1966 Pontiac Catalina 389-2bbl V8 Hardtop Coupe Extended Ride & Drive

Enjoy this ride and drive in my 1966 Pontiac Catalina with a 389-2bbl 290hp V8.

[@Kevin-Murphy-007]

Absolutely Gorgeous looking machine. Beautiful color. Back when Pontiac built something special.

[@tomrobards7753]

Those were the days weren't they , love Pontiac's

[@draftwood]

Back when you could order actual attractive colors not some shade of silver like todays cars.

[@indianasunsets5738]

The mid 60s were the peak of GM styling, engineering and quality.

[@WhittyPics]

totally agree

[@rong.7768]

I agree

[@70slandshark47]

One cool looking car,,

[@paulderyck2573]

Very true. The legacy of Bill Mitchell!

[@danielulz1640]

Beautiful car. That turquoise lucite wheel is down right glamorous.

[@levrone0075]

The best thing about your videos is that there is no need for you to favour one brand or make bias 'paid for' opinions this is just genuine honest impression of the old american classics, awesome detail in your reviews

[@DSP1968]

The paint on this Catalina is just beautiful in the sunlight! Thank you for taking us for a drive.

[@Henry_Jones]

I miss the days when cars had color choices....instead of black white gray silver,,,,,maybe blue or red depending on the trim...gray or black interior...Thanks Honda.

[@audieconrad8995]

Ya, especially the interior colors....

[@Henry_Jones]

@@audieconrad8995 its Hondas fault. Theyve always been stingy on color choices and other manufacturers looked at them and thought "wow their paint shop is saving tons of $$$$ by limiting color choices, lets be like them!" Interior colors by the 80s were more or less all tan, blue, black, gray. Some had red interiors but those were gone by 1990.

[@audieconrad8995]

@@Henry_Jones ohhhh man - red interiors... AMC made gr8 colors! Just sayin'...

[@67marlins]

Henry Jones - I agree 100%. Remember the vivid interior and exterior colors of the 70s? Besides the gorgeous ocean blue green of this Pontiac, remember some of the pastel greens, chartreuse, deep maroon, white and shades of red from GM?

[@Henry_Jones]

@@67marlins yep instead of offering all the colors people like we get a couple neutral colors that dont bother anyone. All i can say is dont get a black car though. Its impossible to keep it clean.

[@brianhdueck3372]

A wonderful time to be alive! I was a kid back then. Too young to drive a car but I remember these so well. And as a kid, way before I got my drivers in the early 70s, I always thought the 60s had the best styling ever

[@MNBluestater]

I think this is the most beautiful styling ever to come out of Detroit. Carrying the styling over to the GTO, including the concave rear window, made them timeless.

[@ronforeman2556]

In the Pontiac stable, it's the 1964 Grand Prix for me. Cadillac? 1965, for sure, perhaps because it picks up so many of the styling cues from the '64 Pontiacs. The former was our family car growing up. The latter was the car I owned and drove all through college and beyond.

[@dansmusic5749]

I'll watch every Catalina video you do. Any detail you wish to share will be welcome. Happy Memorial Day Weekend, Adam.

[@jazzvictrola7104]

More proof that the mid-60's was the height of both style and engineering, especially at GM and especially at Pontiac. I think their motto at the time was We build excitement and indeed thy did. From a wheezy old man's car through '54, Pontiac became probably the best highway cars of GM's lineup. They had a huge number of axle ratios in this era, some as low as 2.41, though this one has the still lazy 2.56. Those Pontiac motors were designed to give maximum torque at low RPM and they still have massive reserve at 75-80 with the big block engine just loafing along barely 2,000 RPM. From '59-'69, all Catalinas were standard equipped with the 389, 400 after '67. Then for some reason they started paring back in '70 with a standard 350 which meant the first default auto was a two-speed, which to me put a blemish on their brand that they never really overcame. Smog controls and CAFE requirements in the 70's limited the axle ratios to just one or two. I thought a good motto in the 60's would have been "Performance is not an option, it's standard equipment." Consumer Reports in '66 rated the Pontiac the best in performance and gas mileage, you had your cake and ate it too. They remarked how the Pontiac engine was turning slower at 60 MPH in second gear than the Chevy PowerGlide was turning in high gear with its 3.36 axle.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

It was before government started to meddle up until then they only meddled with headlights later on they unleashed the whole barrage of nonsense.

