise known as Arizona Route 7, which runs west I-17 to its junction with US 60 south of Wickenburg.
I had a light green 1963 Pontiac Gran Prix automatic with a 421 and 3 two barrels. It was all power with A/C and a white interior. It was a monster and beautiful. It was brought to a bank by a banker that dealt in used cars. It may have been a COPO car since the info showed it was originally owned by a lawyer in Detroit. I looked for another for years when I had the resources to buy one. Never ran into another one. Catalinas but no GP's.
Damn… pausing frame @ 10:43, noticing two lines lower, just ONE SINGLE unit was Special Order for Police! Leaves me wondering how much that one’s worth? Nevertheless, this one you’re showcasing is still freakin’ sweet!
We had a 65 catalina with a 389, I was 9 yrs old. We had it until 1971, remember it well, was a very nice and fairly quick car. I saw one a few years ago and it looked huge. Most cars back then got about 10 or 12 mpg but I remember gas being 20 cents a gallon in 1970 when there was a price war among gas stations.
I had a 64 Grand Prix GTP. 421 3×2 4 speed manual with the 8 lug. I was 24 back then. Being young, you dont think about future value. Kicking my butt now! And i do miss that car. Had many of jaw droppers when the boat flew by! 👍✌️😊
Pontiacs were one step above Chevrolet. Basically comparable to Fords. My dad skipped straight from chev to olds to cad. No prestige in a Pontiac. Dodge alternative.
You did the beautiful 1965 Pontiac’s a great service with this video. As a Ford guy, those Pontiac’s eclipsed all the other brands 😊. I have one bone to pick though. I owned a 1965 Mustang 2+2, K-code (front disc brakes, and a 1969 Corvette 4 wheel disc brakes. None power assisted. They were just as easy to stop or slow as any drum brake vehicle I have ever driven. Thanks for the nice video.
A lot of times they were replacing old engines with new ones and maybe had to keep building old ones due to lack of manufacturing capacity. The Japanese seem to introduce a new engine like every two years. Americans, no. In the 1950s engines were rather small compared to the 60s. Let the good times rip. Thats what happens when you put the Shah in power in Iran.
Until the mid-Sixties the government wasn't involved with automotive design. Nowadays, engine designs have to receive EPA certification before they can be offered for sale. The effort necessary to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations has caused the manufacturers to severely reduce the engine options.
The Big Three offered various engines based on the car size, compact, mid-size, and full-sized. Let me use 1968 Plymouth for example. The A-body compact like the Valiant, came with a 225 cubic inch six. The other engine was a 318 cubic inch V8. Barracudas were special. They offered the previous two engines plus the new 340 V8 and the 383 V8. B-bodies offered the 225, 318, 383 2bbl, 383 4 bbl, 426 Hemi, and 440 (375 HP) V8s. The cars were the Belvedere, Satellite, Road Runner, and GTX. C-bodies, or Furies, offered the 225, 318, 383-2, 383-4 (a slightly different engine than the RR), and 440 (350 HP). You couldn't get the 340 in the A, B, or C bodies. You couldn't get the 426 in anything but the B-bodies. The oddball was the LO23 Hemi Darts, but they were special orders and your dealership wasn't likely to have one that wasn't already sold. GM and Ford had similar options for their cars. It was a great time...one hour of work at the minimum wage bought 10 gallons of gas, and cars went faster every year.
Had a blue 2 dr ‘72 Pontiac Catalina with the 455 c.i. single 4 bbl carburetor engine. Needed a posi-trac rear axle because the 455’s torque was too much and would almost set one rear tire ablaze! It was the best riding vehicle I ever owned!
When I was a kid, we had a 1965 Grand Prix. It was the first new car my father ever bought. All I remember is that it was very fast, the heating and cooling on it was fascinating and my father cussed it every time he had to change the mufflers on it. It also had dual resonators. When my father separated from my stepmother, he drove it from Houston to Northern Virginia and parked It on the mountainside. Now he has a pneumatic hose hooked up to one of the spark plug holes and uses it to fill tires up. When I saw this in action, I called my dad stupid and ask him where did he think that gasoline went for that cylinder. Oh well, old people... You just cannot tell them anyting. Thank you for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My dad always said "dual exhaust - dual expense" he was referring to the 440 magnum exhaust on a 67 Dodge Monaco Wagon. He drove about 2 miles to work and could never get exhaust hot enough to get rid of condensation.
I didn't know the Starchief was still available in the US in 1965 and don't think I've ever seen one - and I've been around long enough to remember these from new. Adam's 1965 Catalina coupe is one of my favorites. The Turquoise is a popular and nice color.
I even learned some things: While I knew that there was a Starchief in 65 I did not know anything specific about it. Pontiac had two different Turquoise colors. Both were absolutely stunning: Teal Turqoise and the other one: Reef Turquoise.
My dad had a '59 Star Chief that he always complained was a gas-guzzler. He had another carburetor put on it that didn't help the gas consumption much but DID kill the power. It was a hot car originally. Fortunately(?) he traded it off before I started driving and bought me a '54 Chevy. 😄
I just pulled a 2+2 out of a barn this week. Checked the protecto plate and it’s a numbers matching engine. 1966 fact air, Fontaine blue with white buckets, no console and column shift auto.
Good find. My Uncle owned a 65 Bonneville in the same color/interior combo, with 389 tri-power, 4 speed. Great looking and running car until he rammed a utility pole.
