in 1988 my sister and I were riding in Dads Pontiac. Same Catalina, same engine. I will never forget the look on that kids face when his 88 Fox Body 302 got dusted by my lil sis in an OLD car. We didnt have much back then, but that damn Pony was no joke.
@Tomnotbo Жыл бұрын
When I was sixteen, daddy made a huge mistake and sent me to go order a Pontiac. I ordered a 65 2+2 421 3 2 bbl 4speed with no power steering, brakes, or windows, or even ac. It was this beautiful gold color with a much nicer interior than this, with buckets, a console, a big hurst black four speed knob on a huge chrome post. At 76 and after a couple hundred cars, that one is by far still my favorite. It would pull from 8 mph to bury the needle with ease in fourth gear. The new for 65 mechanical linkage made a huge increase in driveability over the previous vacuum setup. It ran well over a hundred with only the center carb about halfway open (the "notch", where the linkage began to open all three all the way). It was a true factory hotrod, swimming in aftermarket parts. It hit a particular sweet spot where beautiful meets fast. Forget about the thousand turns needed to bring it around, get past the tip-in point on the linkage and listen to the three small chrome breathers sing that song we all love. Failed out of two universities from living in the car. At 75,000 miles, my butt was hitting the floor from sagging seat springs, it was smoking like a pool hustler (valve guides I guess),, a rebuild didnt help, and a pg wife brought the no a.c. car to a VW dealer for a new tan beetle, which, believe it or not, was a pretty cool car in itself. I miss the pancho. We paid $4,000 for it new. I think I still have the window sticker somewhere. It is really hard to describe how special that car was.
@timferguson1593 Жыл бұрын
I love the stacked headlights on Pontiacs! Sharp!
@josieann5031 Жыл бұрын
1965 was the best year ever for cars and music.
@carlmelville Жыл бұрын
In 1977, in HS, I bought a 1966 Bonneville (bomb-a-ville) from a nun at my school. Sweet ride. Paid $200 for a car iwth 55,,000 miles. Needed premium but was worth every drop. 389 with weber downdrafts. Not a racer, but damn fast cruiser. Nice trip down memory lane. Thanks.
@michaela1655 Жыл бұрын
Best story I have heard in a long time.
@thyslop1737 Жыл бұрын
$200 from a NUN? She was styl'n. That was a major, major score. I bought in 76 a 1967 396 Chevy Impala Super Sport with 70k miles for $450.00. And the car was probably in half the condition of what you bought.
@KB-ke3fi Жыл бұрын
I could hit a cow at 90 mph in west Texas with my 65 Cat...and not even feel a thump.
@mckessa17 Жыл бұрын
You had a sweet car there. We could not buy the 66 Bonneville in Canada. Only the Pontiac Parisienne which looked similar but smaller.
@bobjohnson1587 Жыл бұрын
@@mckessa17 My dad had a '66 Grande Parisienne. Great car!
@christopherkraft1327 Жыл бұрын
I love the 65 Pontiacs!!! My aunt had a 65 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 8 lug wheels, the translucent steering wheel & three 2 bbl carburators!!! She drove with a lead foot too!!! 👍👍🙂
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
Yes the translucient oval shaped steering wheel is stunning! I have friend with a GP. But honestly I prefer the roofline of the Catalina 2d ht.
@garrettbenson7743 Жыл бұрын
I’ve got a 65 with 8 lugs and 37k original miles. I love this car!
@christopherkraft1327 Жыл бұрын
@@garrettbenson7743 Wow, you have a great Pontiac!!! 👍👍🙂
@garrettbenson7743 Жыл бұрын
@@christopherkraft1327 we had 6 Pontiacs 1965-66 and we sold our GTO convertible recently. I shouldn’t have. But I’ve got some cool videos of them here on KZbin.
@BuzzLOLOL Жыл бұрын
01:08 Guess that Star Chief name slipped by me unnoticed back in the day... but I was more into GTO size vehicles...
@robertheymann5906 Жыл бұрын
My Dad has a 65 Bonneville with 421 motor, that thing was a torque monster and rode like a caddie.
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
Those Pontiac engines were fabulous. I remember when I was a teen. We were driving on an highway in Northern Italy with our entire family in the 65 Bonenville convertible. In the rear view mirror we spotted a Ferrari and a Lancia racing at high speed. For once my Dad was mean and he told me: Son, I show you what torque is. He stayed on the left lane: In Europe you are not allowed to pass on the right. He even slowed donwn to about 70 miles per hour. The Italian sport cars were forced to slow down. Then my father made a kickdown. And the Pontiac shot forward at an amazing rate. I tell you: Within a minute the Ferrari and Lancia were hardly visible in ther rear mirror. They were probably half a mile behind us! I must ad: The older generation of my family owned a lot of high end Italian sports cars as well. Maseratis, Alfa Romeos and such. I have a friend who restores and deals with classic cars for Decades: He told me: I owned Ferraris, Maseratis and other Italian sports cars. But he said: My really "evil" engined US cars were faster accelerating.
