Tree Hugger

Pontiac may have introduced sexy 4-on-the-floor manual transmissions in 1962 but nobody told the original buyer of this 3-speed Catalina. It’s shift lever hangs off the steering column like a bump on a log.

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

My Grandfather had a 1962 Grand Prix with the 389 4bbl, Dual exhaust, with chrome tips! it was, black ,with white interior, bucket seats, a center console complete with tachometer, oil pressure, engine temp, volt meter,and automatic shifter! It was also the first car I was ever in that was equipped with power windows,best of all , it had an armrest in the back seat, that I could sit on and see everything! Every time Grandpa would do a tuneup on the car, when I was there, He would say, we better test drive it! Then once we were away from Grandma he would say, we better test out that passing gear! He would tromp it, and that 389 would come to life! Man did it sound sweet!Memories! I miss Grandpa, and that Grand Prix !

[@Fore-Four-Dee-Too]

Get well soon Steve!

[@daynadiggle8169]

I remember when all these cars were brand new and still thought back then what works of art they were . There was a kid in my second grade class named Donald that drew the most futuristic looking cars and strangely enough resembled the cars of today . We all thought he was nuts . Sorry Donald !

[@googleusergp]

Maybe he should have become an automotive designer. LOL.

[@bobhill3941]

@@googleusergp Maybe he did:)

[@daynadiggle8169]

Hi , G P , yeah , maybe he did . He was a weird kid that reminds me of that Elon Musk guy . After second grade he was gone and I never saw him again . But man , that kid was an artist ! He could draw cars . And I do wish him well .

[@googleusergp]

@@daynadiggle8169 Maybe he designed something we use and enjoy. Never know.

[@samholdsworth420]

Damn I thought I was old at 42 lol

[@randythompson2681]

My uncle Jack had a Catalina, although it was labeled only as a 2+2. His was a 421 with , I believe, a Tripower and 4 speed. If I remember right it was a 1965. For years he told the story that almost everyone was scared to race him. It was his car of his lifetime. He died the summer of 22. RIP

[@scoobyroorogers]

RIP to your Uncle Jack. Wow, just trying to picture what that must have felt like to have this setup back then..... It must have been something. Thanks for your story.

[@burthenry7740]

I love this era of Pontiacs! Some of my favorite cars ever! That body was too nice to have been scrapped (at the time) so yeah, a drivetrain issue took it out and was somebodies failed project car, back in the day. The creases in the roof to simulate a convertible top was a slick GM styling trick at the time.

[@davidredfearn664]

I remember Pontiac advertising Wide Trac on their 1987 models.

[@unclebob7937]

Yes. This began on the '59s.

[@southerncross3638]

Sad to think those car's were someone's pride and joy.😢

[@frankjones4094]

Another A+ professor. I like the top of the line tri-color interiors in early 60's Pontiacs. They even had chrome fibers weaved thru the carpet. Beautiful!

[@unclebob7937]

They really poured style and beauty into these rolling works of art. Then came the 70s...

[@debbiebermudez5890]

@Uncle BOB Mr. B . Here ! I have little bit of the 50’s - 60’s & 70’s each one has little something, all are drivers that ‘s what makes them fun .

[@randyvance9048]

This car with the options mentioned is probably more rare then 90 percent of the survivors. Great Chanel. 👍

[@derrickodyes1934]

Love my Pontiacs ❤❤

[@robviousobviously5757]

I learned how to drive a manual transmission in a 1965 GMC pickup with a 3 on the tree.. straight 6, 1 barrel with manual choke and radio delete.. you couldn't get less truck... was sent out to the shelter belt on grandma's farm and was told to put it back in the corn crib when I figured it out... smelled like clutch, but I figured it out... if you can drive a 3 on the tree, you can drive anything.

[@jimc3688]

Similar store here but with a D100.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

First time ever to post a comment on this channel within 5 minutes of it appearing in my recommended videos!

[@radiodeletedude]

Unfinished Projects is usually first. ~🙂

[@mikeforney354]

What a well behaved dog

[@1340pwkg]

Steve I grew up in the 60’s in my fathers aircraft/auto salvage yard in millis mass and watching this video on the column shift Catalina brought back a memory of two cars that my father aquired for resale from his friend who owned Devitts garage in Sherbon mass that was also a GM dealership.Even at my very young age I found these cars unique because they were non marked police detective cars that both had column standard shift,and windshield post mounted spot light.One was a 1960 two door biscaine,small block,the other was either a 59 or 60 two door Century.I think back then the detectives were allowed to choose what they drove wanting stealth and balls. Was just thinking that maybe this Catalina started life that way being ordered like that

[@FRANKBURNSONE]

Hi, Steve. Love your channel and can't wait until you are well enough to host the show again. Get well soon.

