My Grandfather had a 1962 Grand Prix with the 389 4bbl, Dual exhaust, with chrome tips! it was, black ,with white interior, bucket seats, a center console complete with tachometer, oil pressure, engine temp, volt meter,and automatic shifter! It was also the first car I was ever in that was equipped with power windows,best of all , it had an armrest in the back seat, that I could sit on and see everything! Every time Grandpa would do a tuneup on the car, when I was there, He would say, we better test drive it! Then once we were away from Grandma he would say, we better test out that passing gear! He would tromp it, and that 389 would come to life! Man did it sound sweet!Memories! I miss Grandpa, and that Grand Prix !
I remember when all these cars were brand new and still thought back then what works of art they were . There was a kid in my second grade class named Donald that drew the most futuristic looking cars and strangely enough resembled the cars of today . We all thought he was nuts . Sorry Donald !
Hi , G P , yeah , maybe he did . He was a weird kid that reminds me of that Elon Musk guy . After second grade he was gone and I never saw him again . But man , that kid was an artist ! He could draw cars . And I do wish him well .
My uncle Jack had a Catalina, although it was labeled only as a 2+2. His was a 421 with , I believe, a Tripower and 4 speed. If I remember right it was a 1965. For years he told the story that almost everyone was scared to race him. It was his car of his lifetime. He died the summer of 22. RIP
RIP to your Uncle Jack. Wow, just trying to picture what that must have felt like to have this setup back then..... It must have been something. Thanks for your story.
I love this era of Pontiacs! Some of my favorite cars ever! That body was too nice to have been scrapped (at the time) so yeah, a drivetrain issue took it out and was somebodies failed project car, back in the day. The creases in the roof to simulate a convertible top was a slick GM styling trick at the time.
I learned how to drive a manual transmission in a 1965 GMC pickup with a 3 on the tree.. straight 6, 1 barrel with manual choke and radio delete.. you couldn't get less truck... was sent out to the shelter belt on grandma's farm and was told to put it back in the corn crib when I figured it out... smelled like clutch, but I figured it out... if you can drive a 3 on the tree, you can drive anything.
Another A+ professor. I like the top of the line tri-color interiors in early 60's Pontiacs. They even had chrome fibers weaved thru the carpet. Beautiful!
My father always told me in his early 20s he had a 62 lightweight superduty catalina. Black with red interior, 421 dual quads and a 4 speed. It came from royal oak pontiac and had gold 8 lug wheels. He sold it and within a week the new owner wrapped it around a tree, so I doubt it exists today
In the 30s, the move from floor shift to column was seen as a big thing. It opened more room in the passenger compartment. As Mr Magnante so correctly stated - people of that generation preferred column shifts to floor. Thank you as always ~ Chuck
Neighbor when growing up in Detroit in the sixties was a big shot at Pittsburg paint automotive division always had a Pontiac Catalina or bonniville convertible. Beautiful cars!👍
Don't forget Fireball Roberts drove a 62 Catalina just like that one to victory in the 1962 Daytona 500 the car was built and tuned by the legendary innovator Smokey Yunick.
Those were the muscle when I was in grade school. The 421 tri power with those incredible aluminum exhaust manifolds. My neighbor bought a 64 GP brand new, then backed it into the garage and began tearing it down. A roller setup,timing chain and gears, high volume oil pump, ported the heads, dual point dist, and many other goodies with the manufacture sticker still on the window. Being 8yrs old I went over and asked him how he already broke it? 😂😂😂 That’s the day I started learning about cars.
I had an uncle that was tool designer in Detroit back then and he always bought a new Pontiac every two years. I remember when he got a new '62 Catalina and going to the gas station with him and my cousin and he told the guy to fill it up with premium only. That's when I learned it had the tri power engine with high compression of course the rumble from the dual exhaust was pretty cool also.
My 57 Catalina had the factory 2bbl motor swapped by the previous owner before they parked it with a fresh 347 former tri-power (the bolt on bits were still there to give it away) but now sporting a 4bbl Rochester. Even got the factory correct dual exhaust manifold setup.
Perhaps what I appreciate most here is the door-mounted side-view mirror!...........N O T out on the fender where it never belonged in the first place!
That yellowish late 70's Impala/Caprice in the background brings back memories. My first car was a 77 Impala. Worn out base model. But I miss it. Love that era GM B-Body cars.