@b58hustler71 Жыл бұрын
Any videos on Pontiacs are much appreciated by the Pontiac lovers. Thanks Adam!
@larryhojer469 Жыл бұрын
I was a Pontiac guy back in the '60s. My first Pontiac was a 58 starchief. The second was a 62 Grand Prix. It had the big 389 with three twos. 348 horsepower. 13 straight trophies at the drag strip. The next one was a 65 2 + 2 421 HO 4 speed 376hp. I could routinely blow the doors off of GTOs. Got in a race with a GTO down in New Orleans. Was kicking his butt. However, this time when I slam third gear, it blew the transmission all over the pavement. The good news was that Pontiac repaired the car on warranty for me. The Hurst shifter was a junk. I broke the rod off one night slamming third gear. That's when I changed over to a real Hurst shifter. I went crazy with the options list that year. Had almost every option they offered and there were a bunch. Things like a calibrated speedometer, extra frame member, the wheels that you see in this picture, and so forth. It was a great car. Next was a 67 Firebird 400 HO. Another great car. But in 1969 I switched to Corvettes. I still have my 70 Corvette. In fact I'm just painting it again now.
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
Well we are the lucky generation who could still experience those great cars. And you held on to the wonderful GM cars of the Golden Age. No car ever since was better than the good old things that were built til 72. Honestly my first cars in Europe were Italian cars and German GMs. But since I am 21 years old I always owned at least one fullsize GM. And I never sold or dumped even one.
@davidmckibbin4440 Жыл бұрын
i also had a 62 gp with the348 hp 389 with the wide ratio 4 speed and 323 rear gears, what a great car, and such a good looking car, i wish i had it today.
@cookc327 Жыл бұрын
Another great review. The ‘65s truly were Pontiacs moment - I think you’ve pointed this out before; the entire lineup won Motor Trends COY - back when that really meant something. One thing people don’t appreciate as much today was the lengths Pontiac went too in an effort to create a unique sound. They used resonators at the rear on full size bodies to help emphasize a low frequency rumble or burble. This was always noticeable at idle and one of my favorite memories of the era. They quit doing this by the mid 1970’s and frankly not an expense that most replacement systems included but it was a hidden component of the signature sound. What a time to be a kid in the back seat!
@BuzzLOLOL Жыл бұрын
Was waiting to hear the sound of the tripower kicking in out on the road... although that style air cleaner may be rather quiet...
@cookc327 Жыл бұрын
@@BuzzLOLOL - oh, I think that trio of two barrels could howl loud enough that even that large A/C couldn't contain it!
@boblozaintherealworld3577 Жыл бұрын
a beautiful big-ass automobile. it was among the ORIGINAL muscle cars.
@BuzzLOLOL Жыл бұрын
@@boblozaintherealworld3577 - "Muscle cars" are mid sized cars with the engines from a full size car... this is simply a kinda fast full size car... and a faster one was also an option...
@boblozaintherealworld3577 Жыл бұрын
@@BuzzLOLOL You are absolutely correct, sir. I was (mistakenly) referring to the American cars of the mid-1950's to the early 1960's. Earliest example, in my opinion, would be the 1956 Chrysler 300. You think?
@matrox Жыл бұрын
When I was in 3rd grade a friend of mines father bought a brand new 66' Bonneville. That car was beautiful.
@65SteveC8 ай бұрын
My Dad's Dad bought a new Catalina in June of 1965. After he died in 67 my grandmother kept it. My dad still has it. It has the 389 2 barrel and 84,000 original miles. It still runs like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I will keep the car until I die and then pass it on to my nephew.
@Pontiac65Cat24 күн бұрын
Never sell it. I’ve got a 65 Catalina convertable that my mom bought in 69
@wesalexander2693 Жыл бұрын
Mid 60's Pontiacs were at the pinnacle of their design and very influential across the board in my opinion. Other manufacturers tried to emulate them with stacked headlights and that coke bottle shape. I still remember my father having a '66 2+2 Catalina on order in the fall of 1965 at a local Pontiac dealer, when he happened to stop in to check on the status of his order. Sitting on the showroom floor was a gorgeous green '66 Bonneville convertible with black leather seats. He decided to drop his order and bought the Bonneville. That thing was like an aircraft carrier, a huge car, but really stunningly beautiful.