When I was sixteen, daddy made a huge mistake and sent me to go order a Pontiac. I ordered a 65 2+2 421 3 2 bbl 4speed with no power steering, brakes, or windows, or even ac. It was this beautiful gold color with a much nicer interior than this, with buckets, a console, a big hurst black four speed knob on a huge chrome post. At 76 and after a couple hundred cars, that one is by far still my favorite. It would pull from 8 mph to bury the needle with ease in fourth gear. The new for 65 mechanical linkage made a huge increase in driveability over the previous vacuum setup. It ran well over a hundred with only the center carb about halfway open (the "notch", where the linkage began to open all three all the way). It was a true factory hotrod, swimming in aftermarket parts. It hit a particular sweet spot where beautiful meets fast. Forget about the thousand turns needed to bring it around, get past the tip-in point on the linkage and listen to the three small chrome breathers sing that song we all love. Failed out of two universities from living in the car. At 75,000 miles, my butt was hitting the floor from sagging seat springs, it was smoking like a pool hustler (valve guides I guess),, a rebuild didnt help, and a pg wife brought the no a.c. car to a VW dealer for a new tan beetle, which, believe it or not, was a pretty cool car in itself. I miss the pancho. We paid $4,000 for it new. I think I still have the window sticker somewhere. It is really hard to describe how special that car was.
In 1977 my sister's boyfriend had a 65 Grand Prix w a high compression 389. It was a rust bucket but the coolest car ever. The front welds on the passenger bucket were rusted out, so it was like a rocking chair. The second I shut the door, he would nail the accelerator and send me flying into the back seat LOL. Then it was 120+mph on I-395 in N Virginia. I LOVED that car. Those were the days
Adam, Always great to watch your videos. As to your video of the 1965 Catalina w/421, you went thru all the full-size Pontiac models yet seemed to overlook the 2+2 ("two plus two") that came standard with the 421. I used to walk by a white 2+2 back in 1965 when I was going to the Univ. of Texas. My 1963 Tempest coupe V-326 3-speed cowered in its shadow. Loved all your programs from your back porch talks on engines and transmissions to your fantastic interviews with Bob Lutz and all the other GM design gurus. Keep up your great work! Jerry Staley Dickinson,, TX
I LOVE those 65 Pontiacs: I own two and a half of them: First a highly optionned 65 Bonneville convertible, with a set of eight lug wheels, all original and less than 90 000 miles on the odometer. It is family owned since 1975. A few years back I bought a 65 Catalina Ventura 2d ht with a four barrel 389 engine. I even bought a freshly restored white Bonnevillle convertible that was in very harsh accident: A brainless truck driver pulled out in front of the car. The driver wore no belts but miraculously survived with permanent injuries. I needed the brand new interior and many, many other parts of the car. The accident was so heavy that it was folded even behind the doors. I never owned a 421 car and they must be absolutely marvellous. A mechanic drove my Bonneville and he told me he had been driving a 65 Mustang the same morning. He told me that the Pontiac was comfortable and rode perfectly and my car seemed to be at least 30 years more modern than the Ford. Well I am a GM guy and I completely agree: In fact: I never drove a more comfortable car than my 65 Bonneville. And I drove masses of cars as I worked in a body shop: Twice I owned Mercedes classics including an S class. But compared to the Midsixties GM fullsize cars it was not a nice ride at all. I sold the Mercedes as I did hardly ever drive it. I think the Caddies, Buicks, Pontiacs and other Midsixties GM fullsize cars were the best vehicles ever built. I never understood the hype for the Midsixties GTOs. A Catalina is in no way inferior.
I tend to agree on the GTO point. Though I had a ‘65 I always favored my GP’s and Catalinas. Though marginally less powerful, their rides were infinitely better. Although I did own a ‘70 GP with a 455 and the 202 valves that was a beast.
Adam, excellent as always. How could any one imagine that Pontiac pre dated formula 1 and Indy racing car design with the coke bottle shape? Keep on the good work!
Wow - That 421 with 3 deuces reminds me of my teenage years. I worked on cars in a body shop. I had to go pick up some supplies, so the boss told me to take the '64 (or 65) GTO that had the 421 with 3 deuces. Talking about a rocket, it was. I got to an intersection on a hill. As I started to take off, I did not move, so I thought I had ruined the clutch or something. People were staring at me, and then I noticed smoke from the tires. I eased off of the gas and it almost leaped over the hill as it hooked up. Good grief, that 421 was a beast. Pontiac would still be in business if they made cars like that. They should have kept the GTO. In my early 20's, I bought a '67 GTO, white with black vinyl top, Hurst slap-stick shifter, and I think posi-traction. I had to sell it when gas went to 50 cents a gallon as it only got about 5-6 miles per gallon with that 6.5L engine. I had to ride a bicycle to work because I could not afford the gas.
Just to note, due to a wonderful connection with George Hurst all 4-speed Pontiacs had Hurst shifters. My Dad's '63 Grand Prix and '64 Tri-Power/no console Bonneville convertible both had one. This was a wonderful time for full-size Pontiacs, The top-of-the-line though was the Catalina 2+2 which had a 376 hp 421 available. One thing not mentioned and seldom heard about is the transmission whine those 4-speeds had - it was almost hypnotic - and you could use it as a shift reminder as well.
I owned a 1966 2+2 with the same setup in Caribbean blue with white interior, center console and white vinyl top. Punch it and the front end would rise up and the engine would roar. Sucked gas like you couldn't believe - and that was when gas was less than $0.50 gal.