I love Catalina's. When I was a little kid my grandma had a '68 model. Not real exciting but it always made me happy to see it pull into the driveway, it meant a visit from "Momma Dean"! As an adult I bought my first Catalina about 20 years ago, a '61 2 door hardtop, yes a bubble top. I also own a '61 Star Chief originally purchased as a car to rob for parts to fix the Catalina but 20 years later it's just too nice to cut up. And then I bought a '62 Grand Prix. It was my daily driver for a couple of years from about 2010 to 2012. I sold it to a German guy who took it overseas so it's tearing up the autobahn now! Great styling in those cars and the old 389's run like a top.
My brother had a 1962 Pontiac Strato Chief, my father a 1974 Pontiac Grand Am, and in the 1990's I had a 1977 Trans Am SE. Nobody did it as well as Pontiac. Albeit the 68' Charger is another beauty...
great video steve !! I had a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne 4 dr hardtop sports sedan, Pillarless.... Parisienne (along with the lower model, post-between the side windows, Laurentian) were Pontiac's export models, built in Canada & exported to Australia (where I am), they all used the 1961 Pontiac dash, as did the local Chevrolets for RHD, my Parisienne had the 2 barrel rodchester carb, 283 engine (with standard power pack heads with the little triangle), normal ram horn manifolds, & iron power-glide automatic transmission, with selector on the tree... Power brakes, normal drums (not the 8-lug) bench seats with the 1962 Pontiac stripe pattern, with white vinyl flashes on them that carried the Pontiac emblem. Wonderful car, wide stance, just floated along the road, & also great for towing...
Beautiful...one of my first cars at 14.. 389 four barrel. Got away from me,hit the bank on a lonely gravel road. That car scared the hell out of me... wrangled the fender, drove away... wanting to do it again.
If you measure the hub-to-hub distance on the Pontiac, you'll see its a few inches wider than a Chevy. That said, on some applications - like the '64 - up Lemans, Tempest, GTO, etc. (A body) the added width is not there and yes, the chassis bits were the same basic width as a Chevelle / Skylark / F85. Same for the Firebird, same track width as a Camaro. But the early FULL SIZE Pontiacs truly were "wide track". Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante
I’ve got mine, (1962 Catalina 2 door hard top) my dad gave it to me. It’s in a heated and cooled garage. I’m scared to drive it now. It’s never been hit. Thanks Steve for giving Pontiac some time.
I rode in a 1960 Pontiac Starchief in the backseat down a country dirt road at 100 mph begging my 16 year old cousin to back it off. We went airborne at an Intersection in the middle of nowhere leaving a trail of Kansas dust a mile long and lived to tell the tale.
I recently restored a 62 Pontiac Star Chief... 4 door hardtop... The windshields for the 62 Pontiac is the same as the 59-60 Chevy Impala. the side glass and all window mechanism is exactly the same as the 62 Impala, same glass shape, same regulators, So, if you're planning to restore one of these, look to the old Chevy parts suppliers for many parts. Rear glass too.
Crazy how manufacturers had block offs such in this video. I had a 1974 Cheyenne Super 10 with a three on the tree back in day. The block off was a wood grain sticker, to match the instrument cluster facing, over the automatic gear indicator, which peeled off. 🤣. I'd like to see that light yellowish Impala in the background. Also, you are so correct Steve. I was a model car builder when I was a kid. I learned so much from that. Show us your model collection 👍
That AMT Catalina is an EXCELLENT kit! I especially loved the included fuel lines for the multiple carbs on the 421. I built mine and gave it a base coat of Testors gold then sprayed Model Master (RIP) "stop light red" over the top, and she came out great! Just a bit brighter than the pictures on the box. You have motivated me to crack open another kit tonight :) Love those wide track Pontiacs, I think their 62-72 styling was some of the best of the Muscle car Era.
Steve, the Muncie 4 speed was not available until 1963. This '62 Catalina could be ordered with the iron-case Borg Warner 4-speed fully-synchronized T-10. However, a lot of racers used the heavy-duty mostly-synchronized 3 speed Muncie, as it had a very low first gear to get that big Catalina jumping off the line!
The fully loaded Bonnevilles with road handling package, sport console, a/c, and power windows were made for driving the interstates from coast to coast in the early 60's.
Shame to see all those cars rotting into the ground. This one is almost to the center hubs. Many, many moons ago, this car was someone's pride and joy, fresh off the lot.
Steve the 389 Was a Great Motor, My Brother Earl Owned a 64 GTO 389, 4 speed, Fast car, Shout have been Mine, But I was on the Road moving Furniture, at that time.Great Video
I remember that in [I think]1980's Road and Track had listed all the cars they tested with brake tests, handling and 1/4 mile times. The Catalina was listed as 3.9 sec 0-60 which was one of the quickest cars tested by them all time!
