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63 Pontiac Catalina. Lavishly Maintained One-owner Black-plate Original! Wow!! on 2040-cars

Year:1963 Mileage:82491
Location:

Cypress, California, United States

Cypress, California, United States
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Thanks for stopping by to take a closer look at this gem of a 1963 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Hardtop with the Ventura option.
 
Here's Some Pontiac Background:

During most of it's earlier years, Pontiac was the conservative step upward from Chevrolet and treated buyers to an eight cylinder (L-Head In-line 8) power option and upscale interiors.  The face of Pontiac changed dramatically in 1959, however,  with its 'Wide-Track' chassis, lower/wider stance, iconic split grill, standard 389 cubic inch engine and a host of performance options. 
 
The 60's were the heady John Z. Delorean (Pontiac's Chief Engineer) days at Pontiac with offerings like Catalinas, Venturas, GTO's and Grand Prix's -  which, over the years, have become coveted pieces of mechanical artistry.  At the time they captured the public's interest and  led the way to Pontiac's major resurgence in the marketplace.
 
One needs to look no further than this Catalina to find a prime example of 60's Pontiac styling.  It features a most stylish example of Pontiac's  recessed split grill - accentuated by the vertical dual headlamps and massive front bumper.  It has what many consider to be the best of automotive hardtop designs with its whisper of convertible top bows.  This greehouse style is augmented by its lengthy trunk  and capped off by a beautifully sculpted taillamp design.  Its clean, lean lines are in stark contrast to the bulbuous look Pontiac adopted for its full size cars a couple years later.
 
History of 3971:
 
I've referred to this one as an 'All-California' Car.  Actually, it's an all-Southern-California-Car manufactured at GM's South Gate plant, transported 40 miles to Tate Motors in Pomona, CA and sold to Marvin Leaman who made a 'have to have it decision' when he saw it arrive on the showroom floor and later returned to purchase it. 
 
Marvin was a citrus rancher a few miles away in Upland and worked for the State Parole Board.  The Catalina's original Black Plates, original dealer license plate frames, and blue key fob have been with the car during it's 51 years and its documented 82,000+ miles - an average of about 1600 miles per year.
 
Because Marvin was provided with a State vehicle, the Catalina was only used for personal outings which included a couple trips to San Fransisco.  The uncracked deluxe steering wheel, dash cover and unpitted chrome and its shiny original paint testify to the car having always been garaged.  In fact, there were some years from the seventies through the 90's it was tucked away under cover of blankets - since Marvin was saving the car for his son, Larry.
 
Larry is the good friend for whom I'm listing the car.  To say Larry is a Pontiac enthusiast and meticulous about the upkeep of his cars would be a gross understatement. 
 
The car migrated from his dad's garage to Larry's in 2003.  During that time Larry has easily spent  ten thousand dollars maintaining the car in perfect mechanical condition and  thousands more keeping it in weatherproof commercial storage.  There is nothing this car needed that it didn't get.  And while he was at it, Larry gathered up all available information he could lay his hands on - a sort of 1963 Pontiac Library, if you will.
 
Cosmetics:
 
One of this  Catalina's prime features is its still-shiny, Factory Original GM Duracryl Yorktown Blue finish.  Another is the absence of rust.  Even the corners  of the trunk seams beneath the rear window molding are corrosion free (see photo). 
 
Every body panel is original.  And while it shows some wear in areas like the top of the driver-side door, some scratches and a few discolored spots, most are evident only when paint is closely scrutinized.
 
Interior shows almost like new.  Over the years the headliner, sun visors and carpet have been replaced with original materials.  Seats are original Pontiac Morrokide over optional foam.  Optional DeLuxe Two-color steering wheel is a mint example with no cracks or pitting on the chrome horn ring.  Instrument panel and uncracked dash cover look virtually new. 
 