[@JeremyHL]

My grandparents in Chicago traded their 1966 Catalina ( I was in yet back seat) for a 1969 Catalina. In high school, they gave me the 1969 Catalina. I loved that car and drove it into my college years. It had a better ride than my first car - mom’s 1966 Cadillac convertible.

[@deltaman3921]

..........The Pontiac was a beautiful car and wonderfully appointed. My father was a dedicated Ford lover (affinity for his LTD's) and they're nice but nothing compares with the fit and finish of the Pontiacs. I loved the subtle blue interior of this car, the Lucite steering wheel was a nice touch and really complimented the accompanying interior. I agree with you in regards to the chrome steering wheel, gear shift, turn signal stems and overall handsome dash were clean and set off the whole interior (no offence but head and shoulders above your LTD from earlier review). :) My dad DID have his moments though as we DID purchase a '66 Pontiac Parisienne (gold with black vinyl top) and wheel skirts which I loved ...........holds a special place in my heart as it was the car I learned to drive on. Thanks. Steve

[@jonnyboy9899]

Adam I remember as a young kid my dad had a 1967 grand prix. What stands out in my mind was how smooth that car rode and the power that car had! I believe that car had the 400-4bb! Truly a wonderful car from a wonderful time!!

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

We had one, too! My whole family loved that car. It was everybody's favorite. The 400 4BBL was so fast -- effortless power. Miss it to this day.

[@jonnyboy9899]

Yes those years of pontiacs,to me, were the best cars of the gm divisions.

[@chuckymurlo5654]

My father was a Pontiac guy all the way back to 1955,the year I was born. He started the sixties with a midnight blue 63 Grand Prix, a 65,67and finally a 69SJ. He always wanted a car that could safely pass three cars at a time with the whole family.

[@67marlins]

Love this car......and I'll say it again, the '65 through '67 Pontiacs made a beautiful wagon......

[@DanEBoyd]

I remember a TV show called Hawk, which they re-aired in the mid '70s, (the show was actually from '66, and lasted one season) and it was a cop/detective show. I googled it, and the star was Burt Reynolds, of Trans Am fame... Hawk drove a '65-'66 Pontiac full size fastback as I remember. Your paint almost looks like modern clear coat!!!

[@jimato01]

My parents had a '59, 9 passenger Catalina wagon then a '65 Catalina 2 door both were great cars, loved them both. Thanks for the memories, we've had many great ones in those cars while we were growing up.

[@_PJW_]

Stunning car. Superb interior/exterior color combination. I think no luxury car on the market today can compete. [EDIT] previous clip is worthwhile too

[@HereForAStorm]

I think this might be my favorite of the cars you have shown on the channel. Just a beauty.

[@bradhoward9055]

Your videos are just great. No matter what car you review you know the actual facts. It is so very refreshing to hear someone who actually knows what he is talking about. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@arnepianocanada]

'65 & '66 plus '67 front end show unbeatable Pontiac styling, and I love your assessment of the build and driving qualities.

[@davidmccaffery7977]

My 71 Gp 455 was my all time favorite. What a ride..

[@seadog2396]

Nice vid. I know what you mean about this car - my dad had a '65 two-door Cat with the 389 two-barrel carb and a few accessories. Great car. Champaign gold was the color, with full fender skirts and matching interior. As you say, Great Ride. At 15, I rode in the back seat from New England to Michigan and was comfy the whole way.

[@seanm2511]

Saw one of these the other day. The shape is so very different to everything else on the road, and in this case, in a very good way.

[@jack3inflesh]

Drop dead gorgeous. Love the beautiful dash and double stack headlights. Great color combo too. Boy did you score on this one!