You're absolutely 💯 right Steve 3 speed manual transmissions were normal . Most were on the tree . Then were on the floor . Saw a 1980 Chevy Camaro , brand new , 3 speed manual , stock OEM. I owned a 78 Ford Granada , 3 on the floor ( with an overdrive )
He featured a 1978 Monte Carlo with a 231 V6 and a manual transmission in the junkyard over the summer. The "cheapies" did exist. Those were often advertised in the papers and ads as, "New, 1978 Monte Carlo, get it now! $7700, all fees and taxes included." Then you read the fine print: No AC, three speed manual, six cylinder, AM radio (if anything), and only one in stock. LOL.
Thanks Guys! I need to get that model kit... I wonder if maybe the person who bought that new loved the styling but wanted to save on the options. Those days when there were so many driveline choices were wonderful.
Those model kits are super kool. And he has the Boxes.👍Which I brought up are worth more then the model kit. Because kids would just throw those away. 🤷♂️
I usually watch Steve while I'm having my morning coffee but now I'm finished thanks Steve for messing up my day. I'm only kidding please keep up the great work ☺️
My dad grew up much like many of our dads i guess driving a manual... his first automatic was a new 63 olds dynamic 88 394 ci..so he went from a 6 cyl chevy three on the tree to being able to smoke the passenger tire up the street by depressing the gas pedal to the floor lol which my brother and i witnessed once or twice when he was angry HA... imagine the thrill . Thanks for sharing... oh i have some unbiult models from my youth i have to get to one day .
My first car was a 1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 394 cid, which I bought in 1974 for $50 bucks. I drove it home and proceeded to remove all the chrome and put it in the trunk because I was going to paint it. Then I started to tear down the engine because I was going to rebuild it. But I snapped off a head bolt. Then I knew I was in trouble because I did not think I could buy a head bolt. After a couple of months sitting in front of my parent's house, I sold it to a junkyard for $50 bucks. That was my first mistake . . .
That Pegeot 404 behind the Pontiac is super rare in the USA. It is probably the 68 hp 1.6 liter. But unlike the American engines, the 68 hp is probably real close to its real SAE gross rating.
Mr. B. Here ! Morning to all ! Early 60’s have such a change , styles colors you could see how the cars did not look the same . Thanks Steve very informative!
Hi Steve. I've learned so much from your videos. Whenever I am at a car show, I recognize so many details that you have reviled. I don't think you'll have a model to go with the video, when and if you do a video on the 64,65,66 Thunderbird. Much appreciated Steve.
American car buyers really had a spectacular range of cars to choose from and a massive selection of equipment and options. That's all gone now, new cars are the same world wide with no opportunity for buyers to really individualize a new car. A great shame.
As a kid growing up in the 60's, most cars I rode in were a 3-on-the-tree. The four speeds were for the hot rods, and the automatics were for the more luxurious cars. Average cars were mostly 3 speeds.
or a 3 by the knee floor shifter only 4 speeds I recall where corvair monzas and mustangs and muscle cars but i always looked in the cars to see if it was a stick
Hi Steve, great video on this Catalina. Keep the model cars coming! Great drone vid also Shane. Never owned a 64 but did buy a beautiful low mileage white 67 Catalina 400 A/T at an estate sale. The estate also had a dark blue 68 Catalina 4dr hard top with the 428 single 4bl that was just as nice and dont ask about MPG. LOL I think by then GM frowned on multiple carbs except the Vette and maybe the Corvair. I could be wrong on that, not the 1st time and probably not the last. Namaste 🙏🏼
When I was growing up in the 60s my grandma Mildred had a 57 Chevy then a 64 Impala both 3 on the tree I don’t think she ever had an automatic she was short and was always trying to see over the steering wheel we were always going to the store
I "officially" started driving in 1982 and have driven more than a few 3 on the trees in my time. Still even have an old 3-speed Borg Warner up in my shed from my 71" C10. But if you talk to a younger driver today ; even if they can operate a manual , almost none of them even know what a column 3 speed is ?