[@jamespetersen3933]

I'm I'm still a 2-foot driver, from learning how to drive a three on the tree in 1975. Keep on crawling!

[@tompaciga7386]

Cool 😎 steering wheels in the Pontiacs

[@rightlanehog3151]

Steve, You could do a full video discussing the one page magazine ad 4:52 detailing the incredible variety of options the customer was given.

[@jerrywagner4690]

Beautiful...one of my first cars at 14.. 389 four barrel. Got away from me,hit the bank on a lonely gravel road. That car scared the hell out of me... wrangled the fender, drove away... wanting to do it again.

[@charlesdalton985]

In the 30s, the move from floor shift to column was seen as a big thing. It opened more room in the passenger compartment. As Mr Magnante so correctly stated - people of that generation preferred column shifts to floor. Thank you as always ~ Chuck

[@SteveMagnante]

Great point

[@sasquatch440]

My father always told me in his early 20s he had a 62 lightweight superduty catalina. Black with red interior, 421 dual quads and a 4 speed. It came from royal oak pontiac and had gold 8 lug wheels. He sold it and within a week the new owner wrapped it around a tree, so I doubt it exists today

[@1967davethewave]

I love Catalina's. When I was a little kid my grandma had a '68 model. Not real exciting but it always made me happy to see it pull into the driveway, it meant a visit from "Momma Dean"! As an adult I bought my first Catalina about 20 years ago, a '61 2 door hardtop, yes a bubble top. I also own a '61 Star Chief originally purchased as a car to rob for parts to fix the Catalina but 20 years later it's just too nice to cut up. And then I bought a '62 Grand Prix. It was my daily driver for a couple of years from about 2010 to 2012. I sold it to a German guy who took it overseas so it's tearing up the autobahn now! Great styling in those cars and the old 389's run like a top.

[@danielleclare2938]

Dog prop is a mystery to me. The rest is memory lane. Especially the rust. That always happens and on my Durango even to the plastic.

[@fuhrstpuhl3278]

Don't forget Fireball Roberts drove a 62 Catalina just like that one to victory in the 1962 Daytona 500 the car was built and tuned by the legendary innovator Smokey Yunick.

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

I rode in a 1960 Pontiac Starchief in the backseat down a country dirt road at 100 mph begging my 16 year old cousin to back it off. We went airborne at an Intersection in the middle of nowhere leaving a trail of Kansas dust a mile long and lived to tell the tale.

[@gillgetter3004]

Neighbor when growing up in Detroit in the sixties was a big shot at Pittsburg paint automotive division always had a Pontiac Catalina or bonniville convertible. Beautiful cars!👍

[@mikefed]

My dad had a ‘62 Catalina wagon that he used to pull an Airstream travel trailer all over the country…oh, the memories!

[@joshuamccuistion559]

1962 Daytona 500 won by Fireball Roberts in a 1962 Pontiac Catalina. I'd love to build a clone of that car.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

That yellowish late 70's Impala/Caprice in the background brings back memories. My first car was a 77 Impala. Worn out base model. But I miss it. Love that era GM B-Body cars.

[@eddean6663]

The wide track Pontiacs was more of a marketing gimmick I'd heard.

[@SteveMagnante]

If you measure the hub-to-hub distance on the Pontiac, you'll see its a few inches wider than a Chevy. That said, on some applications - like the '64 - up Lemans, Tempest, GTO, etc. (A body) the added width is not there and yes, the chassis bits were the same basic width as a Chevelle / Skylark / F85. Same for the Firebird, same track width as a Camaro. But the early FULL SIZE Pontiacs truly were "wide track". Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@terrencegiordan2775]

Love to have one of those with the 421 4 speed and 8 lug wheels.

[@ernestfinch1578]

Very Cool , but look what is right beside it. One of my Favorites, A 1961 4dr HARDTOP PLYMOUTH. AWESOME!

[@freedomfighter69]

My brother had a 1962 Pontiac Strato Chief, my father a 1974 Pontiac Grand Am, and in the 1990's I had a 1977 Trans Am SE. Nobody did it as well as Pontiac. Albeit the 68' Charger is another beauty...

[@chickencrapoperator]

I’ve got mine, (1962 Catalina 2 door hard top) my dad gave it to me. It’s in a heated and cooled garage. I’m scared to drive it now. It’s never been hit. Thanks Steve for giving Pontiac some time.