@bobjohnson1587 Жыл бұрын
At that time my dad had a '66 Grande Parisienne and I agree that the design of the '65 and '66 Pontiacs was simply stunning!
@chriscarbaugh3936 Жыл бұрын
I came home from the hospital when born in my Dad’s new ‘66 GTO ‘vert, which was this very same color! 👍😎
@williamstamper4423 ай бұрын
Great story...love it! My dad used to love telling a similar story about bringing me home in his 1968 Olds Ninety Eight convertible red on white, white top. Later I took the car to high school graduation then again to college graduation. Dad is gone but the car is still here not much different than new. It's in better shape than me!
@edwardrodgers9383 Жыл бұрын
How did we happen to lose that pool of talented-car-designers that existed in the fifties, sixties and the seventies?🧐🚗
@garycorbin2789 Жыл бұрын
Yes . Too much input from the beancounters .
@jamesrecknor6752 Жыл бұрын
Yes, but I enjoy driving a new angry faced pile of plastic. ... miss my 65 Bonneville.
@MasterMalrubius Жыл бұрын
The design talent is still there but the requirements from government regulation for safety and mileage has neutered them.
@sammolloy1 Жыл бұрын
Apparently the narcotics-fueled Chrysler designers survived and now work for Hyundai
@petestaint8312 Жыл бұрын
Agreed! Lack of creativity today. Dull and boring.
@HypocriticYT Жыл бұрын
Wonderful GM cars that you could identify at a distance 😊
@leskobrandon538 Жыл бұрын
This is the Car my Grandfather had, 421 and all.. bought it new in 1965, and had it until his death in 1970...
@stephenloy3535 Жыл бұрын
great video.When I was a kid,my dad had a 65 Bonneville sedan.Beautiful car,we drove it out to Los Angeles on a trip,and then also to Idaho (from Texas both times).On the first trip,my dad failed to have the carburators adjusted before we got into the higher elevations of the High Rockies,which caused my dad to curse the car,until we pulled into a lonely service station in a small town in Colorado.The mechanic kind of laughed,adjusted the carbs,and my dad was a little embarrassed
@explorinlearnindoing546211 ай бұрын
Great story. I whish I could make a trip in 65 Bonnie in the US. But I am from EU.
@kevinrussell5099 Жыл бұрын
Back in 1965 my dad had been driving Pontiacs for 6 years and was known by his salesman as a guy who loved the hotter versions, and so would get called whenever something that might interest dad's power love. One of those was a red version of this car with the 8 lug wheels and the 376 hp version of the 421. What a blast that was to ride in! Float down the road like a Cadillac but then by planting the gas pedal to the floor and it turned into a beast!
@phitchr Жыл бұрын
I have always been a fan of Pontiacs and was sad to see them go. They were my favorite car growing up. The 65 had such amazing lines and the tripower was quite the sleeper hot rod. Thanks for all your videos.
@MarinCipollina Жыл бұрын
From 1961 through 1969 Pontiac was firing on all cylinders.. Pontiacs just roared that era.
@KB-ke3fi Жыл бұрын
I own a 2009 Pontiac Soltice, black and chrome, 5 speed turbo convertible. The last year made for pontiac. I love it. 280 hp. Handles perfect. Bought it in 2012 with 15,000 miles for $12,000. I will keep this one forever.
@anthonyangeli256 Жыл бұрын
Totally agree, & the '66 model was a real beauty also!
@bobjohnson1587 Жыл бұрын
@@KB-ke3fi Solstice. 😊
@kastellolo5212 Жыл бұрын
Keep it!!! I bought my Grand Am in January 2012 for $950 and 177k miles. It now has 322k miles. Juts had the synchros replaced. Need to find some time to replace the clutch and other stuffs.
@peterhodges6684 Жыл бұрын
I have always loved the big body Pontiacs, great lines and strong engines !!
@robertdurkin3163 Жыл бұрын
My Dad’s first car a 65 Catalina w/ Ventura trim in Metalic slate mist. W/ vinyl top skirts curb springs on the passenger side. He picked up the car for my mom’s birthday in December of 64. Mom learned how to drive it that beautiful beast.
@budmatto9205 Жыл бұрын
Mid 60's Pontiacs are the best. Great review on a very rarecar.
@branabarum Жыл бұрын
I like big American cars since I was a kid, but only since I subscribed to this youtube channel have I been completely satisfied. Hello from Europe!
@tntanto Жыл бұрын
My dad’s first new car was a ‘67 Catalina. It holds a special place in my heart, but the styling of the ‘65 was vastly superior.
