1959–1960 Pontiac Catalina (Third Gen) — Specs, History

1959–1960 Pontiac Catalina (Third Gen): Wide-Track Foundations, Real Muscle Roots

Historical context and development background

For 1959, Pontiac elevated Catalina from a trim line to a full-fledged series, and in doing so set the tone for an entire brand reset. The talking point was “Wide-Track”—a materially broader front and rear track that visually planted the body and, more importantly, settled the chassis. It was more than advertising copy: the stance change improved stability and reduced roll, giving Pontiac’s full-size cars an unmistakably assured gait compared with their narrower contemporaries.

The Catalina rode on GM’s full-size B-body architecture and arrived amid a feverishly competitive field. Chevrolet’s Impala, Ford’s new Galaxie, Plymouth’s Fury, Buick’s LeSabre, and Oldsmobile’s Dynamic 88 were all hustling for American driveways. Pontiac’s answer paired clean Bill Mitchell–era surfacing with hardware that enthusiasts could get behind: the new 389 cubic-inch “Trophy” V8 and the robust Dual-Coupling Hydra-Matic. The ambition was evident on ovals and dragstrips alike; Pontiac’s growing presence in NASCAR Grand National and grassroots quarter-mile competition used the same core 389 architecture—with triple two-barrel “Tri-Power” carburation becoming a calling card—setting the stage for the brand’s performance ascendancy in the early ’60s.

Design-wise, the 1959 model’s long, low profile and horizontal themes gave way in 1960 to a crisper, slightly leaner look, but the fundamentals stayed intact: Wide-Track stance, a choice of sedans, hardtops, convertibles, and Safari wagons under the Catalina banner, and a 389 that could be as mild or as wild as the buyer and dealer desired. Notably, the later “2+2” performance package was not yet part of the catalog; the 1959–1960 cars are the groundwork rather than the finished thesis of Pontiac’s muscle persona.

Engine and technical specifications

Pontiac’s 389 V8 was a classic American OHV design with deep skirting, five main bearings, and a sensible bore/stroke that delivered torque with surprising willingness to rev. Buyers could select from economy two-barrel carburetion to the signature Tri-Power triple two-barrel setup, with camshaft and compression variations determining final output.

Driving experience and handling dynamics

Compared with its contemporaries, a Wide-Track Catalina simply feels more planted. The steering is recirculating-ball with the usual generous gearing of the era, but the car tracks cleanly and resists the wallow common to rival full-sizers. The wider stance, coil-spring suspension, and relatively firm Pontiac shock valving conspire to keep body motions in check without undo harshness. Drums at all four corners—power-assisted when specified—demand anticipatory driving on long descents or repeated stops, but pedal feel is predictable and modulation is easy once warmed.

Transmission choices were a column-shift 3-speed manual (with available overdrive) or the Dual-Coupling Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic Pontiac branded “Strato-Flight.” The latter is the correct period box for smooth, decisive upshifts with a crisp part-throttle kickdown when the throttle valve is set properly. Throttle response with a healthy 4-bbl is immediate enough; Tri-Power adds the familiar step-up drama when the outboard carbs open, rolling a broad torque wave that belies the Catalina’s size. The chassis rewards clean inputs: turn in, settle the car on its outside rear, and let the V8 work—a satisfying, surprisingly modern-feeling rhythm for a six-passenger car of this era.

Full performance specifications

Period testing varied with body style, axle ratio, carburetion, and transmission. The figures below capture representative results enthusiasts will recognize from factory data and contemporary road tests.

Variants and trims (1959–1960)

Within the Catalina series, Pontiac offered multiple body styles and a handful of dress and equipment paths. Note that the “2+2” nameplate, later associated with a high-performance Catalina, did not exist for 1959–1960.

Note: Pontiac did not publish authoritative body-style production splits for the Catalina series at this level of granularity; archival tallies vary by source. Catalina constituted the volume core of Pontiac’s full-size output in both years.