[@richdiscoveries]

I've always loved those old Pontiacs, such beautiful cars

[@robertclark9]

Those were the muscle when I was in grade school. The 421 tri power with those incredible aluminum exhaust manifolds. My neighbor bought a 64 GP brand new, then backed it into the garage and began tearing it down. A roller setup,timing chain and gears, high volume oil pump, ported the heads, dual point dist, and many other goodies with the manufacture sticker still on the window. Being 8yrs old I went over and asked him how he already broke it? 😂😂😂 That’s the day I started learning about cars.

[@SteveMagnante]

Right on

[@johnmurray9991]

Thanks Steve. I remember the early 60’s TV commercials touting the Pontiac Wide Track!!

[@vettekid3326]

I had an uncle that was tool designer in Detroit back then and he always bought a new Pontiac every two years. I remember when he got a new '62 Catalina and going to the gas station with him and my cousin and he told the guy to fill it up with premium only. That's when I learned it had the tri power engine with high compression of course the rumble from the dual exhaust was pretty cool also.

[@TrashcanGarage]

My 57 Catalina had the factory 2bbl motor swapped by the previous owner before they parked it with a fresh 347 former tri-power (the bolt on bits were still there to give it away) but now sporting a 4bbl Rochester. Even got the factory correct dual exhaust manifold setup.

[@ordrazz]

great video steve !! I had a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne 4 dr hardtop sports sedan, Pillarless.... Parisienne (along with the lower model, post-between the side windows, Laurentian) were Pontiac's export models, built in Canada & exported to Australia (where I am), they all used the 1961 Pontiac dash, as did the local Chevrolets for RHD, my Parisienne had the 2 barrel rodchester carb, 283 engine (with standard power pack heads with the little triangle), normal ram horn manifolds, & iron power-glide automatic transmission, with selector on the tree... Power brakes, normal drums (not the 8-lug) bench seats with the 1962 Pontiac stripe pattern, with white vinyl flashes on them that carried the Pontiac emblem. Wonderful car, wide stance, just floated along the road, & also great for towing...

[@waynemeredith4287]

Back in 1965 I bought a 62 Bonniville 2 door hard top with a four barrel 389. Owned it for several years.

[@stranger2222]

Had one similar to that one, I don't recall ever having a car with such a comfortable ride since, wish I had the money for one again.

[@mcqueenfanman]

I'm glad Steve brought up the wide track frames. I found out that the Canadian Pontiacs of this era used the narrower frames from the Chevy full size.

[@exlimey1417]

Shame to see all those cars rotting into the ground. This one is almost to the center hubs. Many, many moons ago, this car was someone's pride and joy, fresh off the lot.

[@GasserNorm]

I always loved the '62 catalina two door sedan. Such great lines.

[@M21L35]

Perhaps what I appreciate most here is the door-mounted side-view mirror!...........N O T out on the fender where it never belonged in the first place!

[@josephfine3394]

Steve, the Muncie 4 speed was not available until 1963. This '62 Catalina could be ordered with the iron-case Borg Warner 4-speed fully-synchronized T-10. However, a lot of racers used the heavy-duty mostly-synchronized 3 speed Muncie, as it had a very low first gear to get that big Catalina jumping off the line!

[@ROBIN_SAGE]

That AMT Catalina is an EXCELLENT kit! I especially loved the included fuel lines for the multiple carbs on the 421. I built mine and gave it a base coat of Testors gold then sprayed Model Master (RIP) "stop light red" over the top, and she came out great! Just a bit brighter than the pictures on the box. You have motivated me to crack open another kit tonight :) Love those wide track Pontiacs, I think their 62-72 styling was some of the best of the Muscle car Era.

[@cmscms123456]

I recently restored a 62 Pontiac Star Chief... 4 door hardtop... The windshields for the 62 Pontiac is the same as the 59-60 Chevy Impala. the side glass and all window mechanism is exactly the same as the 62 Impala, same glass shape, same regulators, So, if you're planning to restore one of these, look to the old Chevy parts suppliers for many parts. Rear glass too.

[@bevierevans]

Thanks Steve, Junk Yard Crawl is my new favorite show!

[@abeneufeld9690]

Steve thankyou for your teachings, Your a true American educating us about American history every day

[@RoofysGarage]

As an owner of a 1968 Catalina, I just gotta say, the full-sized 60's Pontiacs were the best GMs of the era!