[@mfsb8473]

Back in 1980 all my friends were getting their drivers licenses. One kid in town scored a 1966 Catalina 2+2....jet black, 421 with trips, 4 speed , air shocks in back and Crager SS rims. That car sounded like it would tear someones head off! It made an impression on me needless to say. Ever since I saw (and heard) that car I was a Pontiac fan.

[@Springbok314]

A beautiful vehicle from the era of my very young childhood. An extra treat for me was when you took it for a drive; east bound from West Bloomfield across Maple Road (15 Mile) past Telegraph Road, Oakland Hills CC, Lasher, Cranbrook, then the street where I grew up before you drove into Birmingham. Thanks!

[@reese9276]

Body By Fisher.... Love it !!! My dad loved the Catalinas. He traded every 3 years. He bought a Chevrolet Impala in 1967. 396 Turbojet. Went back to Pontiac after that. Great ride out on the highway. Wish I could have one of these now. I guess I'm just feeling nostalgic these days. I took my driver's test in a 1972 Catalina. One day, GOD willing, I'll have one of my own from those days. I remember the undercoating they used to put on those cars. It would really dampen the outside road noise. I'm considering doing that to my new car. It's quite noisy in the back.

[@Vegaswill714]

I agree. In the mid 60's, I would have bought a Pontiac over the others. Another great trip down memory lane.

[@nk53nxg]

1966 was just an amazing design period for all GM product divisions. To me this 66 era was a golden period of appealing car design. This Pontiac looks gorgious to me, far too big and fuel hungry for the Country I live in though. Lovely classic.

[@308hit]

Beautiful car one of my favorite colors I love the steering wheels on them.

[@fenatic7484]

These are the the best cars ever made and I would love to see more stories from this era. The big Galaxie, Chevy, Oldsmobile. All of the mid 60s cars are so neat, even the mid sized cars. Great Stories. I had a Block 66 Catalina. A 66 Ford FE and a 66 Impala 327, all at the same time. Working on them was a pleasure and such a great experience!

[@tomrobards7753]

Most any of the middle 50s to early 70s were the best and beautiful cars especially general motors and a lot of Ford's

[@hangonsnoop]

What a beautiful spring day for a drive in a beautiful car.

[@markbehr88]

Beautiful car. I once had a 67 Cadillac convertible in a similar colour with matching interior.

[@markdc1145]

This was truly the golden age at GM. For the domestic market, Detroit had virtually no competition and the balance of power between the corporate departments must have been just right. The developers made the cars they wanted to make. Although this car is 56 years old, it is somehow still contemporary.

[@patrickhenninger7550]

I'm currently scrounging to get the last bit of funds to buy a 1965 Catalina Coupe with the 2bbl 389. My goal is to have it by the weekend!

[@jamesandrew5205]

Again, one of my favorites next to your 67 Oldsmobile. Such a beautiful car and color!

[@stangzone9630]

Gorgeous machine. Love that steering wheel!

[@loveisall5520]

My parents had a gold 4-door hardtop '66 Bonneville. All these decades later I still think this series is the best looking of the sixties Pontiacs with the '64 a close second. My best friend's parents had the '64 Bonneville 4-door hardtop in aqua. I also think that this dashboard, along with the '66 Cadillac, are the best of GM in the sixties. Of course, yours doesn't even have a/c, but if you did you'd sure love the 5 outlets in this car.

[@michaelboswell4318]

That is a great looking car. I was too young to enjoy this vehicle, but I did have the 80s Olds Cutlass and that was the cruiser of that era. Well-kept and excellent shape there.

[@tj81164]

Stunning Catalina! Thanks, Adam, for sharing this gorgeous Pontiac with us.

[@annoyedatthis1]

Smooth, flowing lines and rich color inside and out.