I know what you mean. Now days I think you'd have a tough time to find someone ~35ish and younger that could drive a "regular" manual transmission and it would probably be almost impossible to find someone 45 and under that could operate a column shifter. When I was a teen (in the 80s)everybody had or wanted a manual in their cars and trucks. I even remember guys pulling the automatics outta their Mustangs or Cameros or pickups and putting in a 4or5 speed. I remember this one guy that had an old Cadillac that his grandfather gave him and he took a 5-speed from a Camero and put it in. That car was wild. It's hard to find a new or even newer car with a manual. And forget about finding a pickup truck with a manual. I think they stopped making them in the 90s. Great video, Steve. I love JunkyardCrawl
Yup, the person that bought that was probably someone that grew up in the Depression or someone who was pretty thrifty. Yes, Malcolm "Mac" McKellar along with Herb Adams, Rus Gee, John DeLorean, John Schinella, Jim Wangers and others would be the Pontiac "Dream Team" designing and bringing to market the vehicles we know and love today. No VIN, can't win, but might be something like: 3 for Catalina, 62 for 1962 model year, maybe P for Pontiac, MI or L for Linden, NJ assembly (among other choices), and the rest is the production sequence. The Pontiac, MI "home plant" closed in 1988 and the Linden, NJ assembly plant closed in 2005. No tag, can't brag, but it can be figured out, no doubt: 2111 for Catalina two door sport sedan or 2137 for Catalina two door sport coupe, BL for Linden, NJ or PO for Pontiac, MI assembly, 216 or 222 for Maroon interior trim, A for Regent Black exterior paint, among other codes.
This car and its era was viewed by me as the "streamlined" era especially for American cars. It was out with the fins and in with the repetitive horizontal lines, creases and moldings. They still had style though. Personally I prefer the styling from the end of the 60s over the beginning. All in all the whole decade was way better than the 70s and 80s however. Great video as usual Steve. I see you're saving a bundle in dog food still. 😉
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My Grandfather had a 1962 Grand Prix with the 389 4bbl, Dual exhaust, with chrome tips! it was, black ,with white interior, bucket seats,
a center console complete with tachometer, oil pressure, engine temp, volt meter,and automatic shifter!
It was also the first car I was ever in that was equipped with power windows,best of all , it had an armrest in the back seat, that I could sit on and see everything!
Every time Grandpa would do a tuneup on the car, when I was there,
He would say, we better test drive it!
Then once we were away from Grandma he would say, we better test out that passing gear!
He would tromp it, and that 389 would come to life! Man did it sound sweet!Memories! I miss Grandpa, and that Grand Prix !
Get well soon Steve!
I remember when all these cars were brand new and still thought back then what works of art they were . There was a kid in my second grade class named Donald that drew the most futuristic looking cars and strangely enough resembled the cars of today . We all thought he was nuts . Sorry Donald !
Maybe he should have become an automotive designer. LOL.
@@googleusergp Maybe he did:)
Hi , G P , yeah , maybe he did . He was a weird kid that reminds me of that Elon Musk guy . After second grade he was gone and I never saw him again . But man , that kid was an artist ! He could draw cars . And I do wish him well .
@@daynadiggle8169 Maybe he designed something we use and enjoy. Never know.
Damn I thought I was old at 42 lol
I remember Pontiac advertising Wide Trac on their 1987 models.
Yes. This began on the '59s.
My uncle Jack had a Catalina, although it was labeled only as a 2+2. His was a 421 with , I believe, a Tripower and 4 speed. If I remember right it was a 1965. For years he told the story that almost everyone was scared to race him. It was his car of his lifetime. He died the summer of 22. RIP
RIP to your Uncle Jack. Wow, just trying to picture what that must have felt like to have this setup back then..... It must have been something. Thanks for your story.
I love this era of Pontiacs! Some of my favorite cars ever! That body was too nice to have been scrapped (at the time) so yeah, a drivetrain issue took it out and was somebodies failed project car, back in the day.
The creases in the roof to simulate a convertible top was a slick GM styling trick at the time.
Love my Pontiacs ❤❤
Hi, Steve. Love your channel and can't wait until you are well enough to host the show again. Get well soon.
I learned how to drive a manual transmission in a 1965 GMC pickup with a 3 on the tree.. straight 6, 1 barrel with manual choke and radio delete.. you couldn't get less truck... was sent out to the shelter belt on grandma's farm and was told to put it back in the corn crib when I figured it out... smelled like clutch, but I figured it out... if you can drive a 3 on the tree, you can drive anything.
Similar store here but with a D100.
Another A+ professor. I like the top of the line tri-color interiors in early 60's Pontiacs. They even had chrome fibers weaved thru the carpet. Beautiful!
They really poured style and beauty into these rolling works of art. Then came the 70s...
@Uncle BOB Mr. B . Here ! I have little bit of the 50’s - 60’s & 70’s each one has little something, all are drivers that ‘s what makes them fun .
Steve, You could do a full video discussing the one page magazine ad 4:52 detailing the incredible variety of options the customer was given.
