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1959 Pontiac Catalina

The '59 Pontiac Catalina? A big, beautiful cruiser! Think fins, chrome, and serious style. It was a popular choice, representing the era's love for power and luxury. A true icon of the late 50s car craze, its sharp lines and bold stance are still admired today. A classic!

The Untold Legacy of the 1959 Pontiac Catalina

The 1959 Pontiac Catalina is more than just a classic car — it's a symbol of an era. A quintessential icon of 1950s American automotive innovation, this car combined design brilliance with performance prowess, making it one of the most celebrated vehicles among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina

1959 Pontiac Catalina Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Pontiac Catalina Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,515.00

Outstanding

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$53,300

Clean

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$38,900

Average

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$25,000*

Rough

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$10,300

1959 Pontiac Catalina Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 2137
Length: 213.7 inches
Width: 80.7 inches
Height: 54 inches
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,885lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Unknown at time of publication
Displacement: 388.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.6 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: 10.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 245@4200
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 392@2000
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Alloy cast iron
Engine Number Location: On pad at front of right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.21 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.32
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.51
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Pivoted control arms
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Tire Size: 8 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 21.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 5.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 159-1001
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-9:Production number
Two Tone Colors Available, Cameo Ivory, Sunset Glow Metallic, Canyon Copper Metallic, Gulfstream Blue Metallic, Mandalay Red, Dundee Green Metallic, Silvermist Gray Metallic, Shoreline Gold Metallic, Royal Amethyst Metallic, Castle Blue, Vanguard Blue Metallic, Jademist Green, Seaspray Green, Concord Blue Metallic, Silver Satin Metallic
Sport Coupe: Opt
Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1959 Pontiac Catalina

Pontiac's venture into the V8 engine arena began as early as 1946. Initially, they toyed with an L-head engine, but after some tinkering and performance comparisons, especially against the likes of Oldsmobile, they shifted gears to an overhead-valve (OHV) design. This was a genius move that only blossomed by the 1955 model year when they introduced the Strato Streak V8 engine.

The 1959 Catalina was a marvel of design, boasting features like the Grand Prix-style cockpit instrument panels. This model was more than just sleek; it was revolutionary — packing a punch with a 389 cubic-inch V8 engine. Sounds powerful, doesn't it? This setup allowed it to compete fiercely within the emerging muscle car market.

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Detailed Specifications of the 1959 Pontiac Catalina

The Catalina's 389 cubic-inch V8 engine, available with both three-speed manual and Turbo Hydramatic transmission options, offered not only choice but ensured the muscle car could hold its ground in any drag race. It delivered up to a stunning 290 horsepower. More power to you, literally!

A Speed Icon on and off the Track

Its lightweight structure made it a favorite in competitive racing circles as well. The Catalina left its imprint on NASCAR, reinforcing its robust engine capabilities and durable performance. If there's one thing car enthusiasts agree on, it's that the Catalina goes the extra mile — both figuratively and literally.

The Allure of Ownership: Famous Figures Who Own the 1959 Pontiac Catalina

Mitch from Masterton, New Zealand

You might not have heard of Mitch unless you've been part of the classic car community in Masterton, but this guy is pretty much a legend over there. His gold and white convertible version of the Catalina was a reflection of its broad appeal — an elegant mix of luxury and performance.

Rufo, The Car Enthusiast

Here's an interesting tidbit: Rufo's encounter with the car's fourth owner at a show in River Grove in 2009 revealed more than just the vehicle's long-lasting allure. It told a tale of legacy and community within the classic car ecosystem.

1959 Pontiac Catalina Gallery

Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Catalina

Fun Facts about the 1959 Pontiac Catalina

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    Marketing Success: The Catalina broke through norms with its creative advertising campaigns, celebrating Native American culture which added a unique cultural resonance.

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    Pop Culture Presence: From appearances in films to its enduring appeal at car events, the Catalina has been as much a media darling as a collector's treasure.

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Explore Pontiac Catalina from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '59 Catalina? Oh man, that's a beauty! It's instantly recognizable, you know? Think sweeping tailfins – seriously, they're huge – a long, low hood, and those iconic Pontiac split grilles. It's got that classic American muscle car look; you can't miss it. They came in a bunch of colors too; some pretty wild ones, like turquoise and coral. Plus, the interiors were pretty swanky for the time, lots of chrome and fancy upholstery options. Really, the whole package is just dripping with '50s style.

Now, the engine choices in a '59 Catalina were, shall we say, robust. You had a good selection to pick from, ranging from a fairly tame 389 cubic inch V8, all the way up to a seriously powerful 421 cubic inch V8; that's a real beast under the hood. Between those two were some other options in 389 form too, with varying horsepower options. Think of it like choosing your preferred level of spiciness on a burrito— you got choices! Each one offered a different driving experience, from a smooth cruiser to a real fire-breather. It really depended on what you wanted, didn't it?

Ah, the million-dollar question, or maybe the tens-of-thousands-of-dollars question! The value of a '59 Catalina varies wildly, my friend, depending on a whole mess of things: condition, mileage (or lack thereof!), originality, and what add-ons it has. A restored beauty? It could fetch a hefty price. A project car needing some TLC? Way cheaper, though still likely more than your average Honda Civic. Honestly, you really need to check with classic car valuation experts or online resources to get a solid estimate; they can give you a much better idea than I can.

Like any classic car, especially one this old, you're gonna run into some mechanical gremlins, it's inevitable. Common problems with these bad boys include things like carburetor issues – those old carbs can be finicky. Also, the electrical system can be a pain sometimes, and you might have brake line or fuel line problems. It's nothing that a good mechanic, preferably one who specializes in classic cars, can't fix, so don't worry too much! Think of it like maintaining an old house—regular upkeep is key!

Finding parts for a '59 Catalina might seem daunting at first, but honestly, there are more resources than you'd think! You've got online retailers specializing in classic car parts, swap meets (those are always a blast!), and even some dedicated Pontiac parts suppliers. It's a bit of a scavenger hunt, but that's half the fun, right? You might have to do some digging, but with enough patience, you'll unearth the treasures you need. Plus, there are online forums and communities dedicated to these cars—they're goldmines of information, often pointing you in the right direction. So don't lose hope; you'll find what you need eventually.