1971 Pontiac Catalina Convertible

 

Three years ago one of my co-workers who knew I was into old cars inquired if I was interested in a car her nephew was selling. I was going to just tell her I had too many cars until she mentioned it was a convertible that has been in the family since new and has less than 40,000 original miles. Her grandmother bought it new and was currently being driven by her grand son while he attended a local college. He was graduating and wanted to buy a new 2000 Pontiac Sunfire convertible. I really did not need another car but a convertible peaked my interest. It is a 350 cubic inch engine with a rebuilt automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, near mint power top, and perfect seats. The story is that the grandmother did not like the original white and had it painted some Pontiac blue in 1972. It has an after market Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette player installed but the original Delco AM/FM/8-track was available if I wanted to stop by his parents house (absolutely).

The 26 gallon tank is a financial decision when it come time to fill it up. We have rebuilt the front and rear suspension, timing chain, exhaust manifolds gaskets, brakes, and I have new carpet waiting to be installed.

My wife and I just enjoy putting the top down and enjoying the big car ride. It is our back-up car when one of our daily drivers goes down or needs service. Other than the terrible gas mileage I love this car. We will never see another era where detroit builds land yachts like this.