[@michellatour150]

My dad's first new car was a '64 Pontiac Acadian (Canadian market) with an inline-6, going by memory as I was about 6-7 years old at the time the colour was very similar to this turquoise. What a heartbreak when dad practically gave it away in 1975 after the transmission started to slip badly/needed a rebuild, it was otherwise spotless. Quickly forgotten though as it's replacement was a cool 1976 Ford Bronco.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Adam, this Pontiac Catalina is so nice!!! I agree with you about 65 & 66 Pontiacs, my aunt had a 65 Grand Prix with 8 lug wheels & the translucent steering wheel!!! Thanks for sharing the drive of this sweet car!!! 👍👍

[@brianhamel493]

love your enthusiasm for this vehicle. great addition to your very high level of knowledge

[@brettdallman]

We have a 66 Pontiac Catalina 2 door post! 389 2bbl with factory air. Absolutely love the way it rides and how well it goes down the road. Ours is white exterior with the same green interior as yours. Beautiful cars!

[@susanjspaulding]

*What a beautiful Catalina* !! *LOVE this FAB color Pontiac* !! #RareClassicCarsandAutomotiveHistory

[@canibusnj]

There's a clean 65 Catalina currently on the market with less than 25k original miles.... and it's in Teal Turquoise. The only thing missing on it is the fender skirts. Super clean and super original. I would add the skirts, 8 lugs with more modern radial whitewalls, a dual master cylinder and a front disc brake upgrade. As far as the engine, it's a 389 with what I believe is a two barrel. I would upgrade to a four, add a mild cam, true duals and drive off into the sunset.

[@felixyu3763]

The family car of my childhood was a maroon '67 Catalina 4dr sedan (non-hardtop) with the 400cid V8. My dad recounted many times how it was well worth the upgrade when replacing the '63 Bel Air since it was so much more car for the money versus the Chevy he'd have otherwise bought at the time. I also recall the "Energy Absorbing" label on the steering column hub, and that map light on the underside of the dash cowl. The base '77 Marquis which eventually replaced the Catalina missed this finer detail. Well done video capturing the essence of Pontiacs back then and thank you for the trip down memory lane.

[@jordanfehr7749]

That car is wicked! I'm pretty sure it was the Wide-Trak suspension that helped it drive so good. I honestly can't get over how cool the transparent steering wheel is

[@johanbrand8601]

Pure bliss! Excellence at its finest!

[@ds1868]

Stunning looking car. And such a lovely sunny day. Couldn't wish for anything more!

[@bigdogpete43]

Beautiful car. Some things are worth saving for a very long time.

[@greggc8088]

Yep, I've been saying it for years and now that I'm sitting here waiting on a broken left fibula to heal around the surgery installed metal plate I'm going to do it. I'm kind of sour on my KLR 650 for a minute anyway since ir fell on me in some gravel and messed me up. You have inspired me Adam. I'm going to buy an old classic. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertstout6980]

1966 is high water for Pontiac styling. Dad bought a '66 Lemans convertible. Really would have preferred the GTO or one of the senior cars, just gorgeous. 1967 was first year for collapsible steering columns, and dual master cylinders. Dad bought two 1970 Pontiacs, a Catalina convertible and a Bonneville station wagon. The convert has (yes, he still owns it 52 years later) drum brakes, just awful brake fade and pulling. When the wagon was totaled on Mother's day 1979, I was prohibited from taking the A/C and disk brakes from the wagon for the convertible. Dad lamented just last weekend about stopping me from doing that. I've no idea if the '66 brakes are the same as the 1970's, never looked it up. He's talking about removing the cheesy (no longer working) KMart KM400 A/C unit he installed in 1973, yay!

[@desertmodern7638]

Of the few KZbin channels that I'm really addicted to, this is the only one to which I've actually subscribed. It is the most consistently rewarding, in large part because I learn something nearly every time I click in. In this case I was unaware (or had forgotten) that not all pre-1968 THM 400 transmissions had variable stator torque converters. It was also fun to see a car interior in which you're not visually punished for not having ordered air conditioning. And to hear Pontiacs called the best-driving GM vehicles of the period, unsurprising but unfortunate for me, as it's the only GM division from that era that I've not owned.

[@RareClassicCars]

Get one!