My father always told me in his early 20s he had a 62 lightweight superduty catalina. Black with red interior, 421 dual quads and a 4 speed. It came from royal oak pontiac and had gold 8 lug wheels. He sold it and within a week the new owner wrapped it around a tree, so I doubt it exists today
This car with the options mentioned is probably more rare then 90 percent of the survivors. Great Chanel. 👍
In the 30s, the move from floor shift to column was seen as a big thing. It opened more room in the passenger compartment. As Mr Magnante so correctly stated - people of that generation preferred column shifts to floor. Thank you as always ~ Chuck
Great point
I'm I'm still a 2-foot driver, from learning how to drive a three on the tree in 1975. Keep on crawling!
Sad to think those car's were someone's pride and joy.😢
Neighbor when growing up in Detroit in the sixties was a big shot at Pittsburg paint automotive division always had a Pontiac Catalina or bonniville convertible. Beautiful cars!👍
My dad had a ‘62 Catalina wagon that he used to pull an Airstream travel trailer all over the country…oh, the memories!
Don't forget Fireball Roberts drove a 62 Catalina just like that one to victory in the 1962 Daytona 500 the car was built and tuned by the legendary innovator Smokey Yunick.
Dog prop is a mystery to me. The rest is memory lane. Especially the rust. That always happens and on my Durango even to the plastic.
First time ever to post a comment on this channel within 5 minutes of it appearing in my recommended videos!
Unfinished Projects is usually first.
~🙂
Thanks Steve. I remember the early 60’s TV commercials touting the Pontiac Wide Track!!
Those were the muscle when I was in grade school. The 421 tri power with those incredible aluminum exhaust manifolds. My neighbor bought a 64 GP brand new, then backed it into the garage and began tearing it down. A roller setup,timing chain and gears, high volume oil pump, ported the heads, dual point dist, and many other goodies with the manufacture sticker still on the window. Being 8yrs old I went over and asked him how he already broke it? 😂😂😂 That’s the day I started learning about cars.
Right on
Had one similar to that one, I don't recall ever having a car with such a comfortable ride since, wish I had the money for one again.
I had an uncle that was tool designer in Detroit back then and he always bought a new Pontiac every two years. I remember when he got a new '62 Catalina and going to the gas station with him and my cousin and he told the guy to fill it up with premium only. That's when I learned it had the tri power engine with high compression of course the rumble from the dual exhaust was pretty cool also.
My 57 Catalina had the factory 2bbl motor swapped by the previous owner before they parked it with a fresh 347 former tri-power (the bolt on bits were still there to give it away) but now sporting a 4bbl Rochester. Even got the factory correct dual exhaust manifold setup.
What a well behaved dog
Cool 😎 steering wheels in the Pontiacs
Very Cool , but look what is right beside it. One of my Favorites, A 1961 4dr HARDTOP PLYMOUTH. AWESOME!
I always loved the '62 catalina two door sedan. Such great lines.
Love to have one of those with the 421 4 speed and 8 lug wheels.
Perhaps what I appreciate most here is the door-mounted side-view mirror!...........N O T out on the fender where it never belonged in the first place!
Steve thankyou for your teachings, Your a true American educating us about American history every day
That yellowish late 70's Impala/Caprice in the background brings back memories. My first car was a 77 Impala. Worn out base model. But I miss it. Love that era GM B-Body cars.
I love Catalina's. When I was a little kid my grandma had a '68 model. Not real exciting but it always made me happy to see it pull into the driveway, it meant a visit from "Momma Dean"! As an adult I bought my first Catalina about 20 years ago, a '61 2 door hardtop, yes a bubble top. I also own a '61 Star Chief originally purchased as a car to rob for parts to fix the Catalina but 20 years later it's just too nice to cut up. And then I bought a '62 Grand Prix. It was my daily driver for a couple of years from about 2010 to 2012. I sold it to a German guy who took it overseas so it's tearing up the autobahn now! Great styling in those cars and the old 389's run like a top.
My brother had a 1962 Pontiac Strato Chief, my father a 1974 Pontiac Grand Am, and in the 1990's I had a 1977 Trans Am SE. Nobody did it as well as Pontiac. Albeit the 68' Charger is another beauty...
I'm glad Steve brought up the wide track frames. I found out that the Canadian Pontiacs of this era used the narrower frames from the Chevy full size.
great video steve !! I had a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne 4 dr hardtop sports sedan, Pillarless.... Parisienne (along with the lower model, post-between the side windows, Laurentian) were Pontiac's export models, built in Canada & exported to Australia (where I am), they all used the 1961 Pontiac dash, as did the local Chevrolets for RHD, my Parisienne had the 2 barrel rodchester carb, 283 engine (with standard power pack heads with the little triangle), normal ram horn manifolds, & iron power-glide automatic transmission, with selector on the tree... Power brakes, normal drums (not the 8-lug) bench seats with the 1962 Pontiac stripe pattern, with white vinyl flashes on them that carried the Pontiac emblem.