My gosh, this takes me back! My Dad bought one of these brand new in 1965. I was 11 years old. I will never forget the 421 cubic inch engine with those three two barrel carbs and that slick Hurst 4 speed! It was solid white and a beautiful machine. He traded the car in the early 70s for another Pontiac. Thank you for the great video!!!
My first new car was a 65 Catalina 2 door hardtop. I think Pontiac peaked that year. The car fast and beautiful. Others also thought so. It was stolen 3 times. Still miss it.
Growing up, my family had two Pontiac Catalinas, both were white with red interiors, a 65, and a 66. Don’t know anything beyond the outside and inside colors other than it was V8 powered. Fun video
The big Pontiacs of the 60's were some of the best handling "full size" cars of the era. My wife's grandfather loaned us his one owner 4 door 1965 Catalina when we were first married & even as a 30+ yo car, it could be driven with two fingers on the wheel at 70 mph all day long without any driver fatigue.
I believe this was part of the Heavy Duty range of Pontiacs in the mid 60s, and the 421 was the king. That Catalina is beautiful inside and out. That'd be a blast to drive I bet.
in 1988 my sister and I were riding in Dads Pontiac. Same Catalina, same engine. I will never forget the look on that kids face when his 88 Fox Body 302 got dusted by my lil sis in an OLD car. We didnt have much back then, but that damn Pony was no joke.
I love the stacked headlights on Pontiacs! Sharp!
My Dad has a 65 Bonneville with 421 motor, that thing was a torque monster and rode like a caddie.
I love the 65 Pontiacs!!! My aunt had a 65 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 8 lug wheels, the translucent steering wheel & three 2 bbl carburators!!! She drove with a lead foot too!!! 👍👍🙂
Yes the translucient oval shaped steering wheel is stunning! I have friend with a GP. But honestly I prefer the roofline of the Catalina 2d ht.
I’ve got a 65 with 8 lugs and 37k original miles. I love this car!
@@garrettbenson7743 Wow, you have a great Pontiac!!! 👍👍🙂
@@christopherkraft1327 we had 6 Pontiacs 1965-66 and we sold our GTO convertible recently. I shouldn’t have. But I’ve got some cool videos of them here on CZcams.
01:08 Guess that Star Chief name slipped by me unnoticed back in the day... but I was more into GTO size vehicles...
1965 was the best year ever for cars and music.
Wonderful GM cars that you could identify at a distance 😊
How did we happen to lose that pool of talented-car-designers that existed in the fifties, sixties and the seventies?🧐🚗
Yes . Too much input from the beancounters .
Yes, but I enjoy driving a new angry faced pile of plastic. ... miss my 65 Bonneville.
The design talent is still there but the requirements from government regulation for safety and mileage has neutered them.
Apparently the narcotics-fueled Chrysler designers survived and now work for Hyundai
Agreed! Lack of creativity today. Dull and boring.
In 1977, in HS, I bought a 1966 Bonneville (bomb-a-ville) from a nun at my school. Sweet ride. Paid $200 for a car iwth 55,,000 miles. Needed premium but was worth every drop. 389 with weber downdrafts. Not a racer, but damn fast cruiser. Nice trip down memory lane. Thanks.
Best story I have heard in a long time.
$200 from a NUN? She was styl'n. That was a major, major score. I bought in 76 a 1967 396 Chevy Impala Super Sport with 70k miles for $450.00. And the car was probably in half the condition of what you bought.
I could hit a cow at 90 mph in west Texas with my 65 Cat...and not even feel a thump.
You had a sweet car there. We could not buy the 66 Bonneville in Canada. Only the Pontiac Parisienne which looked similar but smaller.
@@mckessa17 My dad had a '66 Grande Parisienne. Great car!
This is the Car my Grandfather had, 421 and all.. bought it new in 1965, and had it until his death in 1970...
I have always loved the big body Pontiacs, great lines and strong engines !!
I was a Pontiac guy back in the '60s. My first Pontiac was a 58 starchief. The second was a 62 Grand Prix. It had the big 389 with three twos. 348 horsepower. 13 straight trophies at the drag strip.
The next one was a 65 2 + 2 421 HO 4 speed 376hp. I could routinely blow the doors off of GTOs. Got in a race with a GTO down in New Orleans. Was kicking his butt. However, this time when I slam third gear, it blew the transmission all over the pavement. The good news was that Pontiac repaired the car on warranty for me. The Hurst shifter was a junk. I broke the rod off one night slamming third gear. That's when I changed over to a real Hurst shifter. I went crazy with the options list that year. Had almost every option they offered and there were a bunch. Things like a calibrated speedometer, extra frame member, the wheels that you see in this picture, and so forth. It was a great car. Next was a 67 Firebird 400 HO. Another great car. But in 1969 I switched to Corvettes. I still have my 70 Corvette. In fact I'm just painting it again now.
Well we are the lucky generation who could still experience those great cars. And you held on to the wonderful GM cars of the Golden Age. No car ever since was better than the good old things that were built til 72.
Honestly my first cars in Europe were Italian cars and German GMs. But since I am 21 years old I always owned at least one fullsize GM. And I never sold or dumped even one.
i also had a 62 gp with the348 hp 389 with the wide ratio 4 speed and 323 rear gears, what a great car, and such a good looking car, i wish i had it today.