[@sadie1095]

Crazy how manufacturers had block offs such in this video. I had a 1974 Cheyenne Super 10 with a three on the tree back in day. The block off was a wood grain sticker, to match the instrument cluster facing, over the automatic gear indicator, which peeled off. 🤣. I'd like to see that light yellowish Impala in the background. Also, you are so correct Steve. I was a model car builder when I was a kid. I learned so much from that. Show us your model collection 👍

[@philtipler9086]

Love re-watching the classics! Hope to see you again real soon, Steve! ❤

[@racer72]

My first car was a 62 Catalina convertible. Got it for my 16th birthday. It was the sport coupe with bucket seats and a floor shift automatic.

[@Matthew_Loutner]

What you are referring to as an aluminum exhaust manifold, we used to call "factory headers" and were usually cast iron.

[@Vet-7174]

Love the 3 on the tree !

[@AllenKranawettrr]

My way brother Larry had owned 1963 Pontiac Catalina I know he got to see if he bought it here in St Louis Missouri. . It was red with a red interior. The Asian had a lot of sludge in it. Which he removed with dry cleaning fluid. 10 years after he sold it I saw it again in Webster Groves Missouri. And in an ad in AutoTrader magazine

[@oldblueshhrchannel1847]

Loved these Ponchos! Thanks Steve! Keep getting stronger everyday!

[@hortenseplaceg9740]

You sir, is the REAL old cars wizard, you have 100% my respect.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Great video and history! The wide track Pontiac’s of the 60s. Beautiful car that was!

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jameswebster8105]

Big cool wide track Pontiacs Amt Catalina model kit added to the lesson. Nothing better on a semi cold day in Nebraska.

[@marccaruso9789]

'62 Catalina...one of my all favorites...thx again...

[@brianweber6358]

Get well steve

[@elfritts9895]

I usually watch Steve while I'm having my morning coffee but now I'm finished thanks Steve for messing up my day. I'm only kidding please keep up the great work ☺️

[@SteveMagnante]

Morning!

[@christopherprince3250]

Nothing like an Old school 3 on the tree.

[@davidp2888]

My grandparents had a ‘63 Catalina in aqua blue. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@z978ady]

The fully loaded Bonnevilles with road handling package, sport console, a/c, and power windows were made for driving the interstates from coast to coast in the early 60's.

[@solo2r]

I remember that in [I think]1980's Road and Track had listed all the cars they tested with brake tests, handling and 1/4 mile times. The Catalina was listed as 3.9 sec 0-60 which was one of the quickest cars tested by them all time!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Steve great Video as always no need to pop the hood when most of the engine is in the front seat. 🤷‍♂️👍😎🎥

[@tomkitchen9457]

Loving the '60 Rambler in the background.

[@americarsqueensland1667]

American car buyers really had a spectacular range of cars to choose from and a massive selection of equipment and options. That's all gone now, new cars are the same world wide with no opportunity for buyers to really individualize a new car. A great shame.

[@turtlekiller5915]

When I was growing up in the 60s my grandma Mildred had a 57 Chevy then a 64 Impala both 3 on the tree I don’t think she ever had an automatic she was short and was always trying to see over the steering wheel we were always going to the store

[@hughjass1044]

Interesting as always. My granddad had a '62 4 door. Seeing some really cool stuff in the background that I'm hoping Steve gets to sometime soon.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Digging that Maverick in front there, had a ‘72 with the 5 litre/302 ci, was a real sleeper with 4 drs. 👍🇨🇦

[@Matthew_Loutner]

I saw an old Maverick for sale on craigslist yesterday. If you are interested, I will try to find it.

[@zzzoo2]

Thanks Guys! I need to get that model kit... I wonder if maybe the person who bought that new loved the styling but wanted to save on the options. Those days when there were so many driveline choices were wonderful.

[@garymckee8857]

I wonder if it had manual steering also 🤔

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Those model kits are super kool. And he has the Boxes.👍Which I brought up are worth more then the model kit. Because kids would just throw those away. 🤷‍♂️

[@theadmiralburbon]

Hi Steve. I've learned so much from your videos. Whenever I am at a car show, I recognize so many details that you have reviled. I don't think you'll have a model to go with the video, when and if you do a video on the 64,65,66 Thunderbird. Much appreciated Steve.

[@gteefxr3094]

Do you "revile" the other series of Thunderbirds? 🙂👍

[@theadmiralburbon]

@@gteefxr3094 Hi there. The 64,65,66 are my favorite. I also love the 61,62,63 Thunderbird. The rest, no so much.👍

[@Matthew_Loutner]

On nice touch that you overlooked: Go back and look at the glove compartment door. It opens into a drink holder for use at a drive-in restaurant.