Mechanical:
 
Engine is Pontiac's high compression Trophy 389 with Rochester two-barrel carburetor rated at 283 HP @ 4400 RPM.  It is mated to GM's three-speed Hydra-Maric transmission. Both function flawlessly and the transmission throws a crisp 1/2 shift (not always the case with the 'Roto' Hydra-Matic transmissions).  The engine was repainted when out of the car for the rebuild.  Remaining engine compartment surfaces are original.
 
Over the years, Larry has treated the car to virtually everything it needed to function  perfectly (and without leaks or drips).  Here are some relatively recent documented examples:
 
  • Complete engine rebuild @ 80,134 miles by Gordon's Auto Works, Orange, CA which also included replacement of hoses, belts, plugs and coolant, water pump and thermostat - $6905
  • Carburetor overhaul@ 80,500  -    $223
  • Radio parts replacement  -   $126 
  • New Fuel Pump and Defroster Diaphram @ 80,940 -  $419
  • Adjust hood alignment, replace axle bearings, replace gasket and pinion seal @ 81,308 -  $638  
  • Replace transmission seals @81,333 - $883
  •  Oil/filter change and fuel filter replacement @81,604 - $110
  • Install electric fuel pump @ 81,720 - $250
  • Replaced inefficient electric fuel pump with new mechanical, new transmission oil cooler line, replaced transmission pan gasket @82,344 - $407
Extras:
  •  A correct trunk  mat and new trunk lid seal, along with the car's four mint original wheel discs
  •  Owner's manual, Owner Protection Plan, Deluxe, full color, 16 page, dealer brochure, '63 Pontiac Accessories Catalog,  reproduction window sticker, 3/4 inch folder of Pontiac articles and fact sheets (one of 5 folders Larry maintained)
Purchase Information:
 
On an as is/where is, no warranty basis, this car will be sold to the highest bidder meeting the reasonable reserve during this ten-day auction, but owner reserves the right to end the bidding at any time.  The Catalina is available for your pre-arranged evaluation in the Orange/Santa Ana, CA area.  It is highly recommended that prior to entering a bid, you personally inspect the car and draw your own conclusions about purchase suitability.  Larry will assist with the transporter, if required, and can store the car for reimbursement of his storage costs.
 
I look forward to and respond ASAP to your questions.  They are encouraged!
 
Larry can be contacted for any additional information.  Photos of the underside of the car, can be sent to you upon request.
 
Bidders outside the Continental US and those without a solid eBay feedback history MUST contact me prior to submitting a bid.
 
A $500 PayPal non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours and balance can be paid with the instrument of your choice, but the car will not be released until the instrument is bank approved (includes cash and cashier's checks).
 
Associated Hyperbole:
 
You don't have to remind me that I've been associated with the old car hobby since 1954 when I bought a 40 Chevy two door sedan for fifteen dollars.  Because I'm both car and eBay conversant, I will ocassionally list cars for friends.  But they have to be gems.  What I've learned about  cars over the years is 1) avoid cars with ANY evidence of rust; 2) typically avoid 'restored' cars; 3) buy cars directly from the owner with documented history; 4) match what you see with what you hear; 5) whenever possible, buy cars that are original and unaltered.
 
As you can see, this one fits well into the above categories, has a lot of desirable options and given it's provenance should be a smart buy for both ol'  Pontiac fans and investors alike as the market for pristine examples continues to climb.  This Catalina is ready for touring, showing or just enjoying.
 
Thanks for wading through all this information.  Rest assured I will appreciate your consideration of this 63 Catalina Ventura.

Addendum:  A check of the March/April, 2014 'Old Cars Price Guide' lists the #2 value of the 63 Catalina 2-dr Hardtop at $20,300 and  this one meets the Guide's 'fine' criteria. A comparison check was made with my June, 2010 issue.  Price of a #2 four years ago was $13,300 and offers evidence of significant appreciation in value for pristine examples.
GOOD LUCK BIDDING!
 
