Big Black Cat – 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible

- in Cars

In 1959, the Pontiac Catalina was an “entry-level” full-size Pontiac. They had just enough luxury to compete with the bustling luxury market in America with a price tag that almost anyone could afford.

In 1964 Pontiac introduced a new series to complement the GTO. The 2+2 was created as an option on Pontiac’s full-size Catalina.
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Available on two-door hardtops or convertibles, the 2+2 had special door panels, buckets seats and a center console. These cars could be equipped as boulevard cruisers with the 389 cubic inch motor and an automatic transmission or as a full-sized street racer with the 421 cubic inch motor and a 4-speed transmission.
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1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 convertible front end

The Catalina 2+2 was a sporty car and marketed by Pontiac as the “GTO’s big brother”. A total of 7,998 Catalina 2+2s were produced in 1964.

Having owned a ‘65 GTO in High School, Jim Papesh was no stranger to Pontiacs. But to Jim, he had always remembered back in the sixties the day his friend’s Dad brought home a new Bonneville equipped with a 4-speed transmission. That was one of the coolest cars Jim had ever seen and made an everlasting impression on him.
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1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 convertible rear end

So, Jim started his search for a big sixties Pontiac. Three years later a good friend who knew that Jim had been looking for big Pontiac, came across a ‘64 Catalina 2+2 Convertible for sale at the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 2+2 convertible was equipped with a 421 V8, Tri-Power setup (from a ‘66 motor), 70 455 heads, 4-speed and a 3:42 Posi.
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421 V8 engine in 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2

Not only did the car have all of the fun goodies to make it a great performer, the car had been nicely restored using NOS parts and dressed in a beautiful black finish with a white top.

After Jim’s good friend told him about the car, Jim knew this car was the one he had to have. After a few telephone exchanges with the seller, Jim headed up to Youngstown, Ohio to pick up his 2+2.

Jim uses his ‘64 2+2 Convertible on cruise nights and enjoy’s displaying his 2+2 at various shows. He certainly has kept his car spotless. The 2+2 is definitely an eye-catcher and something unique to see at car shows.