1959 Pontiac Catalina Isn’t Your Average Survivor, You’ll Hopefully Like the Body Style
Automobiles

1959 Pontiac Catalina Isn’t Your Average Survivor, You’ll Hopefully Like the Body Style


14 photos

Photo: eBay seller dreamex7

Customers who walked into a Pontiac dealership in 1959 to get the brand-new Catalina had a difficult mission. The GM brand offered a varied lineup that included seven versions.
The most obvious choice was the two-door sport sedan, which could be had for $2,633, but buyers willing to spend extra could also order a four-door sibling, a Sport hardtop coupe, a Vista hardtop sedan, or a convertible coupe.

Pontiac also offered two wagons, the Safari four-door six-passenger, and the four-door nine-passenger. Not everybody liked the station wagon, but it still sold well – Pontiac didn’t share any numbers, but these cars have become rare today.

A 1959 Pontiac Catalina station wagon landed on eBay earlier this week, and you don’t have to be a diehard restoration expert to examine the photos and determine the car’s condition. The Catalina has been sitting for many years, so it now comes with the typical problems despite the owner claiming that it’s still “a solid station wagon.”

This Pontiac needs a complete restoration, and it’s safe to assume that you’ll spend a considerable amount of time dealing with metal problems. However, the floors seem more solid than expected, as the owner has already removed the carpets to provide us with a clear look at the undersides.

While anyone can check the photos thoroughly before committing to a purchase, it’s critical to see the car in person, especially if the long-term goal is a complete restoration. The owner admits on eBay that getting the wagon for parts could be the right choice, especially because it requires massive work to return to the road.

The keys are no longer around, but the good news is that the Catalina still has the engine and the transmission. They lack several parts, so the car won’t start and drive, though it rolls and steers freely.

The 1959 Catalina could be had with a 389 unit producing 245 horsepower, while versions with automatic transmissions developed 280 horsepower. However, people interested in fuel consumption could opt for the detuned version of the same engine, which could be had with 215 horsepower when paired with an automatic transmission. The icing on the cake was the Tri-Power setup, which was rated at 345 horsepower.

The rough shape of this 1959 Pontiac Catalina doesn’t mean the car sells for pocket money. It’s still more expensive than you’d expect, but considering that a solid 1959 station wagon isn’t common, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a collector jumping at the opportunity of buying this car. eBay seller dreamex7 will let it go for $3,500, and interested buyers can find it in Harbor City, California. The listing will expire in 18 days, so you have enough time to convince your SO that you need a rusty wagon in the garage.