 
 

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GM recalling 70k Chevy Malibus, Pontiac G6s over steering issue

Sun, Feb 15 2015

A problem with the power steering system in the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6 has prompted General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for an estimated 69,633 vehicles. The issue revolves around the electric power steering assist, which could suddenly fail and increase the risk of a crash, especially at low speeds where the power steering is most helpful. The recall affects 2006-2007 Chevy Malibu sedans and Malibu Maxx wagons (specifically those manufactured between April 1, 2006, and June 30, 2006), as well as the Pontiac G6 (which was offered as a sedan, coupe or convertible) from the same model years and manufactured from April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. Owners of the affected units can expect to hear from the manufacturer with instructions to bring in their vehicles to their local dealers to have the torque sensors in the power steering system replaced. RECALL Subject : Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering , 1 INVESTIGATION(S) Report Receipt Date: FEB 04, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 Component(s): STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected: 69,633 Manufacturer: General Motors LLC SUMMARY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving. CONSEQUENCE: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

GM Recalls 1.5 Million Cars For Steering Defect

Tue, Apr 1 2014

General Motors Co. said Monday it is recalling 1.5 million vehicles worldwide because the electronic power-steering assist can suddenly stop working, making them harder to steer. The new recall brings to 6.3 million the number of vehicles GM has recalled since February. The initial recall - now at 2.6 million small cars for an ignition switch defect - prompted the automaker to name a new safety chief and speed up the review of cases that might lead to recalls. GM said it expects recall-related costs to total $750 million in the first quarter, including $300 million for the ignition switch recall. Included in the new recall are: - Chevrolet Malibu from the 2004-2005 model years, plus some 2006, 2008 and 2009 model-year cars. - Chevrolet Malibu Maxx from the 2004-2005 model years, plus some 2006 model-year cars. - Chevrolet HHR from the 2009-2010 model years (non-turbocharged only). - Some Chevrolet Cobalts from the 2010 model year. - Some Saturn Auras from the 2008-2009 model years. - Saturn Ion from the 2004-2007 model years. - Pontiac G6 from the 2005 model year, plus some cars from the 2006, 2008 and 2009 model years. - Service parts installed into certain vehicles before May 31, 2010, under a previous recall GM says no deaths related to the defect have been reported. It is still investigating whether there have been any accidents or injuries related to the problem. GM dealers will replace the power steering motor and other parts for free. Spokesman Alan Adler said owners will be notified of the recall the week of April 28 and will be told when parts are available after that. The Cobalt and the Ion, which are also involved in the ignition switch recall, share many common parts.GM recalled Cobalts from the 2005-2010 model years for the power steering defect in 2010, but it's unclear why the company didn't recall the Ion at the same time. Federal regulators also opened an investigation into power steering complaints in the Ion in 2010, but didn't order a recall. Related Gallery 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Test Drive View 9 Photos Recalls GM Pontiac Chevy Cobalt saturn ion pontiac g6 Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet HHR

This KITT replica sold at auction for $32,500

Thu, Apr 23 2020

UPDATE: This 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am KITT replica officially sold for $32,500. Here's hoping the new owner has a blast throwin' it into Pursuit Mode. Let's get one thing straight right off the bat: This isn't a perfect KITT replica. The original KITT used in the Knight Rider TV series was based on a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The one you see above, which is currently for sale at auction site Bring A Trailer, is a 1987 model, and since it's a GTA edition, it has some extra body cladding that the smooth-sided television car lacked. That aside, most casual observers would probably never notice the difference, and even those who did (like us) are still likely to be impressed by the car's transformation. This KITT replica is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It ought to be fairly quick, though quite a bit shy of the fictional car's very fictional 300-mph top speed. We're not exactly Knight Rider experts, but some quick Google sleuthing suggests that the Knight Industries Two Thousand supposedly cost more than $11,000,000 to build in Hollywoodland. This one will surely command a significantly lower sum — as of this writing, it's been bid up to $18,000 with four days remaining on the auction. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. For those truly fanatical about accuracy, here's a video of one of the originals visiting Jay Leno's Garage for reference. There are several videos of the car that detail its modifications inside and out, but suffice it to say it seems to be a well-sorted replica. Here's hoping its new owner keeps it well clear of other KARRs. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.