Real-Deal 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty Packs Original Solid-Lifter 421 V8

2 weeks, 4 days ago - 5 November 2024, autoevolution

When talking about muscle cars, we usually think about high-performance midsize vehicles produced during most of the 1960s and the early 1970s. And that's alright, but we also need to remember that the Big Three rolled out some impressive full-size machines in the early 1960s.

The muscle car craze may have started with the Pontiac GTO in 1963, but the horsepower wars were already in full swing in the early 1960s. Ford, GM, and Chrysler were fighting for supremacy on NASCAR tracks and at the drag strip with lightened versions of their full-size rigs.

The era spawned some of the fastest iterations of the Ford Galaxie, Chevrolet Impala, and Pontiac Catalina, just to name a few. The latter was a barely legal street car thanks to Pontiac's 421-cubi-cinch (6.9-liter) Super Duty engine.

While GM brands were banned from racing following the 1957 AMA gentleman's agreement, Pontiac dominated racing with a race-spec 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 offered as an over-the-counter upgrade. Introduced in 1960, this mill was replaced by the 421 Super Duty in 1962.

Pontiac wasn't planning on offering the unit in road-spec vehicles, but it had to due to the new NHRA stock class regulations introduced that year. With all components required to be factory-installed and have factory part numbers, Pontiac dropped the Super Duty in the regular-production Catalina.

Officially rated at 405 horsepower, the 421 V8 turned the Catalina into one of the most potent full-size cars available at the time. But the mill was also quite expensive, and Pontiac sold fewer than 200 units in 1962, plus a few even lighter "Swiss Cheese" examples in 1963.

The Super Duty is arguably the rarest and most desirable version of the Pontiac Catalina, and an outstanding example is about to hit the auction block.

One of only 179 Super Duty rigs produced in 1962, this Catalina is a collector's dream. Not only was it restored to Concours-ready condition, but it still packs the original solid lifter 421-cubic-inch V8, four-speed manual gearbox, and aluminum components. And while the black exterior may seem a bit dull, make sure you check out the Tri-Tone Teal Ventura interior. Isn't it gorgeous?

Part of the Cliff Ernst Collection for 35 years, the Poncho comes with the original dealer invoice, window sticker, and a collection of pre-restoration photos. Additionally, it's a very rare opportunity to own a Super Duty since these vehicles don't show up often on the auction block.

The most recent one (I know of) sold for a whopping $174,000 in November 2022. Given its high degree of original components and stunning condition, this black example should fetch more than that.

The ultra-rare two-door hardtop will go under the hammer at Mecum's Kissimmee 2025 auction. The gavel will fall on January 18, 2025, and I will be back to report about it. Do you think it will surpass the $200,000 mark?