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1970 Pontiac Catalina

The 1970 Pontiac Catalina: a big, comfy cruiser! Think classic muscle car vibes, but slightly toned down. It was a popular choice, representing the era's love for powerful, stylish rides. Its boxy shape and prominent grille were iconic, showing off Pontiac's bold design. A true piece of American automotive history.

The 1970 Pontiac Catalina: A Glimpse into American Automotive History

The Pontiac Catalina first entered the American automotive scene in the early 1960s and soon became an iconic figure in the vast landscape of classic cars. By the 1970s, the Catalina was more than just a car; it was a symbol of American ingenuity and cultural relevance. Its prominence in pop culture was sealed with its appearance in popular films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, showcasing its emblematic presence beyond the showroom【4:0†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

Photo of a 1970 Pontiac Catalina

1970 Pontiac Catalina Models:

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

How Much is Pontiac Catalina Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,604.00

Outstanding

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$40,300

Clean

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$34,400

Average

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$19,100*

Rough

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$9,700

1970 Pontiac Catalina Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 5267
Length: 217.9 inches
Width: 79.8 inches
Height: 54.8 inches
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Weight: 4,027lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Synchro-mesh
Displacement: 350 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3.875 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.8 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 255@4600
Horsepower Rated: 48
Torque: 355@2800
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On pad at front of right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.8 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 link
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: H78 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 26 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 252670a100001
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
Polar White, Palladium Silver Metallic, Starlight Black, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Lucerne Blue Metallic, Atoll Blue Metallic, Mint Turquoise Metallic, Keylime Green Metallic, Palisade Green Metallic, Verdoro Green Metallic, Pepper Green Metallic, Sierra Yellow, Coronado Gold Metallic, Baja Gold Metallic, Granada Gold Metallic, Palomino Copper Metallic, Castillian Bronze Metallic, Cardinal Red, Burgandy Metallic
Convertible: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
455 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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Design and Performance: The Heart of the Catalina

While the Catalina earned its stripes for its standard features, what truly attracted attention was its range of luxury and performance variants. The Ventura package, for example, didn't just offer more luxury—it was a statement of elegance and sophistication that stood alone in its promotional appeal. And under the hood? The Catalina boasted some serious muscle with choices like the mighty 421 Tri-Power engine, capable of producing up to 376 horsepower. You know what they say: "There's no replacement for displacement"【4:0†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

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The Cultural Significance of a Classic

The Catalina didn't just roll down the streets; it cruised through the fabric of American culture. In the mid-20th century, it was the kind of car you'd see in family photos, parked in the driveway as a testament to post-war prosperity. It became more than just an automobile; it was an icon capturing the zeitgeist of its time【4:3†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

Famous Figures Who Own the Pontiac Catalina

Melissa Poxon

There's something quite special about a car that shares your birth year. For Melissa Poxon, her 40th birthday was marked with the acquisition of a 1970 Pontiac Catalina—matching her very own age. This symbolic purchase highlighted not just her love for classic cars but the deeper connection owners often find with their vehicles【4:4†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

The Catalina's journey is filled with colorful stories, like that of its original owner—a fireman from Edmonton who called it his primary means of transport. Every scratch and dent had a story, each captured in meticulous detail to preserve the history of this remarkable vehicle【4:4†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

1970 Pontiac Catalina Gallery

Photo of a 1970 Pontiac Catalina
Photo of a 1970 Pontiac Catalina

Price Records and Market Valuations

Over the last few years, the 1970 Pontiac Catalina has seen fluctuating values at auctions. The top sale? A jaw-dropping $36,750, clearly reflecting the intense demand for pristine examples of this classic model. Generally, well-preserved Catalinas fetch anywhere from $3,500 to $17,050, depending on their condition and originality.

Speed and Performance Trials

In its heyday, the Catalina didn't just idle on driveways—it roared on racetracks. Some versions topped speeds of 140 mph, a testament to its performance prowess. Despite weighing a hefty 4,360 pounds, this classic beast could still move like a panther, outpacing many of its contemporaries【4:2†67ce9bbde62584efcab8ad89.txt】.

A Pop Culture Phenomenon

The appearance of the Catalina in films and its references in music underline its significant cultural impact. You might recall seeing it parked in suburban settings or tearing up roads in period movies. It wasn't just about the horsepower—it was a reflection of an era.

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Discover the legacy of vehicles like the Pontiac Catalina by ensuring you have all possible details at your fingertips—because every classic car has its own story meant to be told.

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Explore Pontiac Catalina from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The 1970 Pontiac Catalina? A real beauty, that one. Think of it as the epitome of '70s muscle, but with a touch more refinement than some of its siblings. Key features include its boxy, yet somehow elegant, body style; the distinctive split grille; and of course, those tail lights – iconic, totally unmistakable. Under the hood, you'll typically find a big-block V8 (though some smaller engines were available; it’s like having your choice of soda sizes, really). Depending on the trim level, you might even find some seriously plush interiors – seriously comfy, like your favorite recliner.

Oh boy, the engine choices! That's where things get interesting. Pontiac really gave buyers a range, didn't they? You had your standard fare, like the 350 and 400 cubic inch V8s – perfectly good choices for daily driving. But if you wanted some serious grunt, the 428 or even the legendary 455 were readily available, offering unbelievable power, though admittedly they were gas guzzlers, like driving around in a V8-powered refrigerator. Picking the right one really depends on your needs and how much you like the smell of premium gas in your garage.

Mostly, it was a two-door hardtop coupe and a four-door sedan (or maybe a station wagon). These were the usual suspects back then, you know what I mean? It was a simple, clean design. There were occasional convertibles and you could find some different trim levels that added exterior details, making them different, but at heart they were your basic Catalina.

That's a tough one; it really depends on the car's condition and what options it has. A completely restored, numbers-matching example with all the bells and whistles could go for a pretty penny. Think of it like a rare baseball card – the better the condition, the more valuable. On the other hand, a project car that needs a lot of work will be considerably cheaper, but hey, that's the fun part (or the frustrating part, depending on your DIY skills!). It’s a bit of a gamble, like betting on a horse. Options like air conditioning or a power steering make a difference, too; they're desirable and bump up the price.

These cars are getting up there in age, so some things may need a bit of love. Rust, sadly, is a common issue, especially in the body panels and undercarriage. Think of it as a ticking time bomb; address it quickly. Also, keep an eye out for problems with the braking system, electrical systems (all those fancy gadgets from back then), and the engine; just make sure everything is in working order. You'll need to do your research and don't be afraid to have a mechanic take a look before you buy – it’s worth spending a little money upfront to avoid heartache later.

Finding parts for a classic like this can be a bit of a treasure hunt; you may need to visit a classic car parts supplier. There are tons of online stores and swap meets, where you can often find what you're looking for. Don't worry though, the Pontiac Catalina is a well-loved model so there are plenty of parts around, but sometimes you might need to be a bit patient and persistent, kinda like finding the perfect vintage record, it takes a bit of digging.