Mid 60's Pontiacs were at the pinnacle of their design and very influential across the board in my opinion. Other manufacturers tried to emulate them with stacked headlights and that coke bottle shape. I still remember my father having a '66 2+2 Catalina on order in the fall of 1965 at a local Pontiac dealer, when he happened to stop in to check on the status of his order. Sitting on the showroom floor was a gorgeous green '66 Bonneville convertible with black leather seats. He decided to drop his order and bought the Bonneville. That thing was like an aircraft carrier, a huge car, but really stunningly beautiful.
At that time my dad had a '66 Grande Parisienne and I agree that the design of the '65 and '66 Pontiacs was simply stunning!
Mid 60's Pontiacs are the best. Great review on a very rarecar.
Another great review. The ‘65s truly were Pontiacs moment - I think you’ve pointed this out before; the entire lineup won Motor Trends COY - back when that really meant something. One thing people don’t appreciate as much today was the lengths Pontiac went too in an effort to create a unique sound. They used resonators at the rear on full size bodies to help emphasize a low frequency rumble or burble. This was always noticeable at idle and one of my favorite memories of the era. They quit doing this by the mid 1970’s and frankly not an expense that most replacement systems included but it was a hidden component of the signature sound. What a time to be a kid in the back seat!
Was waiting to hear the sound of the tripower kicking in out on the road... although that style air cleaner may be rather quiet...
@@BuzzLOLOL - oh, I think that trio of two barrels could howl loud enough that even that large A/C couldn't contain it!
a beautiful big-ass automobile. it was among the ORIGINAL muscle cars.
@@boblozaintherealworld3577 - "Muscle cars" are mid sized cars with the engines from a full size car... this is simply a kinda fast full size car... and a faster one was also an option...
@@BuzzLOLOL You are absolutely correct, sir. I was (mistakenly) referring to the American cars of the mid-1950's to the early 1960's. Earliest example, in my opinion, would be the 1956 Chrysler 300. You think?
Those Pontiac engines were fabulous. I remember when I was a teen. We were driving on an highway in Northern Italy with our entire family in the 65 Bonenville convertible.
In the rear view mirror we spotted a Ferrari and a Lancia racing at high speed.
For once my Dad was mean and he told me: Son, I show you what torque is. He stayed on the left lane: In Europe you are not allowed to pass on the right. He even slowed donwn to about 70 miles per hour. The Italian sport cars were forced to slow down. Then my father made a kickdown. And the Pontiac shot forward at an amazing rate. I tell you: Within a minute the Ferrari and Lancia were hardly visible in ther rear mirror. They were probably half a mile behind us! I must ad: The older generation of my family owned a lot of high end Italian sports cars as well. Maseratis, Alfa Romeos and such.
I have a friend who restores and deals with classic cars for Decades: He told me: I owned Ferraris, Maseratis and other Italian sports cars. But he said: My really "evil" engined US cars were faster accelerating.
I love this boy. It’s elegant and kind of sporty.
great video.When I was a kid,my dad had a 65 Bonneville sedan.Beautiful car,we drove it out to Los Angeles on a trip,and then also to Idaho (from Texas both times).On the first trip,my dad failed to have the carburators adjusted before we got into the higher elevations of the High Rockies,which caused my dad to curse the car,until we pulled into a lonely service station in a small town in Colorado.The mechanic kind of laughed,adjusted the carbs,and my dad was a little embarrassed
Great story.
I whish I could make a trip in 65 Bonnie in the US. But I am from EU.
When I was in 3rd grade a friend of mines father bought a brand new 66' Bonneville. That car was beautiful.
Pontiac was my fav GM
My Dad’s first car a 65 Catalina w/ Ventura trim in Metalic slate mist. W/ vinyl top skirts curb springs on the passenger side. He picked up the car for my mom’s birthday in December of 64. Mom learned how to drive it that beautiful beast.
Back in 1965 my dad had been driving Pontiacs for 6 years and was known by his salesman as a guy who loved the hotter versions, and so would get called whenever something that might interest dad's power love. One of those was a red version of this car with the 8 lug wheels and the 376 hp version of the 421. What a blast that was to ride in! Float down the road like a Cadillac but then by planting the gas pedal to the floor and it turned into a beast!
A true classic. We had one but not in the 421 package or trim. But thr 389 2 bbl. auto couls still spin the tires when new & the engine & tranny were tight. A great car. It's a good thing we didn't have a 421, I'd be in real trouble constantly as an 18 yr. old.
Adam, I love your Marina Turquoise Catalina.Mike the Greek
Me too man, thats one of my top 3 Adamobiles.
Adam that’s a lovely car review. I’m in the Uk an I remember seeing a one of these in silver with lovely red Upholstery. Just beautiful and so rare in the Uk . Brings back sweet memories Thank you . 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Reminds me of my 65 goat, (trips and a stick), that I painted the same color, (in the late 70s). These 65 full sizes were so nice this year, even the interiors. This car has it all. Stick shift, trips, and "no A/C"!. love it.
Any videos on Pontiacs are much appreciated by the Pontiac lovers. Thanks Adam!
I like big American cars since I was a kid, but only since I subscribed to this youtube channel have I been completely satisfied. Hello from Europe!
i had a 66 bonneville with a 4 barrel v-8,fender skirts and a reverb.what a car!
My Dad's Dad bought a new Catalina in June of 1965. After he died in 67 my grandmother kept it. My dad still has it. It has the 389 2 barrel and 84,000 original miles. It still runs like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I will keep the car until I die and then pass it on to my nephew.
