Overview and Historical Significance
The 1963 Pontiac Catalina was part of Pontiac’s Wide-Track lineup, renowned for improved handling and a more aggressive road presence. Styling updates included vertically stacked headlamps, a split grille, straighter A-pillars, and “Coke bottle” side contours, giving it a muscular yet sophisticated appearance. Catalina models were popular in both standard and performance forms, including special models like the Super Duty 421 and lightweight “Swiss Cheese” versions designed for drag racing. This car became iconic in pop culture through appearances in films like American Graffiti and TV shows such as I Love Lucy. Celebrities, including Clark Gable, were also known to own Catalinas, enhancing its collectible appeal.
Body Styles and Trim Options
The 1963 Catalina offered a variety of body styles to appeal to different buyers:
- Two-door coupe
- Four-door sedan
- Two-door hardtop (pillarless design)
- Station wagon
Trim choices and interior personalization allowed owners to select from a range of interior colors and materials, including tri-color vinyl options.
Engine and Performance Options
Catalinas provided multiple engine configurations:
- Inline six-cylinder options for a more economical choice
- Various V8 configurations, with top-tier options including the 389 cubic inch V8 and the high-performance 421 Super Duty
- Optional Rochester tri-power carburetor setups for enhanced performance
Horsepower ranged from moderate to high, depending on engine choice, and offered a performance-oriented driving experience. Transmission options included:
- Three-speed manual
- Four-speed manual (Borg-Warner T-10)
- Two-speed Powerglide automatic
Features and Equipment
Available features in 1963 Catalinas included:
- Power steering and power drum brakes
- Tilt steering wheel and dash-mounted tachometer
- Air conditioning and comfort amenities in fully optioned models
- Dual exhaust and performance-oriented suspension on higher-spec models
Dimensions and Technical Specifications
While dimensions vary slightly by trim, the Catalina was a large full-sized car, embodying the era’s trend of spacious interiors and long, stylish hoods. Specific engine placement, axle types, and detailed horsepower ratings can be referenced from technical sheets available online.
Market and Value Today
Listings for the 1963 Pontiac Catalina indicate a wide price range depending on condition, originality, and specialty options:
- Project or running cars start as low as $9,999
- Fully restored and high-performance versions, including 421 Super Duty models, can exceed $40,000 to $50,000
Collectors value Catalinas for their historical significance, visual appeal, and engine options, making them a sought-after classic car in the market today.
Cultural Impact
The 1963 Catalina represents a snapshot of 1960s American automotive culture, blending comfort, styling, and performance. Its appearances in media, celebrity ownership, and significance in drag racing history make it a classic collector’s car that appeals to enthusiasts and historians alike.
1963 Pontiac Catalina Specs
| Body | |
|---|---|
| Body Maker | Fisher |
| No. Of Doors | 4 |
| Model Number | 2369 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 211.9 inches |
| Width | 78.7 inches |
| Height | 55.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 120 inches |
| Weight | 3,755 lbs |
| Engine | |
| Type | V8, Valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Synchronous meshing |
| Displacement | 388.86 cu. in. |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Bore and Stroke | 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches |
| Compression Ratio (Standard) | 8.6 to 1 |
| Compression Ratio (Optional) | 10.25 to 1 |
| Horsepower (Brake) | 215 @ 3600 |
| Horsepower (Rated) | 52.81 |
| Torque | 394 @ 2000 |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic |
| Block Material | Alloy cast iron |
| Engine Number Location | On pad at front of right side of block |
| Lubrication | Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin |
| Carburetor Make | Rochester |
| Transmission | |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive |
| Clutch Type | Single plate dry disc |
| Clutch Size | 10.4 inches |
| Gear Ratios (1st) | 2.47 |
| Gear Ratios (2nd) | 1.53 |
| Gear Ratios (3rd) | 1 : 1 |
| Gear Ratios (4th) | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios (5th) | Not applicable |
| Gear Ratios (Reverse) | 2.63 |
| Axle | |
| Type | Semifloating |
| Differential Type | Hypoid |
| Differential Ratio | 3.23 to 1 |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Independent ball joint with coil springs |
| Rear | Coil springs |
| Brakes | |
| Service Type | 4 wheel hydraulic drum |
| Service Front Size | 11 inches |
| Service Rear Size | 11 inches |
| Emergency Type | Rear service brakes |
| Emergency Size | 11 inches |
| Wheels & Tires | |
| Tire Size | 8 x 14 |
| Spare Location | Trunk |
| Capacities | |
| Fuel | 25 Gallons |
| Oil | 4 Quarts |
| Rear Differential | 5.75 Pints |
| Front Differential | Not applicable |
| Transfer Case | Not applicable |
| VIN / ID | |
| Serial Number | Starting 363-1001 |
| Total Digits | 9 |
| Digits 1 | Series |
| Digits 2–3 | Model year |
| Digits 4 | Assembly plant |
| Digits 5–9 | Production number |
| Exterior Colors | |
| Kimberly Blue, Yuma Beige, Starlight Black, Cameo Ivory, Silvermist Gray, Yorktown Blue, Silverleaf Green, Cordovan, Marimba Red, Aquamarine, Marlin Aqua, Saddle Bronze, Caravan Gold, Grenadier Red, Nocturne Blue | |
| Optional Equipment | |
| Sedan | Opt |
| Hydramatic Automatic Transmission | Opt |
| Power Brakes | Opt |
| Power Steering | Opt |
| Pushbutton Radio | Opt |