[@rockinrobin1007]

My parents had this car in this color when I was a little kid into my high school years. It was a tank! Lol My mom drove it. At one time the gas pedal would stick and she would have to stomp on the brake while banging on the gas pedal to release it. It usually happened as she was turning the corner at the light after picking us up from grade school. That was SCARY!! lol I was in the front seat praying as she turned into the shopping center parking lot and unjammed the gas pedal lol That got fixed and it was good til about 81. When they took it to the junk yard the guy said the only thing holding the engine is was the wires. He said all the mounts were gone. 🤣 I never got to drive it. The AC died many years prior and so did the radio. It was too hot and boring so I don’t think I missed out lol

[@leftylou6070]

I had a 66 catalina with a 389, 6 pack, and dual exhaust with a black vinyl top and red as the color. But it didn't have fender skirts or all the gauges shown here and no AC. This one looks to be in real fine shape. Thanks for the Vid!

[@928gto]

Awesomeness. Pontiac honestly had thier shit together 64-71 even, powertrains

[@stevemcnally7655]

Absolutely beautiful car. Such presence. The attention to detail just staggers me! You could not achieve such coordination in design nowadays. Such capable cars too, they keep up with modern traffic with no problems.

[@votingcitizen]

Nice beauty shot open. Forward to marketing.

[@davidstranz438]

That’s a beautiful car!

[@erich6879]

Great looking car!

[@tedlym.3390]

Thank you for helping us remembering fabulous cars from the past. Thank you,

[@HarleyHawk1]

Beautiful car... I am all about the Pontiacs

[@P.Galore]

There is no doubt that 1961 to 1971 was the Zenith of American Car design.

[@randyscott2256]

Thanx as always Adam!! Love your vids,you a the real deal!! Always appreciate your amazing knowledge. I grew up in this era so the 60s & some of the early 70s Detroit autos are my favorites. When I was 14 or so my g/friend's mother had a 66 Bonneville convertible. What a wonderful time for automobiles!! Thanx for this one!!

[@frusso1938]

Adam, I've never owned one but I remember a cousin of mine had a 66 Bonneville Wagon. Not sure of the power train but boy was it beautiful on the inside. I couldn't help notice how quite your car is with all the windows down and driving at decent speeds. I know you commented on that too. Thanks for sharing another wonderful episode.

[@jontg429]

I think this is my favorite of all the cars you have shown so far, its is beautiful!

[@hawaiifiles]

Again, a lovely car. They don't make em like this anymore.

[@garyliali2548]

Enjoying your videos. I appreciate how you put Pontiac up there with best!. Makes me feel confident with my 66 Tempest coupe. Keep up the good work 👏

[@RareClassicCars]

The Tempest is a great car. Especially if you have a 326

[@garyliali2548]

@@RareClassicCars yes 326 2 barrel carburetor. Runs beautifully.

[@robmcgowan4034]

Incredible car all around, Adam. And to think this wasn't even a "to line" model, even though I view it that way, and probably a lot of other guys watching this. The car is also a good example of where the full-size cars were still king, before the focus became almost only on the mid-size models, in Pontiac's case the LeMans and GTO. In another 6 years even that would end. '66 was a peak year for Pontiac and GM, but it wouldn't last, of course. It's sad that even at all-GM car shows, it's predominantly the mid-size muscle cars.

[@tommcmillan3143]

Beautiful car!

[@jwrappuhn71]

I absolutely love the steering wheel.

[@stevebyrne4235]

Fabulous car; 65 to 68 for NA automobiles a zenith of design, execution, and dollar value; thanks for another entertaining and informative video. The 283 equipped equivalents here in Canada were as pleasing, if not as responsive, eh!

[@elizabethcherry920]

You must really love this car, you showed twice, unless I missed something. I personally love these Pontiacs myself, I am trying to remember the one my real father, I want to say that it a 65 ,I don't believe it was a Catalina, I think it was a Grand Prix. My father was not known to buy the base car. He had 2 68 Chrysler 300 convertibles, 2 Matador coupes (1 w/a 401), 67 Plymouth VIP (I think it was a 67), Renault 10, Fiat 500, Several Beatles/Karman Ghias/ Van's, Several corvairs including a pick-up and a monza spider. All I can say is that I wished that I could have them today ,especially the 2 300 convertibles love those cars.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Beautiful Catalina! 👍👍👍

[@nolarobert]

Dalton did a really good job of cleaning the windshield. Oh... wait... wrong channel.