@peterf4552 Жыл бұрын
I had a '67 Ventura 4-Dr hardtop for a few years. I also preferred the styling of the earlier cars. '65 was the best, '66 was ok, but they were starting to lose it in '67. Mike had a 400 with a 2 barrel. It wasn't a hot rod, but a great freeway sled, and I would get 18 mpg driving from Albuquerque to Los Alamos, which is a drive that involves lots of grades and high elevations. I was making that commute periodically back in the late 90s when gas was cheap. It was down to $0.87 per gallon at one point (December of 1999, I believe). It was a 200 mile round-trip so I would just top off the (32 gallon) gas tank on my way home in the evening. It would cost about $10-15.
@MarinCipollina Жыл бұрын
We had a 1967 Grand Prix, the only full size Pontiac in 1967 with hidden headlights.. That looked much better to me than the other full sized Pontiacs that year with the stacked headlights.
@KB-ke3fi Жыл бұрын
I inherited a 65 Catalina from my gandmother in the 1980's...she never drove the thing. Sat in a garage for years. Only had 3,000 miles on it....tan. It blew everyone else off the road. It got stolen by some jackarse that moved here from out of state and sold it in Mexico.
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
@@MarinCipollina My friend owns a 67 Grand Prix: Yeah: The headlights on the 67 Pontiacs were hidious. At least the Grand Prix is hiding the ugliness.
@caveredecorator5310 Жыл бұрын
@@KB-ke3fi what happens when a stolen car gets sold in mexico? how did you find out that history?
@EdwardHerman-r3g Жыл бұрын
One of the neatest and best cars I ever seen. I remember when I was kid one of my neighbors had one. Thanks for the video Adam.
@rightlanehog3151 Жыл бұрын
👏👏👏👏
@EdwardHerman-r3g Жыл бұрын
@@rightlanehog3151 🍜
@JadXtreme Жыл бұрын
My granddad tells me over and over how he wishes he still had his Pontiac Catalina 2+2. I think 67 year model. He said it had 3” dual exhaust from the factory, 3 two barrel carbs, 4 speed manual with the 421 HO v8. Said that car was the fastest thing around. I love when he tells me the stories of him in that car. Hurtin feelings all around with it.
@MarinCipollina Жыл бұрын
1966 was the last year for tri-power.. Most you could get on a 1967 was a four barrel.
@m.pietro9087 Жыл бұрын
I love this boy. It’s elegant and kind of sporty.
@georgeharleydavidsonrider156 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful Car . The peak of the American automobile industry. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@steve20118 Жыл бұрын
Owned 7 Pontiacs. Loved them. 64 Bonneville Convertible was my favorite.
@scottsheehan1596 Жыл бұрын
i had a 66 bonneville with a 4 barrel v-8,fender skirts and a reverb.what a car!
@M21L35 Жыл бұрын
Out of 9,526 Catalina 2dr. sedans produced in '65 only 45 police "enforcers" were 421-equipped. My 1st speeding citation was "administered" by 1 of those 45!......."86 in a 55". Another EXEMPLARY video of my 2nd favorite year/model! MADE MY DAY!
@jeffsmith846 Жыл бұрын
This video was worth watching if nothing more than for the eight lug wheel information. I had no idea they were actually built in that manner. Now it makes sense why they went away once disc brakes were common.
@joequillun7790 Жыл бұрын
Reminds me of my 65 goat, (trips and a stick), that I painted the same color, (in the late 70s). These 65 full sizes were so nice this year, even the interiors. This car has it all. Stick shift, trips, and "no A/C"!. love it.
@jimato01 Жыл бұрын
A true classic. We had one but not in the 421 package or trim. But thr 389 2 bbl. auto couls still spin the tires when new & the engine & tranny were tight. A great car. It's a good thing we didn't have a 421, I'd be in real trouble constantly as an 18 yr. old.
@ronaldzent6321 Жыл бұрын
'65 was probably one of the best years for American cars during that decade. Ford Mustang, Chevy Impala Super Sport( w/duel antennas) Ford Galaxie. And the T-Bird with the nice full rear sequential turn signals, to name just a few.
@ronaldzent6321 Жыл бұрын
Heck, one of the best years ever in US Auto History
@HAL-dm1eh Жыл бұрын
You're right. It seems we peaked in 64-67.
@Primus54 Жыл бұрын
My first purchased car in 1970 at age 16 was a ‘65 burgundy Impala SS with white interior, bucket seats, and center console. The SS designation was more of a trim vs performance upgrade, as mine had the 283” 2-bbl engine and two-speed PowerGlide automatic. While I loved it, I always wanted a ‘65 Catalina.
