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1960 Pontiac Catalina

The 1960 Pontiac Catalina: Big, bold, and brimming with '60s style! A classic American muscle car, it represented a booming postwar economy. Its iconic, wide-stance look, often with sleek tailfins, made it instantly recognizable. A true symbol of its era's optimism and automotive prowess.

The Iconic 1960 Pontiac Catalina: A Journey through Time

Ah, the 1960 Pontiac Catalina. It's one of those classic American cars that just oozes timeless charm and a kind of nostalgic warmth really. With its elongated body, wide stance, and a reputation that still gets car enthusiasts talking, the Catalina is more than just a pretty face; it's a piece of history that captures the spirit of its era. Honestly, who can resist the allure of a powerful V8 engine and that striking design? Let me take you on a little tour through its storied past and some rather intriguing details.

Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina

1960 Pontiac Catalina Models:

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

How Much is Pontiac Catalina Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,390.00

Outstanding

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$41,000

Clean

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$28,300

Average

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$19,600*

Rough

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$12,300

1960 Pontiac Catalina Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 2111
Length: 213.7 inches
Width: 80 inches
Height: 56.4 inches
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,835lbs
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: 10.25 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 215@3600
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 390@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 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: 23 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 5.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 160-1001
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-9:Production number
Two Tone Colors Available, Shoreline Gold Metallic, Caribe Turquoise Metallic, Palamino Beige, Black Pearl Metallic, Stardust Yellow, Berkshire Green Metallic, Skymist Blue Metallic, Sierra Copper Metallic, Newport Blue Metallic, Fairway Green Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Richmond Gray Metallic, Shelltone Ivory, Coronado Red Metallic
Sport Sedan: Opt
Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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History of the 1960 Pontiac Catalina

The 1960 Pontiac Catalina managed to carve out a significant place in automotive history. You know how some car brands just stick with you? This model is part of Pontiac's impressive lineage—a second-generation version boasting a longer body and that wider stance which everyone seems to love. Designed with sleek lines and a prominent grille, it embodied the late 1950s and early 1960s style, which was all about showing off both luxury and performance.

Under the hood, the options were anything but mundane. The Catalina came with various V8 engine configurations, including the powerful 389 cubic inch model which brought ample horsepower and acceleration. With such robust performance specs, it wasn't just about getting from A to B but about doing so with flair. For those curious about the historical details of such vehicular classics, a can be particularly enlightening.

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Popular Figures Who Own the Catalina

Here's the thing: cars often become legends not just through their designs but because of who gets behind the wheel. The 1960 Pontiac Catalina caught the eye of several famous personalities who helped elevate its standing in popular culture. It's like when a certain shoe gains fame because your favorite athlete wears it, right?

Marvin Panch

One of the most notable owners was none other than NASCAR driver Marvin Panch. His accomplishments behind the wheel of a Catalina left a significant mark on racing history. Imagine clocking in jaw-dropping speeds that made heads turn and crowds cheer. Panch's success with the Catalina wasn't just about race wins; it symbolized Pontiac's competitive spirit.

Hollywood Glamour

Adding to its allure were Hollywood stars who adored the Chrysler's style and performance. Cars and movies often make for a magical mix, don't they? Appearing in films and TV shows boosted the Catalina's public persona, cementing it as a symbol of luxury and speed.

Fun Facts about the Catalina

The Catalina doesn't just pop up in history books and classic car shows. It made cameo appearances in various films and TV shows. 'The Andy Griffith Show' featured this beauty, further ingraining it into the mid-century cultural landscape—not to mention inspiring a slew of merchandise that collectors still treasure today.

1960 Pontiac Catalina Gallery

Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Catalina

Interested in buying or selling a classic car? Knowing what you're actually delving into is crucial. That's where a car's detailed background doesn't just come in handy—it's essential. Whether it's a , a , or even a you're after, knowing your vehicle's past can set you on the right path. Don't miss out on these:

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By the way, a and a are invaluable tools to authenticate provenance and details when trading or buying a classic.

Classic cars really are like time capsules. They take us back, remind us of the days gone by, and perhaps, inspire us to dream of long drives down sundrenched roads. So if you're as passionate about these beauties as I am, you'll know the thrill of discovering every little detail adds to the love story between you and these magnificent machines.

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Explore Pontiac Catalina from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the 1960 Pontiac Catalina, she's a real looker! Think sleek, sharp lines; that's the big thing. You know, that iconic Pontiac styling—a real head-turner back in the day, and still pretty awesome today. Key features include its relatively low profile compared to some of its competitors, a wide stance, and those distinctive Catalina-specific badging and trim pieces. You'll spot them easily. Plus, depending on the trim level, you might find some really neat options like power steering (a godsend back then!), bucket seats, or even air conditioning, though that was a luxury item. It was a seriously nice car, especially for its time.

Under the hood? Oh boy, there were a few choices. The 1960 Catalinas offered a range of V8 engines, from fairly modest to seriously powerful. The base engine, if I recall correctly, was a 389 cubic inch V8; a real workhorse. But if you wanted some extra oomph, there were larger displacement options available, some putting out over 300 horsepower! Think of it like this: you could get one that sipped gas relatively economically or a real beast of a muscle car, depending on your needs and your budget, of course. Choosing the right engine really depended on what you planned to do with the car; some people just wanted reliable transportation, while others—well, others wanted to leave everyone else in the dust!

Finding a truly pristine, original 1960 Catalina? That's like finding a needle in a haystack, or maybe even a unicorn! Many have succumbed to the ravages of time and, well, let's just say not-so-tender loving care. However, a nice driver-quality example can still be found with a bit of searching. You might have to be patient and willing to travel, but it's definitely doable. Just be prepared to do your homework; check out the condition carefully, maybe even get a pre-purchase inspection if you're really serious about buying one. That's always a good idea, trust me on that.

Ah, the million-dollar question! The price of a 1960 Catalina? That changes wildly based on condition, options, and the overall state of the classic car market. Generally speaking, a project car, you know, one that needs some work, might go for a few thousand dollars. However, a well-restored show-stopper can easily command tens of thousands – sometimes much, much more. It really depends. Think of it like real estate; location, location, location; well, in this case, it's condition, condition, condition. Do your research, compare prices, and you'll get a better idea; but it is a complex market.

Finding parts for a classic car like a '60 Catalina can sometimes be a bit of a quest, a treasure hunt, if you will. But don't worry, there are resources! You can check online retailers specializing in classic car parts. Plus, there are clubs and forums dedicated to Pontiac enthusiasts; they are an incredible resource. These folks are passionate about these cars and are incredibly helpful. They’re always happy to share tips, tricks, and places to source parts, including those harder-to-find items. You might be surprised by the community support and the wealth of knowledge readily available—it's a pretty amazing group of car nuts.