Summary
- Resurrecting the Pontiac Catalina as a render celebrates its iconic design from the late 1960s, including features like the split front grille and swooping coupe silhouette.
- The redesigned Catalina maintains its massive length and fastback style from the original, but with added modern touches like wide arches, rear vents, and LED lights.
- A new Pontiac Catalina would require a powerful engine, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Cadillac Blackwing CT5-V could provide all the necessary power, with its 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque.
It’s been over 40 years since Pontiac ceased production of the Catalina. Although this full-size model was often overshadowed by its smaller sibling, the iconic Pontiac GTO, it was a strong seller throughout the 1960s and 1970s and had the power to be a true muscle car.
Editions like the Pontiac Catalina 421 HO from 1965 fit the bill as a genuine pony. That car’s tri-power engine packed 376 hp, and externally, it was a more aggressively styled vehicle than its predecessor.
The full-size muscle cars are all but gone from our roads, but HotCars digital artist Rostislav Prokop clearly believes this one could compete in the modern automotive market if it got a redesign. Let’s find out more about his vision for a modern Pontiac Catalina.
UPDATED AUGUST 2023: We revisit the Pontiac Catalina restomod and also look at updated prices for the 1965 Catalina, as well as how values compare with the GTO and other Pontiacs from the same era.
Reinventing A Full-Size Muscle Car Like The Pontiac Catalina
This resurrected Pontiac draws inspiration from the late ‘60s model, but there are aspects that are similar to features that appeared in several generations of the Catalina. One of the most notable of these features is the split front grille.
Although a little reminiscent of modern BMWs and Ford Mustangs, this aspect serves as a connection to the original Catalina. Also visible at the front end are angular LED headlights, a front splitter, and a contoured hood that stretches seamlessly to the sloping windshield.
A New Profile For The Pontiac Catalina
The profile view displays the massive length that the Pontiac Catalina was famous for. Although the fastback style of the 1965 model is present, Prokop has given this Pontiac Catalina a major facelift. There are wide arches, rear vents, and paneling styled like more recent ponies.
The rear of the new Pontiac Catalina also has links to the 1960’s models, but features a more aggressive and aerodynamic style.
Under The Hood: Powering The New Pontiac Catalina
Although certain editions of the Catalina had impressive power, a new version of this full-size muscle car would require a serious powertrain due to its enormous size. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Cadillac Blackwing CT5-V could offer the appropriate power. With 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque, it would be no slouch.
There are undoubtedly many gearheads out there who have a soft spot for the Pontiac Catalina. The demand for the classic models is so high that a fully restored 1965 example sold recently for over $60,000.
Current values for the 1965 Pontiac Catalina are around $40,000 on average at auction according to Classic.com, which is only based on 17 examples sold since 2018. Hagerty suggests that a 'good' 290-hp, 389-ci coupe from the '65 model year is worth only $6,800. Stepping up to the 376-hp, 421-ci convertible would require $26,500.
Many consider the Pontiac GTO from 1964 as the forefather to later muscle cars - it is worth an impressive average of $60,000 at auction for models from the '65 model year. The 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix is worth around $32,000. As these iconic luxury cars from many decades ago become older and few and far between, they are likely to continue to increase steadily in value.