@davidwatt7663 Жыл бұрын
Adam that’s a lovely car review. I’m in the Uk an I remember seeing a one of these in silver with lovely red Upholstery. Just beautiful and so rare in the Uk . Brings back sweet memories Thank you . 🇬🇧🇺🇸
@fob1xxl Жыл бұрын
PONTIACS WERE ALWAYS JUST BEAUTIFUL EVER SINCE 1959. THEY STILL HAVE IT !
@unclebob7937 Жыл бұрын
R I P Pontiac and Oldsmobile.
@lonwaslien104 Жыл бұрын
Pontiac was my fav GM
@stevendinapoli1239 Жыл бұрын
My father had Pontiacs throughout the 1960s. There will always be a special place in my heart for Pontiacs! Thanks for sharing 😎👍
@alanhumphrey4198 Жыл бұрын
John Z. Delorean had a lot to do with wide-track Pontiac designs..I so love those cars in the 60s.. 😊😊
@glennbillington4016 Жыл бұрын
Love the full size GM Pillar-less coupes. Also the 8 lug wheels. Grampy's hot rod. Thank you so much.
@geraldboykin6159 Жыл бұрын
The paint job on cars did not peel or fade with the laminated plastic!
@SpyderMan59 Жыл бұрын
When I was a kid, we had a 1965 Grand Prix. It was the first new car my father ever bought. All I remember is that it was very fast, the heating and cooling on it was fascinating and my father cussed it every time he had to change the mufflers on it. It also had dual resonators. When my father separated from my stepmother, he drove it from Houston to Northern Virginia and parked It on the mountainside. Now he has a pneumatic hose hooked up to one of the spark plug holes and uses it to fill tires up. When I saw this in action, I called my dad stupid and ask him where did he think that gasoline went for that cylinder. Oh well, old people... You just cannot tell them anyting. Thank you for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
@lukepokrajac1057 Жыл бұрын
My dad always said "dual exhaust - dual expense" he was referring to the 440 magnum exhaust on a 67 Dodge Monaco Wagon. He drove about 2 miles to work and could never get exhaust hot enough to get rid of condensation.
@johnz8210 Жыл бұрын
What an awesome car. Thanks for the video of it.
@kroge007 Жыл бұрын
I loved my grandfathers navy blue 65 Bonneville 4- door back in the day. Such a style back in the day.
@Pauley_in_GP Жыл бұрын
Good review! What a fantastic example of a gorgeous car. And a perfect color! Younger folks might not remember that before the intermediate muscle car craze (kicked off by the GTO in 1964), big performance cars ruled the road. And no one did it better than Pontiac.
@anthonyangeli256 Жыл бұрын
My dream car. One fabulous automobile. I love Pontiacs of the 60s. Had a '68 Catalina back in '76. How I miss that beautiful car! Nice job on this video. Reminds me of the good ole days!.
@Alan-lv9rw Жыл бұрын
My uncle had a 1967 Pontiac Tempest in blue. Smaller than the Catalina, but also beautiful. Preferable to the Camrys, Accords, and Altimas of today.
@gixxer750r3 Жыл бұрын
Totally one of my favorite Pontiacs. The styling was amazing. I personally liked the 2+2 more but this car is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
@michaellindquist31 Жыл бұрын
I love the full size Pontiacs, especially the 421 2+2 with buckets and console. I believe there was also the Executive, which was a lower cost Catalina style trim on the Bonneville platform.
@michaelmihalis9057 Жыл бұрын
Adam, I love your Marina Turquoise Catalina.Mike the Greek
@judgegixxer Жыл бұрын
Me too man, thats one of my top 3 Adamobiles.
@hillbillybeerdranker6678 Жыл бұрын
My brother had a 1965 Bonneville with that same motor and 3 two barrels. It was a beautiful car with a killer reverb stereo system.
@jasonblakeley3499 Жыл бұрын
My first car was a 65 Catalina I miss it to this day. Beautiful car thanks for the video
@jsslifelike Жыл бұрын
I have a 1963 Bonneville Sport Coupe 389 4bbl and you're right- the rear 3/4 and head-on views of these 60s Pontiacs, well... There's nothing like them!
@Henry_Jones Жыл бұрын
Growing up in the 80s it still blows my mind that there were so many engine choices back then.
@rogersmith7396 Жыл бұрын
A lot of times they were replacing old engines with new ones and maybe had to keep building old ones due to lack of manufacturing capacity. The Japanese seem to introduce a new engine like every two years. Americans, no. In the 1950s engines were rather small compared to the 60s. Let the good times rip. Thats what happens when you put the Shah in power in Iran.
@spaceflight1019 Жыл бұрын
Until the mid-Sixties the government wasn't involved with automotive design. Nowadays, engine designs have to receive EPA certification before they can be offered for sale. The effort necessary to meet ever-tightening environmental regulations has caused the manufacturers to severely reduce the engine options.
