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1965 Pontiac Catalina

The '65 Pontiac Catalina: a big, bold beauty! Think classic muscle car vibes, a staple of the mid-60s American scene. Its long hood, sleek lines, and powerful engine made it a head-turner. A cultural icon, it represented freedom and the era's optimism, and remains a beloved collector's car today.

The 1965 Pontiac Catalina: A Classic Icon

The 1965 Pontiac Catalina stands as a testament to an era of automotive ingenuity and cultural significance. It wasn't just a car; it was a symbol of American spirit and innovation. From its sleek design to its mighty performance, the Catalina captured the hearts of many, including some of the most celebrated figures. Let's explore the charm of this classic automobile, a journey that highlights its history, market presence, and the famous personalities who have been captivated by its allure.

Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Catalina

1965 Pontiac Catalina Models:

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

How Much is Pontiac Catalina Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,196.00

Outstanding

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$93,800

Clean

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$72,300

Average

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$47,900*

Rough

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$25,000

1965 Pontiac Catalina Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 25267
Length: 214.6 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 55.2 inches
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Weight: 3,815lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 388.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.6 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 256@4600
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 388@2400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Alloy cast iron
Engine Number Location: Production no. and card are on pad at front of right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 13/32 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.42 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.61
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.33
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 8.25 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 26.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 252675a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2-3:Series
Digits 4-5:Body style
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Starlight Black, Cameo Ivory, Blue Charcoal, Fontaine Blue, Nightwatch Blue, Palmetto Green, Reef Turquoise, Burgandy Red, Iris Mist, Montero Red, Teal Turquoise, Capri Gold, Mission Beige, Bluemist Slate, Mayfair Maize
Convertible: Opt
421 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of the 1965 Pontiac Catalina

The Pontiac Catalina was introduced as a full-size automobile and became a standalone model by 1959, a leap that reflected the mid-century demand for style and speed in one package. In 1965, this legendary car featured complex curves and powerful engines like the 421 cubic inch V8, producing up to 376 horsepower with its high-performance Tri-Power system.

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Detailed Specifications of the 1965 Pontiac Catalina

While the Catalina's design was undeniably eye-catching, it was the performance that truly stole the show. Whether it was the 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds or the versatile transmission options, this vehicle was built for thrill and grace. The available configurations and engine combinations made it a preferred choice among muscle car enthusiasts.

Famous Figures Who Own the 1965 Pontiac Catalina

Now, who doesn't love a car with a bit of celebrity shine?

Louis K. Liggett

One of the notable figures linked with the Catalina is Louis K. Liggett, the mastermind behind Rexall drug company. His connection to the Catalina is a nod to the vehicle's allure among successful entrepreneurs.

Robert Hastings

Robert Hastings, beloved for his role in "Pete and Gladys," also had a fondness for the Catalina. It's clear that this car wasn't just for businessmen but appealed to those in the entertainment world too.

These figures are just part of what makes the Catalina's image even more fascinating - each ownership adds a layer to its storied past. If you're curious about more classic car owners, you might want to perform a classic car VIN lookup for additional details.

1965 Pontiac Catalina Gallery

Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Catalina

Fun Facts about the 1965 Pontiac Catalina

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    Pop Culture Presence: The Pontiac Catalina wasn't just a favorite among elite owners; it also made appearances in cinematic legends like Bullitt and the Fast and Furious series.

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    Marketing Prowess: Pontiac's Tiger-themed campaigns during the 60s not only featured the GTO and 2+2 but also the Catalina, wrapping the vehicle in a narrative of power and excitement.

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Owning a classic car like the Catalina is a thrilling endeavor, but ensuring its value and authenticity is essential. Here's why you should consider obtaining a or a before making any transactions:

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Explore Pontiac Catalina from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '65 Catalina? Think of it like this: it's a big, beautiful boat of a car. You'll spot its long, flowing lines – that's a dead giveaway. The styling, it's really something else; it’s got that classic early-to-mid-60s American muscle car look, you know, kinda like a sleek, powerful shark. Look for the distinctive Catalina badging, of course. And depending on the trim level, you might see different wheel covers and interior appointments – some really fancy stuff, even; it really depended on what the original buyer opted for. Some folks even added their own touches after the fact. So there's plenty of variety out there!

Oh boy, the engine choices! Pontiac really gave you options back then. You could get everything from a relatively modest V8 to something that would really move; a real screamer. You're looking at several different sizes of V8 engines; from the smaller options to the seriously powerful, big-block engines—a true testament to American automotive engineering. These engines were powerful, but they could also be thirsty. Think gas guzzler, especially those bigger ones; you'd better have a healthy budget for fuel. It's a bit like choosing between a small, economical car and a big, powerful truck – both have their uses, and both have their drawbacks.

The transmissions available really depended on the engine you chose. Generally speaking, though, you'd see a variety of automatics and also some manual gearboxes; it's really a matter of what the original owner preferred. Those three-speed automatics were pretty common; they were easy to use and reasonably reliable. Some of the higher-performance versions came with a four-speed manual, which is sort of what car enthusiasts would go for – a bit more challenging, but also more rewarding. So, it all kind of depended on what the buyer was looking for and what kind of driving experience they wanted.

Finding one of these beauties today isn't as easy as it once was. They're classic cars now, so they're not exactly sitting on every corner. Their value is pretty dependent on condition and options; a well-preserved and original one will fetch a much higher price than one that's been heavily customized. Think of it like buying a really old painting. The condition will drastically affect how much the car is worth. Do your research – check out auction results and listings from reputable classic car dealers to get a feel for current market values. You’ll likely want to check several different sources, too, to get a well-rounded idea of the value.

Owning a classic car like a '65 Catalina is a labor of love. Parts can be harder to find than for newer cars, and some specialized tools might be necessary for certain tasks. Finding a good mechanic familiar with these older cars is also pretty crucial; a good mechanic is your best friend. Rust is also something to think about; especially if the car wasn't kept in a dry climate its whole life. Remember, these are older cars, and they're not always as simple to repair as many modern vehicles. Be prepared for some challenges, and be patient. It’s a rewarding experience, though, once you get it all up and running!