[@stevegold2784]

That’s Bill from Florida 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@markaustin4370]

Love this car

[@markaustin4370]

My high school buddy's father had this car I remember being driven to Boy Scouts in this car

[@markaustin4370]

I was really sad when his family traded it in for a Pontiac Ventura

[@markaustin4370]

Horrible chevy nova clone

[@tahcogunworks]

Absolutely stunning.

[@fourdoorglory5945]

Your videos on these Pontiacs have me looking for one. Good stuff.

[@tomrobards7753]

Beautiful car ♥

[@SSV-i-c-e]

I'm in love with these pontiacs.i should have brought a rare 421 bonneville about three years ago was triple deuce as well for 30 k nz.you just can't find any pontiacs now and they are expensive 🇳🇿

[@jeffstonecipher1594]

A great review/drive comparison would be this Catalina and that 65'? emerald sedan you just got in over winter. Both are marvelous looking Pontiac's of this period -very impressive!!

[@louiskats5116]

Goodday Adam, So good you corrected yourself by calling the Catalina a hardtop after calling it a coupe. You nailed it for me if you had all the money in the world you would buy a Bonneville Hardtop with a 428 HO. Starting to negotiate with my friend to buy his 1968 Pontiac Bonneville 2 Door Hardtop with a 428 HO. I will kerp you posted definitely going to need your help. Great video & great scenery so green & beautiful. Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

[@RareClassicCars]

Good luck!

[@louiskats5116]

@@RareClassicCars Thanks Adam, He wants abit more than I thought, but I am going to neec a new fuel tank straight away. Cheers Louis 👍. Did you get the email I sent you?

[@Mike-108_v_]

My grandfather was a General Manager of a Pontiac dealership back in the day...by the mid 1960's he was an Insurance Co. District Manager, He probably could have afforded any cars to drive... yep...he always drove Pontiac's . In 1967 , I was 6 years old, in that new Bonneville ..... I was his first grandson, and born on his birthday. Today I have memorabilia of his Pontiac Sales days...lapel pins with the logo, a master salesman pin with Chief Pontiac on it (ebay shows $140.00 worth)... mid 1960's are the cream of crop.

[@rorybellamy2533]

a Time Machine ! very nice !

[@WydGlydJim]

It sure handled those bumps at the double yellow lights very nicely. 😍

[@tapper701]

Yesteryear once more - classic 1966 Pontiac Catalina ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@Richard4point6]

I enjoyed the ride!

[@ethanbowie3050]

CONGRATULATIONS FOR THIS GORGEOUS LOOKING CAR..........A TIMELESSE DESIGN LINES AND SHAPES ARE ALMOST /////PERFECT//////......AMERICAN DESIGNERS IN THE LATE 60 /// WAS GENIOUS . THERE IS NOT PENINFARINA OR ZAGATO IN THE WORLD OF ...CARS ELITES DESIGNERS.

[@dennislavoie5869]

Beautiful car

[@judgegixxer]

I'd be proud to have that car in my driveway no matter where I lived.

[@stevem.1853]

66 is one of my favorite years for Pontiac 👍👍👍

[@1966425]

One of my favorite GM years! I've mentioned my old '66 Riv on some of your other videos and how great that car was. I'm hoping you're able to give us your thoughts on the Buick nail-head engines some day. I've had the 401 and 425 and both were ridiculously reliable and had great low end torque.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😀

[@donk499]

Yeah buddy, a great car for sure. Uncle Fred had a 67 Delmont 88 coupe like this one with the 425, but I remember the steering was pretty slow on that car, but otherwise a great car...

[@RFKFANTS67]

Very sweet car Sir. Guy I know has the Canadian Parisienne identicle to this car, Only a Chevy 283. The powerglide two speed automatic were sweet.

[@hlk5887]

After Adam was done talking about this car I wanted to go get one! Only problem is it's 2022.