I have always been a fan of Pontiacs and was sad to see them go. They were my favorite car growing up. The 65 had such amazing lines and the tripower was quite the sleeper hot rod. Thanks for all your videos.
From 1961 through 1969 Pontiac was firing on all cylinders.. Pontiacs just roared that era.
I own a 2009 Pontiac Soltice, black and chrome, 5 speed turbo convertible. The last year made for pontiac. I love it. 280 hp. Handles perfect. Bought it in 2012 with 15,000 miles for $12,000. I will keep this one forever.
Totally agree, & the '66 model was a real beauty also!
@@KB-ke3fi Solstice. 😊
Keep it!!! I bought my Grand Am in January 2012 for $950 and 177k miles. It now has 322k miles. Juts had the synchros replaced. Need to find some time to replace the clutch and other stuffs.
Out of 9,526 Catalina 2dr. sedans produced in '65 only 45 police "enforcers" were 421-equipped. My 1st speeding citation was "administered" by 1 of those 45!......."86 in a 55". Another EXEMPLARY video of my 2nd favorite year/model! MADE MY DAY!
This video was worth watching if nothing more than for the eight lug wheel information. I had no idea they were actually built in that manner. Now it makes sense why they went away once disc brakes were common.
My granddad tells me over and over how he wishes he still had his Pontiac Catalina 2+2. I think 67 year model. He said it had 3” dual exhaust from the factory, 3 two barrel carbs, 4 speed manual with the 421 HO v8. Said that car was the fastest thing around. I love when he tells me the stories of him in that car. Hurtin feelings all around with it.
1966 was the last year for tri-power.. Most you could get on a 1967 was a four barrel.
My dad’s first new car was a ‘67 Catalina. It holds a special place in my heart, but the styling of the ‘65 was vastly superior.
I had a '67 Ventura 4-Dr hardtop for a few years. I also preferred the styling of the earlier cars. '65 was the best, '66 was ok, but they were starting to lose it in '67.
Mike had a 400 with a 2 barrel. It wasn't a hot rod, but a great freeway sled, and I would get 18 mpg driving from Albuquerque to Los Alamos, which is a drive that involves lots of grades and high elevations. I was making that commute periodically back in the late 90s when gas was cheap. It was down to $0.87 per gallon at one point (December of 1999, I believe). It was a 200 mile round-trip so I would just top off the (32 gallon) gas tank on my way home in the evening. It would cost about $10-15.
We had a 1967 Grand Prix, the only full size Pontiac in 1967 with hidden headlights.. That looked much better to me than the other full sized Pontiacs that year with the stacked headlights.
I inherited a 65 Catalina from my gandmother in the 1980's...she never drove the thing. Sat in a garage for years. Only had 3,000 miles on it....tan. It blew everyone else off the road. It got stolen by some jackarse that moved here from out of state and sold it in Mexico.
@@MarinCipollina My friend owns a 67 Grand Prix: Yeah: The headlights on the 67 Pontiacs were hidious. At least the Grand Prix is hiding the ugliness.
@@KB-ke3fi what happens when a stolen car gets sold in mexico? how did you find out that history?
One of the neatest and best cars I ever seen. I remember when I was kid one of my neighbors had one. Thanks for the video Adam.
👏👏👏👏
@@rightlanehog3151 🍜
What an awesome car. Thanks for the video of it.
I love the full size Pontiacs, especially the 421 2+2 with buckets and console. I believe there was also the Executive, which was a lower cost Catalina style trim on the Bonneville platform.
My uncle had a 1967 Pontiac Tempest in blue. Smaller than the Catalina, but also beautiful. Preferable to the Camrys, Accords, and Altimas of today.
My dad had a 1965 Catalina Ventura , White with aqua interior. Had the 421 4 BBL . with automatic transmission. I loved that car but he used it as a trade in on a 1969 Cadillac, I never did like that caddy! LOL!
PONTIACS WERE ALWAYS JUST BEAUTIFUL EVER SINCE 1959. THEY STILL HAVE IT !
R I P Pontiac and Oldsmobile.
'65 was probably one of the best years for American cars during that decade. Ford Mustang, Chevy Impala Super Sport( w/duel antennas) Ford Galaxie. And the T-Bird with the nice full rear sequential turn signals, to name just a few.
Heck, one of the best years ever in US Auto History
You're right. It seems we peaked in 64-67.
My first purchased car in 1970 at age 16 was a ‘65 burgundy Impala SS with white interior, bucket seats, and center console. The SS designation was more of a trim vs performance upgrade, as mine had the 283” 2-bbl engine and two-speed PowerGlide automatic. While I loved it, I always wanted a ‘65 Catalina.
This was one smokin' vehicle!!😊😊 When I see these I always think of John Z Delorean.
You mean ripped on coke.
I have a 1963 Bonneville Sport Coupe 389 4bbl and you're right- the rear 3/4 and head-on views of these 60s Pontiacs, well... There's nothing like them!
Good review! What a fantastic example of a gorgeous car. And a perfect color!
Younger folks might not remember that before the intermediate muscle car craze (kicked off by the GTO in 1964), big performance cars ruled the road. And no one did it better than Pontiac.
My dream car. One fabulous automobile. I love Pontiacs of the 60s. Had a '68 Catalina back in '76. How I miss that beautiful car! Nice job on this video. Reminds me of the good ole days!.