Ownership notes: maintenance and restoration

• Engine and fueling: The 389 is robust. Regular oil changes, proper cooling system upkeep, and attention to timing/points keep it happy. Tri-Power requires careful synchronization of the end carbs and intact vacuum linkage; once set, it’s reliable.
• Transmissions: The Dual-Coupling Hydra-Matic thrives on correct throttle-valve linkage geometry and fresh fluid. Bands and servos respond to periodic adjustment as outlined in the factory manual. Three-speed manuals are simple; overdrive units require correct relay and governor function.
• Brakes: Drums benefit from proper arc-matched shoes and quality linings. Power boosters are rebuildable and worth retaining. Consider finned service drums where available for heat management—still period-correct.
• Chassis and rust: Inspect floor pans, body mounts, trunk drop-offs, lower fenders, and the areas around the rear spring perches. Frame and crossmembers deserve close scrutiny on any full-size GM of the era.
• Parts availability: Mechanical components interchange broadly across Pontiac V8s of the period. Model-specific trim and 1959-only/1960-only sheetmetal are the challenge items; patience and specialist vendors help.
• Service intervals (period guidance): Engine oil ~3,000 miles, chassis lube at similar cadence, ignition tune (points/condensor/plugs) roughly every 12,000 miles. Hydraulic lifters mean no routine valve lash.
• Restoration difficulty: Drivetrain—straightforward. Electrical—simple, but aged harnesses merit replacement. Interior materials (especially Ventura patterns) require correct reproduction suppliers.

Cultural relevance and motorsport footprint

The 1959–1960 Catalina is the Wide-Track origin story. The campaign’s imagery is as indelible as the hardware: broader stance, cleaner lines, and a sporting attitude that telegraphed Pontiac’s turn toward enthusiasts. On track, Pontiacs using the 389 and multiple-carb setups took credible NASCAR Grand National wins and were effective in early NHRA stock classes, planting the seeds for the brand’s later Super Duty legend. In the collector sphere, Catalinas remain more attainable than Bonnevilles, but body style and specification drive a wide spread—convertibles, hardtops, and documented Tri-Power cars sit at the top, while post sedans and wagons appeal to purists and period street-machine builds.

Period advertising saturation and appearances in contemporary American film and television cemented the Catalina’s place in the cultural backdrop. Surviving cars with original colors, excellent brightwork, and correct interiors showcase why Pontiac surged in esteem at the dawn of the 1960s.

FAQs

Did Pontiac offer a 2+2 Catalina in 1959–1960?
The 2+2 package was not offered in these years. It arrived later as a performance-oriented Catalina variant; 1959–1960 cars predate the 2+2 nameplate.

What engines did the 1959–1960 Catalina use?
All mainstream Catalinas used Pontiac’s 389 cu in OHV V8 with 2-bbl, 4-bbl, or Tri-Power induction. Output ranged from roughly 215 hp to the mid-300s depending on year and specification.

How quick were Tri-Power cars?
Representative period tests put 0–60 mph in the high-8 to mid-9-second range with quarter-miles in the mid-16s to high-17s for typical street gearing. Actual results depend on body style, axle ratio, and transmission.

Known trouble spots?
Heat fade from drum brakes under repeated heavy stops, vacuum leaks or linkage misadjustment on Tri-Power setups, and the usual full-size GM rust points (floors, trunk, lower fenders, body mounts). Hydra-Matic performance is excellent when throttle-valve linkage and bands are correctly set.

Are parts difficult to source?
Engine, ignition, and brake parts are readily available. Unique 1959–1960 trim and body panels are the hardest items; interior soft trim (especially Ventura patterns for 1960) requires specialty suppliers.

What’s the ride and handling character?
Stable and confident for the era. The Wide-Track stance reduces roll and wander, giving the Catalina a planted feel absent in many peers. Steering is light and slow by modern standards but accurate.

Value drivers at auction?
Body style and specification lead: convertibles and pillarless hardtops command premiums, documented Tri-Power cars and tasteful period options elevate interest, and original colors/materials with strong provenance are consistently favored.