[@demetridar506]

That Pegeot 404 behind the Pontiac is super rare in the USA. It is probably the 68 hp 1.6 liter. But unlike the American engines, the 68 hp is probably real close to its real SAE gross rating.

[@rogergoodman8665]

I built that same 62 Catalina model around 20 years ago! It's one of the few models I've built where I actually took my time, it turned out very nice.

[@michaellinner7772]

This car and its era was viewed by me as the "streamlined" era especially for American cars. It was out with the fins and in with the repetitive horizontal lines, creases and moldings. They still had style though. Personally I prefer the styling from the end of the 60s over the beginning. All in all the whole decade was way better than the 70s and 80s however. Great video as usual Steve. I see you're saving a bundle in dog food still. 😉

[@pauledgewater8991]

Interesting observation about what a man in his 50s will buy in any era. I'm 57, and I WISH I could buy a stick shift car or truck with NO infotainment screens. I can relate to the guy in his 50s in 1962 who spec-ed out this Catalina.

[@iandominics8642]

Man that Peugeot is probably very rare too!

[@brianbloom1799]

Steve the 389 Was a Great Motor, My Brother Earl Owned a 64 GTO 389, 4 speed, Fast car, Shout have been Mine, But I was on the Road moving Furniture, at that time.Great Video

[@jimgarvey5452]

I like that Junk Yard Dog.

[@Duececoupe]

Dammit Steve, you need to start a modell building channel here on the Tube! 😎

[@throttlewatch4614]

I had a 1968 Catalina four door hard top loved that car 400 2bbl 25 mpg and floated like boat

[@bob5074]

62-63 GP is one of the most beautiful cars produced…

[@Stumpfollj]

Could easily tell when a Pontiac was in the rear view mirror. Unmistakable nose. Had the same nose on my 77 Pontiac firebird

[@christolbert4628]

Fireball Roberts won a bunch of races in one like that. 👍

[@plunkervillerr1529]

My favorite since a kid, has always been the 1961.

[@jean-pierreborsanyi1783]

Another great presentation and amazing camera work ! MT definitely made a mistake !! Thanks again

[@bozodog428]

It was blue skies for Pontiac dealers in the sixties.

[@ScottDLR]

Great stuff Steve. I remember these cars being dumped in the late 70's and 80's after their paint had failed and they were just worn out. So sad!

[@ilikequiet6474]

The 62 Pontiac 2dr hardtop was the best year style wise IMO. They sold so many of them but they are hard to find now compared to a 62 Chevrolet 2dr hardtop which I see for sale on a regular basis. On your previous video I saw this car in the background and said to myself I hope he profiles that car next.

[@WieDrDerJonge]

That Peugeot 404 is a rare one in the US!

[@TheHelado36]

I also built that AMT model and it was a blast ! Very detailed !

[@butcher390]

You're absolutely 💯 right Steve 3 speed manual transmissions were normal . Most were on the tree . Then were on the floor . Saw a 1980 Chevy Camaro , brand new , 3 speed manual , stock OEM. I owned a 78 Ford Granada , 3 on the floor ( with an overdrive )

[@googleusergp]

He featured a 1978 Monte Carlo with a 231 V6 and a manual transmission in the junkyard over the summer. The "cheapies" did exist. Those were often advertised in the papers and ads as, "New, 1978 Monte Carlo, get it now! $7700, all fees and taxes included." Then you read the fine print: No AC, three speed manual, six cylinder, AM radio (if anything), and only one in stock. LOL.

[@jaylestingi]

Steve always cracks me up: "GO HOME MARYLOU!!" 😂😅

[@bbo40]

I "officially" started driving in 1982 and have driven more than a few 3 on the trees in my time. Still even have an old 3-speed Borg Warner up in my shed from my 71" C10. But if you talk to a younger driver today ; even if they can operate a manual , almost none of them even know what a column 3 speed is ?

[@BDraggon]

I know what you mean. Now days I think you'd have a tough time to find someone ~35ish and younger that could drive a "regular" manual transmission and it would probably be almost impossible to find someone 45 and under that could operate a column shifter. When I was a teen (in the 80s)everybody had or wanted a manual in their cars and trucks. I even remember guys pulling the automatics outta their Mustangs or Cameros or pickups and putting in a 4or5 speed. I remember this one guy that had an old Cadillac that his grandfather gave him and he took a 5-speed from a Camero and put it in. That car was wild. It's hard to find a new or even newer car with a manual. And forget about finding a pickup truck with a manual. I think they stopped making them in the 90s. Great video, Steve. I love JunkyardCrawl

[@jamielacourse7578]

Now THAT is a shame. A beauty like that just melting into the ground.