I loved my grandfathers navy blue 65 Bonneville 4- door back in the day. Such a style back in the day.
My high school friend in 1972 drove an early 1960s Pontiac Bonneville with a four speed transmission and bench seat. He said his father special ordered it.
“...it rides and handles like nothing else, before or since”. Truer words were never spoken. If you’ve never had the pleasure, you missed something special. I grew up riding around in a ’65. I knew it was a fine car then, but being just a kid, I didn’t realize how good I had it. Sound familiar? lol
These cars look so good it is almost painful. I mean, how the precious moments and experiences of life are so fleeting, never to return. Make the most of what you have while you go for what you want. That’s one of the lessons I have learned. “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love... you make”.
Totally one of my favorite Pontiacs. The styling was amazing. I personally liked the 2+2 more but this car is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
I came home from the hospital when born in my Dad’s new ‘66 GTO ‘vert, which was this very same color! 👍😎
Awesome car one of my favourites
Adam, Now yer talkin' 🤩🤩 I wonder if the 1965 Pontiac Catalina Ventura was the inspiration for the classic America song "Ventura Highway". 🤔
America's "Ventura Highway" refers to the Ventura Freeway (US 101) in Southern California, which runs from the suburban southern San Fernando Valley to the Ventura/Santa Barbara county line. Construction began and was initially completed in 1960. Also, Gordon Lightfoot was inspired to write "Carefree Highway" after passing an exit sign while traveling along I-17 in North Phoenix, Arizona. The road is otherwise known as Arizona Route 7, which runs west I-17 to its junction with US 60 south of Wickenburg.
I had a light green 1963 Pontiac Gran Prix automatic with a 421 and 3 two barrels. It was all power with A/C and a white interior. It was a monster and beautiful. It was brought to a bank by a banker that dealt in used cars. It may have been a COPO car since the info showed it was originally owned by a lawyer in Detroit. I looked for another for years when I had the resources to buy one. Never ran into another one. Catalinas but no GP's.
Damn… pausing frame @ 10:43, noticing two lines lower, just ONE SINGLE unit was Special Order for Police! Leaves me wondering how much that one’s worth? Nevertheless, this one you’re showcasing is still freakin’ sweet!
Beautiful Car . The peak of the American automobile industry. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We had a 65 catalina with a 389, I was 9 yrs old. We had it until 1971, remember it well, was a very nice and fairly quick car. I saw one a few years ago and it looked huge. Most cars back then got about 10 or 12 mpg but I remember gas being 20 cents a gallon in 1970 when there was a price war among gas stations.
I had a 64 Grand Prix GTP. 421 3×2 4 speed manual with the 8 lug. I was 24 back then. Being young, you dont think about future value. Kicking my butt now! And i do miss that car. Had many of jaw droppers when the boat flew by! 👍✌️😊
Owned 7 Pontiacs. Loved them. 64 Bonneville Convertible was my favorite.
I don't know why anyone ever bought Cadillacs when Potiacs were this good and cheaper.
Pontiacs were one step above Chevrolet. Basically comparable to Fords. My dad skipped straight from chev to olds to cad. No prestige in a Pontiac. Dodge alternative.
You did the beautiful 1965 Pontiac’s a great service with this video. As a Ford guy, those Pontiac’s eclipsed all the other brands 😊. I have one bone to pick though. I owned a 1965 Mustang 2+2, K-code (front disc brakes, and a 1969 Corvette 4 wheel disc brakes. None power assisted. They were just as easy to stop or slow as any drum brake vehicle I have ever driven. Thanks for the nice video.
A Very Stylishly Designed Pontiac, Adam😊👍
My brother had a 1965 Bonneville with that same motor and 3 two barrels. It was a beautiful car with a killer reverb stereo system.
Perhaps your best video 👍🏻
Growing up in the 80s it still blows my mind that there were so many engine choices back then.
A lot of times they were replacing old engines with new ones and maybe had to keep building old ones due to lack of manufacturing capacity. The Japanese seem to introduce a new engine like every two years. Americans, no. In the 1950s engines were rather small compared to the 60s. Let the good times rip. Thats what happens when you put the Shah in power in Iran.
Until the mid-Sixties the government wasn't involved with automotive design. Nowadays, engine designs have to receive EPA certification before they can be offered for sale. The effort necessary to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations has caused the manufacturers to severely reduce the engine options.
The Big Three offered various engines based on the car size, compact, mid-size, and full-sized. Let me use 1968 Plymouth for example.
The A-body compact like the Valiant, came with a 225 cubic inch six. The other engine was a 318 cubic inch V8.
Barracudas were special. They offered the previous two engines plus the new 340 V8 and the 383 V8.
B-bodies offered the 225, 318, 383 2bbl, 383 4 bbl, 426 Hemi, and 440 (375 HP) V8s. The cars were the Belvedere, Satellite, Road Runner, and GTX.
C-bodies, or Furies, offered the 225, 318, 383-2, 383-4 (a slightly different engine than the RR), and 440 (350 HP).
You couldn't get the 340 in the A, B, or C bodies. You couldn't get the 426 in anything but the B-bodies.
The oddball was the LO23 Hemi Darts, but they were special orders and your dealership wasn't likely to have one that wasn't already sold.
GM and Ford had similar options for their cars. It was a great time...one hour of work at the minimum wage bought 10 gallons of gas, and cars went faster every year.