Wonderful car, wide stance, just floated along the road, & also great for towing...
Back in 1965 I bought a 62 Bonniville 2 door hard top with a four barrel 389. Owned it for several years.
Beautiful...one of my first cars at 14.. 389 four barrel. Got away from me,hit the bank on a lonely gravel road. That car scared the hell out of me... wrangled the fender, drove away... wanting to do it again.
The wide track Pontiacs was more of a marketing gimmick I'd heard.
If you measure the hub-to-hub distance on the Pontiac, you'll see its a few inches wider than a Chevy. That said, on some applications - like the '64 - up Lemans, Tempest, GTO, etc. (A body) the added width is not there and yes, the chassis bits were the same basic width as a Chevelle / Skylark / F85. Same for the Firebird, same track width as a Camaro. But the early FULL SIZE Pontiacs truly were "wide track". Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante
I’ve got mine, (1962 Catalina 2 door hard top) my dad gave it to me. It’s in a heated and cooled garage. I’m scared to drive it now. It’s never been hit. Thanks Steve for giving Pontiac some time.
I rode in a 1960 Pontiac Starchief in the backseat down a country dirt road at 100 mph begging my 16 year old cousin to back it off. We went airborne at an Intersection in the middle of nowhere leaving a trail of Kansas dust a mile long and lived to tell the tale.
I've always loved those old Pontiacs, such beautiful cars
My first car was a 62 Catalina convertible. Got it for my 16th birthday. It was the sport coupe with bucket seats and a floor shift automatic.
Love re-watching the classics! Hope to see you again real soon, Steve! ❤
Great video and history! The wide track Pontiac’s of the 60s. Beautiful car that was!
Glad you enjoyed it
I recently restored a 62 Pontiac Star Chief... 4 door hardtop... The windshields for the 62 Pontiac is the same as the 59-60 Chevy Impala. the side glass and all window mechanism is exactly the same as the 62 Impala, same glass shape, same regulators, So, if you're planning to restore one of these, look to the old Chevy parts suppliers for many parts. Rear glass too.
Crazy how manufacturers had block offs such in this video. I had a 1974 Cheyenne Super 10 with a three on the tree back in day. The block off was a wood grain sticker, to match the instrument cluster facing, over the automatic gear indicator, which peeled off. 🤣. I'd like to see that light yellowish Impala in the background. Also, you are so correct Steve. I was a model car builder when I was a kid. I learned so much from that. Show us your model collection 👍
You sir, is the REAL old cars wizard, you have 100% my respect.
'62 Catalina...one of my all favorites...thx again...
That AMT Catalina is an EXCELLENT kit! I especially loved the included fuel lines for the multiple carbs on the 421. I built mine and gave it a base coat of Testors gold then sprayed Model Master (RIP) "stop light red" over the top, and she came out great! Just a bit brighter than the pictures on the box. You have motivated me to crack open another kit tonight :) Love those wide track Pontiacs, I think their 62-72 styling was some of the best of the Muscle car Era.
Steve, the Muncie 4 speed was not available until 1963. This '62 Catalina could be ordered with the iron-case Borg Warner 4-speed fully-synchronized T-10. However, a lot of racers used the heavy-duty mostly-synchronized 3 speed Muncie, as it had a very low first gear to get that big Catalina jumping off the line!
1962 Daytona 500 won by Fireball Roberts in a 1962 Pontiac Catalina. I'd love to build a clone of that car.
Loved these Ponchos! Thanks Steve! Keep getting stronger everyday!
Big cool wide track Pontiacs Amt Catalina model kit added to the lesson. Nothing better on a semi cold day in Nebraska.
My grandparents had a ‘63 Catalina in aqua blue. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
The fully loaded Bonnevilles with road handling package, sport console, a/c, and power windows were made for driving the interstates from coast to coast in the early 60's.
What you are referring to as an aluminum exhaust manifold, we used to call "factory headers" and were usually cast iron.
Funny, you mentioned 1912. My dad was born in 1912, he bought a new 62 Ford wagon. I still remember going to Stevens Ford in Milford CT.
I built that same 62 Catalina model around 20 years ago! It's one of the few models I've built where I actually took my time, it turned out very nice.
Love the 3 on the tree !
I also built that AMT model and it was a blast ! Very detailed !