@spaceflight1019 Жыл бұрын
The Big Three offered various engines based on the car size, compact, mid-size, and full-sized. Let me use 1968 Plymouth for example. The A-body compact like the Valiant, came with a 225 cubic inch six. The other engine was a 318 cubic inch V8. Barracudas were special. They offered the previous two engines plus the new 340 V8 and the 383 V8. B-bodies offered the 225, 318, 383 2bbl, 383 4 bbl, 426 Hemi, and 440 (375 HP) V8s. The cars were the Belvedere, Satellite, Road Runner, and GTX. C-bodies, or Furies, offered the 225, 318, 383-2, 383-4 (a slightly different engine than the RR), and 440 (350 HP). You couldn't get the 340 in the A, B, or C bodies. You couldn't get the 426 in anything but the B-bodies. The oddball was the LO23 Hemi Darts, but they were special orders and your dealership wasn't likely to have one that wasn't already sold. GM and Ford had similar options for their cars. It was a great time...one hour of work at the minimum wage bought 10 gallons of gas, and cars went faster every year.
@garrettbenson7743 Жыл бұрын
I just pulled a 2+2 out of a barn this week. Checked the protecto plate and it’s a numbers matching engine. 1966 fact air, Fontaine blue with white buckets, no console and column shift auto.
@allanfranklin9615 Жыл бұрын
Good find. My Uncle owned a 65 Bonneville in the same color/interior combo, with 389 tri-power, 4 speed. Great looking and running car until he rammed a utility pole.
@garrettbenson7743 Жыл бұрын
@@allanfranklin9615 holy cow! I love these cars. I’ve got 6 Pontiacs
@arevee9429 Жыл бұрын
I didn't know the Starchief was still available in the US in 1965 and don't think I've ever seen one - and I've been around long enough to remember these from new. Adam's 1965 Catalina coupe is one of my favorites. The Turquoise is a popular and nice color.
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
I even learned some things: While I knew that there was a Starchief in 65 I did not know anything specific about it. Pontiac had two different Turquoise colors. Both were absolutely stunning: Teal Turqoise and the other one: Reef Turquoise.
@jimbo97 Жыл бұрын
My dad had a '59 Star Chief that he always complained was a gas-guzzler. He had another carburetor put on it that didn't help the gas consumption much but DID kill the power. It was a hot car originally. Fortunately(?) he traded it off before I started driving and bought me a '54 Chevy. 😄
@dansmusic5749 Жыл бұрын
“...it rides and handles like nothing else, before or since”. Truer words were never spoken. If you’ve never had the pleasure, you missed something special. I grew up riding around in a ’65. I knew it was a fine car then, but being just a kid, I didn’t realize how good I had it. Sound familiar? lol These cars look so good it is almost painful. I mean, how the precious moments and experiences of life are so fleeting, never to return. Make the most of what you have while you go for what you want. That’s one of the lessons I have learned. “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love... you make”.
@SSV-i-c-e Жыл бұрын
Awesome car one of my favourites
@UberLummox Жыл бұрын
You NEED this car!
@DSP1968 Жыл бұрын
What a wonderfully unique car -- glad you found it and were able to feature it, Adam.
@rwestvirginia5651 Жыл бұрын
I had a light green 1963 Pontiac Gran Prix automatic with a 421 and 3 two barrels. It was all power with A/C and a white interior. It was a monster and beautiful. It was brought to a bank by a banker that dealt in used cars. It may have been a COPO car since the info showed it was originally owned by a lawyer in Detroit. I looked for another for years when I had the resources to buy one. Never ran into another one. Catalinas but no GP's.
@williamweiss6128 Жыл бұрын
Loved my Dad's 63 Bonneville. So smooth, wish I had that car now.
@jeffs6819 Жыл бұрын
We had a 65 catalina with a 389, I was 9 yrs old. We had it until 1971, remember it well, was a very nice and fairly quick car. I saw one a few years ago and it looked huge. Most cars back then got about 10 or 12 mpg but I remember gas being 20 cents a gallon in 1970 when there was a price war among gas stations.
@Bitbucket_03 Жыл бұрын
My dad had a 1965 Catalina Ventura , White with aqua interior. Had the 421 4 BBL . with automatic transmission. I loved that car but he used it as a trade in on a 1969 Cadillac, I never did like that caddy! LOL!