Had a blue 2 dr ‘72 Pontiac Catalina with the 455 c.i. single 4 bbl carburetor engine. Needed a posi-trac rear axle because the 455’s torque was too much and would almost set one rear tire ablaze! It was the best riding vehicle I ever owned!
Of all the cars I've owned, my '65 Catalina will always be "the one that got away".
When I was a kid, we had a 1965 Grand Prix. It was the first new car my father ever bought. All I remember is that it was very fast, the heating and cooling on it was fascinating and my father cussed it every time he had to change the mufflers on it. It also had dual resonators. When my father separated from my stepmother, he drove it from Houston to Northern Virginia and parked It on the mountainside.
Now he has a pneumatic hose hooked up to one of the spark plug holes and uses it to fill tires up. When I saw this in action, I called my dad stupid and ask him where did he think that gasoline went for that cylinder. Oh well, old people... You just cannot tell them anyting.
Thank you for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My dad always said "dual exhaust - dual expense" he was referring to the 440 magnum exhaust on a 67 Dodge Monaco Wagon. He drove about 2 miles to work and could never get exhaust hot enough to get rid of condensation.
One of the best. My 65 Catalina had a 389 3 on the floor.....boss ride a real cruiser low rpm high mph... didn't know how good we had it Hombre.
I didn't know the Starchief was still available in the US in 1965 and don't think I've ever seen one - and I've been around long enough to remember these from new. Adam's 1965 Catalina coupe is one of my favorites. The Turquoise is a popular and nice color.
I even learned some things: While I knew that there was a Starchief in 65 I did not know anything specific about it.
Pontiac had two different Turquoise colors. Both were absolutely stunning: Teal Turqoise and the other one: Reef Turquoise.
My dad had a '59 Star Chief that he always complained was a gas-guzzler. He had another carburetor put on it that didn't help the gas consumption much but DID kill the power. It was a hot car originally. Fortunately(?) he traded it off before I started driving and bought me a '54 Chevy. 😄
My first car was a 65 Catalina I miss it to this day. Beautiful car thanks for the video
Great looking car with plenty of power.👍
I just pulled a 2+2 out of a barn this week. Checked the protecto plate and it’s a numbers matching engine. 1966 fact air, Fontaine blue with white buckets, no console and column shift auto.
Good find. My Uncle owned a 65 Bonneville in the same color/interior combo, with 389 tri-power, 4 speed. Great looking and running car until he rammed a utility pole.
@@allanfranklin9615 holy cow! I love these cars. I’ve got 6 Pontiacs
When I was sixteen, daddy made a huge mistake and sent me to go order a Pontiac. I ordered a 65 2+2 421 3 2 bbl 4speed with no power steering, brakes, or windows, or even ac. It was this beautiful gold color with a much nicer interior than this, with buckets, a console, a big hurst black four speed knob on a huge chrome post. At 76 and after a couple hundred cars, that one is by far still my favorite. It would pull from 8 mph to bury the needle with ease in fourth gear. The new for 65 mechanical linkage made a huge increase in driveability over the previous vacuum setup. It ran well over a hundred with only the center carb about halfway open (the "notch", where the linkage began to open all three all the way). It was a true factory hotrod, swimming in aftermarket parts. It hit a particular sweet spot where beautiful meets fast. Forget about the thousand turns needed to bring it around, get past the tip-in point on the linkage and listen to the three small chrome breathers sing that song we all love. Failed out of two universities from living in the car. At 75,000 miles, my butt was hitting the floor from sagging seat springs, it was smoking like a pool hustler (valve guides I guess),, a rebuild didnt help, and a pg wife brought the no a.c. car to a VW dealer for a new tan beetle, which, believe it or not, was a pretty cool car in itself. I miss the pancho. We paid $4,000 for it new. I think I still have the window sticker somewhere. It is really hard to describe how special that car was.
In 1977 my sister's boyfriend had a 65 Grand Prix w a high compression 389. It was a rust bucket but the coolest car ever. The front welds on the passenger bucket were rusted out, so it was like a rocking chair. The second I shut the door, he would nail the accelerator and send me flying into the back seat LOL. Then it was 120+mph on I-395 in N Virginia. I LOVED that car. Those were the days
1965 & 1966 full sized Pontiac’s were my favorite. The transition was already underway to mid sized cars as the performance mule.
What a wonderfully unique car -- glad you found it and were able to feature it, Adam.
Adam,
Always great to watch your videos. As to your video of the 1965 Catalina w/421, you went thru all the full-size Pontiac models yet seemed to overlook the 2+2 ("two plus two") that came standard with the 421. I used to walk by a white 2+2 back in 1965 when I was going to the Univ. of Texas. My 1963 Tempest coupe V-326 3-speed cowered in its shadow.
Loved all your programs from your back porch talks on engines and transmissions to your fantastic interviews with Bob Lutz and all the other GM design gurus.
Keep up your great work!
Jerry Staley
Dickinson,, TX
Drove a brand nu 65 in Driver's Ed in HS. I was really impressed how solid and heavy it was. Still impressed to this day!!
Loved my Dad's 63 Bonneville. So smooth, wish I had that car now.
My 65 Catalina was the best vehicle i ever purchased and it was used! Beautiful spacious tough. Catalina Ventura Two
A friend had a '67 Catalina two door hardtop. Nice big back seat for me and my girl when we double dated
My sister had a 65 Catalina. It was gold with black interior. Can't say which engine. Loved it
Love these old Pontiacs! My dad sold them up until 1947. My first new car at 21 years old was a 69 GTO. Great video!!