Interesting as always. My granddad had a '62 4 door. Seeing some really cool stuff in the background that I'm hoping Steve gets to sometime soon.
Shame to see all those cars rotting into the ground. This one is almost to the center hubs.
Many, many moons ago, this car was someone's pride and joy, fresh off the lot.
As an owner of a 1968 Catalina, I just gotta say, the full-sized 60's Pontiacs were the best GMs of the era!
Loving the '60 Rambler in the background.
Great stuff Steve. I remember these cars being dumped in the late 70's and 80's after their paint had failed and they were just worn out. So sad!
Another great presentation and amazing camera work !
MT definitely made a mistake !!
Thanks again
Steve the 389 Was a Great Motor, My Brother Earl Owned a 64 GTO 389, 4 speed, Fast car, Shout have been Mine, But I was on the Road moving Furniture, at that time.Great Video
I remember that in [I think]1980's Road and Track had listed all the cars they tested with brake tests, handling and 1/4 mile times. The Catalina was listed as 3.9 sec 0-60 which was one of the quickest cars tested by them all time!
You're absolutely 💯 right Steve
3 speed manual transmissions were normal . Most were on the tree . Then were on the floor .
Saw a 1980 Chevy Camaro , brand new , 3 speed manual , stock OEM.
I owned a 78 Ford Granada , 3 on the floor ( with an overdrive )
He featured a 1978 Monte Carlo with a 231 V6 and a manual transmission in the junkyard over the summer. The "cheapies" did exist. Those were often advertised in the papers and ads as, "New, 1978 Monte Carlo, get it now! $7700, all fees and taxes included." Then you read the fine print: No AC, three speed manual, six cylinder, AM radio (if anything), and only one in stock. LOL.
Digging that Maverick in front there, had a ‘72 with the 5 litre/302 ci, was a real sleeper with 4 drs. 👍🇨🇦
I saw an old Maverick for sale on craigslist yesterday. If you are interested, I will try to find it.
Thanks Guys! I need to get that model kit... I wonder if maybe the person who bought that new loved the styling but wanted to save on the options. Those days when there were so many driveline choices were wonderful.
I wonder if it had manual steering also 🤔
Those model kits are super kool. And he has the Boxes.👍Which I brought up are worth more then the model kit. Because kids would just throw those away. 🤷♂️
I had a 1968 Catalina four door hard top loved that car 400 2bbl 25 mpg and floated like boat
I usually watch Steve while I'm having my morning coffee but now I'm finished thanks Steve for messing up my day. I'm only kidding please keep up the great work ☺️
Morning!
Nothing like an Old school 3 on the tree.
Steve great Video as always no need to pop the hood when most of the engine is in the front seat. 🤷♂️👍😎🎥
My dad grew up much like many of our dads i guess driving a manual... his first automatic was a new 63 olds dynamic 88 394 ci..so he went from a 6 cyl chevy three on the tree to being able to smoke the passenger tire up the street by depressing the gas pedal to the floor lol which my brother and i witnessed once or twice when he was angry HA... imagine the thrill . Thanks for sharing... oh i have some unbiult models from my youth i have to get to one day .
My first car was a 1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 394 cid, which I bought in 1974 for $50 bucks.
I drove it home and proceeded to remove all the chrome and put it in the trunk because I was going to paint it.
Then I started to tear down the engine because I was going to rebuild it. But I snapped off a head bolt. Then I knew I was in trouble because I did not think I could buy a head bolt.
After a couple of months sitting in front of my parent's house, I sold it to a junkyard for $50 bucks.
That was my first mistake . . .
Excellent episode. Thanks
That Pegeot 404 behind the Pontiac is super rare in the USA. It is probably the 68 hp 1.6 liter. But unlike the American engines, the 68 hp is probably real close to its real SAE gross rating.
Fireball Roberts won a bunch of races in one like that. 👍
Mr. B. Here ! Morning to all ! Early 60’s have such a change , styles colors you could see how the cars did not look the same . Thanks Steve very informative!
Morning!
My favorite since a kid, has always been the 1961.
Could easily tell when a Pontiac was in the rear view mirror. Unmistakable nose.
Had the same nose on my 77 Pontiac firebird
Hi Steve. I've learned so much from your videos. Whenever I am at a car show, I recognize so many details that you have reviled. I don't think you'll have a model to go with the video, when and if you do a video on the 64,65,66 Thunderbird. Much appreciated Steve.
Do you "revile" the other series of Thunderbirds? 🙂👍
@@gteefxr3094 Hi there. The 64,65,66 are my favorite. I also love the 61,62,63 Thunderbird. The rest, no so much.👍
Good stuff Sir as always. Memories, memories. My Mother had a 64 Catalina Convertable white with red interior. That was one sexy car.