@CrazyPetez Жыл бұрын
You did the beautiful 1965 Pontiac’s a great service with this video. As a Ford guy, those Pontiac’s eclipsed all the other brands 😊. I have one bone to pick though. I owned a 1965 Mustang 2+2, K-code (front disc brakes, and a 1969 Corvette 4 wheel disc brakes. None power assisted. They were just as easy to stop or slow as any drum brake vehicle I have ever driven. Thanks for the nice video.
@yamahaxs6501 Жыл бұрын
Of all the cars I've owned, my '65 Catalina will always be "the one that got away".
@lightning95sc Жыл бұрын
DAMN that is a gorgeous car.
@chuckselvage3157 Жыл бұрын
Great looking car with plenty of power.👍
@davidjones9518 Жыл бұрын
My dad drove these for years dag good ones real metal cars American 🇺🇸
@larryfromwisconsin9970 Жыл бұрын
My high school friend in 1972 drove an early 1960s Pontiac Bonneville with a four speed transmission and bench seat. He said his father special ordered it.
@damianbowyer2018 Жыл бұрын
A Very Stylishly Designed Pontiac, Adam😊👍
@sassed12many Жыл бұрын
My sister had a 65 Catalina. It was gold with black interior. Can't say which engine. Loved it
@wythetrumpet6419 Жыл бұрын
My gosh, this takes me back! My Dad bought one of these brand new in 1965. I was 11 years old. I will never forget the 421 cubic inch engine with those three two barrel carbs and that slick Hurst 4 speed! It was solid white and a beautiful machine. He traded the car in the early 70s for another Pontiac. Thank you for the great video!!!
@alanhumphrey4198 Жыл бұрын
This was one smokin' vehicle!!😊😊 When I see these I always think of John Z Delorean.
@rogersmith7396 Жыл бұрын
You mean ripped on coke.
@nunyabeeswax3936 Жыл бұрын
My 65 Catalina was the best vehicle i ever purchased and it was used! Beautiful spacious tough. Catalina Ventura Two
@nickbristol3457 Жыл бұрын
Love these old Pontiacs! My dad sold them up until 1947. My first new car at 21 years old was a 69 GTO. Great video!!
@nickbristol3457 Жыл бұрын
That should have said until 1974...sorry.
@busatim7737 Жыл бұрын
I had a 64 Grand Prix GTP. 421 3×2 4 speed manual with the 8 lug. I was 24 back then. Being young, you dont think about future value. Kicking my butt now! And i do miss that car. Had many of jaw droppers when the boat flew by! 👍✌️😊
@jerrystaley1563 Жыл бұрын
Adam, Always great to watch your videos. As to your video of the 1965 Catalina w/421, you went thru all the full-size Pontiac models yet seemed to overlook the 2+2 ("two plus two") that came standard with the 421. I used to walk by a white 2+2 back in 1965 when I was going to the Univ. of Texas. My 1963 Tempest coupe V-326 3-speed cowered in its shadow. Loved all your programs from your back porch talks on engines and transmissions to your fantastic interviews with Bob Lutz and all the other GM design gurus. Keep up your great work! Jerry Staley Dickinson,, TX
@kevinrice7635 Жыл бұрын
One of the best. My 65 Catalina had a 389 3 on the floor.....boss ride a real cruiser low rpm high mph... didn't know how good we had it Hombre.
@GTX1123 Жыл бұрын
In 1977 my sister's boyfriend had a 65 Grand Prix w a high compression 389. It was a rust bucket but the coolest car ever. The front welds on the passenger bucket were rusted out, so it was like a rocking chair. The second I shut the door, he would nail the accelerator and send me flying into the back seat LOL. Then it was 120+mph on I-395 in N Virginia. I LOVED that car. Those were the days
@ericheld4382 Жыл бұрын
I knew a guy that had a 65 Bonneville that his dad bought new it was ordered with almost every option available, there was maybe 3 options it didn't have become a option deleted a option it had a 3x2 421 with a TH 400, It had so many options it had two window sticker's and was pushing $6600 in 1965
@michaelreilly1310esq Жыл бұрын
Thank you for a factual tutorial for mg favorite generation of Pontiac performance
@Victor-Lag Жыл бұрын
Adam, excellent as always. How could any one imagine that Pontiac pre dated formula 1 and Indy racing car design with the coke bottle shape? Keep on the good work!
@kastellolo5212 Жыл бұрын
Really ahead of it's time.