That should have said until 1974...sorry.
My father had Pontiacs throughout the 1960s. There will always be a special place in my heart for Pontiacs! Thanks for sharing 😎👍
I can definitely see the term Coke bottle being used in other situations
I LOVE those 65 Pontiacs: I own two and a half of them: First a highly optionned 65 Bonneville convertible, with a set of eight lug wheels, all original and less than 90 000 miles on the odometer. It is family owned since 1975.
A few years back I bought a 65 Catalina Ventura 2d ht with a four barrel 389 engine. I even bought a freshly restored white Bonnevillle convertible that was in very harsh accident: A brainless truck driver pulled out in front of the car. The driver wore no belts but miraculously survived with permanent injuries. I needed the brand new interior and many, many other parts of the car. The accident was so heavy that it was folded even behind the doors. I never owned a 421 car and they must be absolutely marvellous.
A mechanic drove my Bonneville and he told me he had been driving a 65 Mustang the same morning. He told me that the Pontiac was comfortable and rode perfectly and my car seemed to be at least 30 years more modern than the Ford. Well I am a GM guy and I completely agree: In fact: I never drove a more comfortable car than my 65 Bonneville. And I drove masses of cars as I worked in a body shop: Twice I owned Mercedes classics including an S class. But compared to the Midsixties GM fullsize cars it was not a nice ride at all. I sold the Mercedes as I did hardly ever drive it.
I think the Caddies, Buicks, Pontiacs and other Midsixties GM fullsize cars were the best vehicles ever built. I never understood the hype for the Midsixties GTOs. A Catalina is in no way inferior.
I tend to agree on the GTO point. Though I had a ‘65 I always favored my GP’s and Catalinas. Though marginally less powerful, their rides were infinitely better. Although I did own a ‘70 GP with a 455 and the 202 valves that was a beast.
Adam, excellent as always. How could any one imagine that Pontiac pre dated formula 1 and Indy racing car design with the coke bottle shape? Keep on the good work!
Really ahead of it's time.
Wow - That 421 with 3 deuces reminds me of my teenage years. I worked on cars in a body shop. I had to go pick up some supplies, so the boss told me to take the '64 (or 65) GTO that had the 421 with 3 deuces. Talking about a rocket, it was. I got to an intersection on a hill. As I started to take off, I did not move, so I thought I had ruined the clutch or something. People were staring at me, and then I noticed smoke from the tires. I eased off of the gas and it almost leaped over the hill as it hooked up. Good grief, that 421 was a beast. Pontiac would still be in business if they made cars like that. They should have kept the GTO.
In my early 20's, I bought a '67 GTO, white with black vinyl top, Hurst slap-stick shifter, and I think posi-traction. I had to sell it when gas went to 50 cents a gallon as it only got about 5-6 miles per gallon with that 6.5L engine. I had to ride a bicycle to work because I could not afford the gas.
Dad had a 63 Catalina and "kids" always wanted to challenge him at the lights.
63 to 65 are some of the best Pontiac's ever, just change to a "Duel Master Cylinder."
Just to note, due to a wonderful connection with George Hurst all 4-speed Pontiacs had Hurst shifters. My Dad's '63 Grand Prix and '64 Tri-Power/no console Bonneville convertible both had one. This was a wonderful time for full-size Pontiacs, The top-of-the-line though was the Catalina 2+2 which had a 376 hp 421 available. One thing not mentioned and seldom heard about is the transmission whine those 4-speeds had - it was almost hypnotic - and you could use it as a shift reminder as well.
I owned a 1966 2+2 with the same setup in Caribbean blue with white interior, center console and white vinyl top. Punch it and the front end would rise up and the engine would roar. Sucked gas like you couldn't believe - and that was when gas was less than $0.50 gal.
My dad owned a '65 Catalina Ventura fastback, white with black interior. It was my favorite car that he owned, at least while I've been alive.
My gosh, this takes me back! My Dad bought one of these brand new in 1965. I was 11 years old. I will never forget the 421 cubic inch engine with those three two barrel carbs and that slick Hurst 4 speed! It was solid white and a beautiful machine. He traded the car in the early 70s for another Pontiac. Thank you for the great video!!!
We had a pontiac safari wagon with that drive train. It was slow and took every ci to move that beast. An awesome car/wagon.
DAMN that is a gorgeous car.
My first new car was a 65 Catalina 2 door hardtop. I think Pontiac peaked that year. The car fast and beautiful. Others also thought so. It was stolen 3 times. Still miss it.
Oh yes, I agree, the 65 Pontiac was the best design.
Those headlights!❤
stolen 3 times, yikes. just joy riding it and found fast? my first car was 65 impala. no one stole that.
Too bad the 1965 didn't have the 1966 rear and tail lights.. Those long Bonneville tail lights for 1966 were perfect.
Growing up, my family had two Pontiac Catalinas, both were white with red interiors, a 65, and a 66.
Don’t know anything beyond the outside and inside colors other than it was V8 powered.
Fun video
The big Pontiacs of the 60's were some of the best handling "full size" cars of the era. My wife's grandfather loaned us his one owner 4 door 1965 Catalina when we were first married & even as a 30+ yo car, it could be driven with two fingers on the wheel at 70 mph all day long without any driver fatigue.
I believe this was part of the Heavy Duty range of Pontiacs in the mid 60s, and the 421 was the king. That Catalina is beautiful inside and out. That'd be a blast to drive I bet.