Thank you Steve , Get well soon.
62-63 GP is one of the most beautiful cars produced…
On nice touch that you overlooked:
Go back and look at the glove compartment door. It opens into a drink holder for use at a drive-in restaurant.
Good morning from Washington state, this car is very unique, all that stuff spread all over the seats, thumbs up great video
Get well steve
American car buyers really had a spectacular range of cars to choose from and a massive selection of equipment and options. That's all gone now, new cars are the same world wide with no opportunity for buyers to really individualize a new car. A great shame.
As a kid growing up in the 60's, most cars I rode in were a 3-on-the-tree. The four speeds were for the hot rods, and the automatics were for the more luxurious cars. Average cars were mostly 3 speeds.
or a 3 by the knee floor shifter only 4 speeds I recall where corvair monzas and mustangs and muscle cars but i always looked in the cars to see if it was a stick
dead right
And I miss the 3 on the tree!!! That’s what I learned to drive on, great anti theft device nowadays 😅
Hi Steve, great video on this Catalina. Keep the model cars coming! Great drone vid also Shane. Never owned a 64 but did buy a beautiful low mileage white 67 Catalina 400 A/T at an estate sale. The estate also had a dark blue 68 Catalina 4dr hard top with the 428 single 4bl that was just as nice and dont ask about MPG. LOL I think by then GM frowned on multiple carbs except the Vette and maybe the Corvair. I could be wrong on that, not the 1st time and probably not the last. Namaste 🙏🏼
Starting in 1967, only the Corvette was permitted to have multiple carburetors.
When I was growing up in the 60s my grandma Mildred had a 57 Chevy then a 64 Impala both 3 on the tree I don’t think she ever had an automatic she was short and was always trying to see over the steering wheel we were always going to the store
I "officially" started driving in 1982 and have driven more than a few 3 on the trees in my time. Still even have an old 3-speed Borg Warner up in my shed from my 71" C10. But if you talk to a younger driver today ; even if they can operate a manual , almost none of them even know what a column 3 speed is ?
I know what you mean. Now days I think you'd have a tough time to find someone ~35ish and younger that could drive a "regular" manual transmission and it would probably be almost impossible to find someone 45 and under that could operate a column shifter.
When I was a teen (in the 80s)everybody had or wanted a manual in their cars and trucks. I even remember guys pulling the automatics outta their Mustangs or Cameros or pickups and putting in a 4or5 speed. I remember this one guy that had an old Cadillac that his grandfather gave him and he took a 5-speed from a Camero and put it in. That car was wild.
It's hard to find a new or even newer car with a manual. And forget about finding a pickup truck with a manual. I think they stopped making them in the 90s.
Great video, Steve. I love JunkyardCrawl
Another episode of "Mags in the morning ". Quality entertainment brought to you by Berma-shave.
Burma shave, that takes me way back.
@@unclebob7937 yeah, right up the road there will be another sign....Bryle cream, "a dab will do you!"
Yup, the person that bought that was probably someone that grew up in the Depression or someone who was pretty thrifty. Yes, Malcolm "Mac" McKellar along with Herb Adams, Rus Gee, John DeLorean, John Schinella, Jim Wangers and others would be the Pontiac "Dream Team" designing and bringing to market the vehicles we know and love today.
No VIN, can't win, but might be something like: 3 for Catalina, 62 for 1962 model year, maybe P for Pontiac, MI or L for Linden, NJ assembly (among other choices), and the rest is the production sequence. The Pontiac, MI "home plant" closed in 1988 and the Linden, NJ assembly plant closed in 2005.
No tag, can't brag, but it can be figured out, no doubt: 2111 for Catalina two door sport sedan or 2137 for Catalina two door sport coupe, BL for Linden, NJ or PO for Pontiac, MI assembly, 216 or 222 for Maroon interior trim, A for Regent Black exterior paint, among other codes.
Pontiac advertised 'e aho laula' or wider is better. full phrase is 'oi aku ka maika'o ka laulá.
@@anthonynofi4871 Indeed wider is better.
Steve always cracks me up: "GO HOME MARYLOU!!" 😂😅
This car and its era was viewed by me as the "streamlined" era especially for American cars. It was out with the fins and in with the repetitive horizontal lines, creases and moldings. They still had style though.
Personally I prefer the styling from the end of the 60s over the beginning. All in all the whole decade was way better than the 70s and 80s however.
Great video as usual Steve. I see you're saving a bundle in dog food still. 😉