@beatglauser9444 Жыл бұрын
I LOVE those 65 Pontiacs: I own two and a half of them: First a highly optionned 65 Bonneville convertible, with a set of eight lug wheels, all original and less than 90 000 miles on the odometer. It is family owned since 1975. A few years back I bought a 65 Catalina Ventura 2d ht with a four barrel 389 engine. I even bought a freshly restored white Bonnevillle convertible that was in very harsh accident: A brainless truck driver pulled out in front of the car. The driver wore no belts but miraculously survived with permanent injuries. I needed the brand new interior and many, many other parts of the car. The accident was so heavy that it was folded even behind the doors. I never owned a 421 car and they must be absolutely marvellous. A mechanic drove my Bonneville and he told me he had been driving a 65 Mustang the same morning. He told me that the Pontiac was comfortable and rode perfectly and my car seemed to be at least 30 years more modern than the Ford. Well I am a GM guy and I completely agree: In fact: I never drove a more comfortable car than my 65 Bonneville. And I drove masses of cars as I worked in a body shop: Twice I owned Mercedes classics including an S class. But compared to the Midsixties GM fullsize cars it was not a nice ride at all. I sold the Mercedes as I did hardly ever drive it. I think the Caddies, Buicks, Pontiacs and other Midsixties GM fullsize cars were the best vehicles ever built. I never understood the hype for the Midsixties GTOs. A Catalina is in no way inferior.
@joeyoungs84268 ай бұрын
I tend to agree on the GTO point. Though I had a ‘65 I always favored my GP’s and Catalinas. Though marginally less powerful, their rides were infinitely better. Although I did own a ‘70 GP with a 455 and the 202 valves that was a beast.
@kayeninetwo3585 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful cars! Thanks for the video.
@broiledhobbit5 ай бұрын
The Star Chief and Bonneville models are even more beautiful. Wow!
@nashvillecop1 Жыл бұрын
Had a blue 2 dr ‘72 Pontiac Catalina with the 455 c.i. single 4 bbl carburetor engine. Needed a posi-trac rear axle because the 455’s torque was too much and would almost set one rear tire ablaze! It was the best riding vehicle I ever owned!
@TheodorePlair Жыл бұрын
My first new car was a 65 Catalina 2 door hardtop. I think Pontiac peaked that year. The car fast and beautiful. Others also thought so. It was stolen 3 times. Still miss it.
@rja3226 Жыл бұрын
Oh yes, I agree, the 65 Pontiac was the best design. Those headlights!❤
@caveredecorator5310 Жыл бұрын
stolen 3 times, yikes. just joy riding it and found fast? my first car was 65 impala. no one stole that.
@MarinCipollina Жыл бұрын
Too bad the 1965 didn't have the 1966 rear and tail lights.. Those long Bonneville tail lights for 1966 were perfect.
@DWilliams-ce8nb Жыл бұрын
I had the 1963 Bonnie convertible with the 421. Great road trip car. Put a lot of miles on that car and never had even the slightest problem. More of a well-powered cruiser than a speedster. Great AC and heater. Was often in zero degree weather, and was always warm and comfy. And as cool as you'd like in the Summer. The cars of that era had HVAC systems significantly superior to the current ones. Particularly the higher priced GM cars.
@paulmanson253 Жыл бұрын
For what it's worth,the GM\Frigidare\Harrison A6 compressor was the heaviest duty unit in a car. Capable of a drawdown up to 12 HP at full honk.
@dave1956 Жыл бұрын
1965 & 1966 full sized Pontiac’s were my favorite. The transition was already underway to mid sized cars as the performance mule.
@larryfeeks6620 Жыл бұрын
Always enjoy your videos! Beautiful car!
@caribman10 Жыл бұрын
Just to note, due to a wonderful connection with George Hurst all 4-speed Pontiacs had Hurst shifters. My Dad's '63 Grand Prix and '64 Tri-Power/no console Bonneville convertible both had one. This was a wonderful time for full-size Pontiacs, The top-of-the-line though was the Catalina 2+2 which had a 376 hp 421 available. One thing not mentioned and seldom heard about is the transmission whine those 4-speeds had - it was almost hypnotic - and you could use it as a shift reminder as well.
@seanbatiz6620 Жыл бұрын
Damn… pausing frame @ 10:43, noticing two lines lower, just ONE SINGLE unit was Special Order for Police! Leaves me wondering how much that one’s worth? Nevertheless, this one you’re showcasing is still freakin’ sweet!
@ralphe5842 Жыл бұрын
My father had a 64 cat it was a beautiful car
@votingcitizen Жыл бұрын
Big Chief ruled the roost.
@danswartwood4580 Жыл бұрын
I remember back in 1965 my neighbor bought a new 65 Catalina 2+2 with a 421.
@NorlandBoxcar Жыл бұрын
My parent's 65 Laurentian but in a sports car version with stick and black interior and gold paint. Priceless! Thanks Adam..
@curlymyhero Жыл бұрын
Drove a brand nu 65 in Driver's Ed in HS. I was really impressed how solid and heavy it was. Still impressed to this day!!