We love station wagons. They are roomy, useable, aren’t really much different than any modern SUV, and since they pretty much lost their “mom and dad” stigma about twenty years ago, are starting to find a new life as desirable cars. To some of you older folk that still think they are something to avoid, I wouldn’t laugh at that just yet. When everyone was jumping to SUVs in the early 1990s, wagons couldn’t be parked at the scrapyard fast enough. Finding a good one now? That’ll cost you, but which would you pick: A big-block powered Chevy Kingswood wagon with the hideaway headlights or a ten-year-old Suburban? Yeah, I thought so. The GM “clamshell” wagons, based off of the B-body lineup, are a particular favorite, because they are damn near as big as a Suburban (if not bigger), have a stout frame, can fit nine people when optioned right, and came with impressive features like electronically operated tailgates. Plus, even fully loaded you ended up with a great highway cruiser. What’s not to like?
This 1975 Pontiac Catalina Safari wagon has led a rather pampered life in New York. At only 35,000mi old, it’s barely broken in. While the owner only says “big V8 engine” in the ad, we’d be surprised to not see a 455ci V8 under the hood. Sure, it’s the weak-suck smog version, but there are plenty of parts out there to remedy that. The big beast is a nice shade of burgundy with the standard wood-graphic appliqué on the sides, and if the paint is not perfect, it’s very good for a car that’s forty years young.
Inside the interior is a scorching shade of red through and through. It’s not in perfect, restored condition but it’s still red enough that you will see that color in your sleep. At least there’s plenty of room in the car for a couple of big guys named Vinnie and Johnny. And it has air conditioning, so no worries about the guys roasting in the back during “road trips”. Unfortunately, this Pontiac’s third-row seat is facing forward, so the rear-window hijinks aren’t nearly as fun. In addition to the two rear seat sets folding down, this Safari has the under-the-floor storage well, which is great for filling up with ice and drinks for the long haul, or for hiding things you don’t want in plain sight.
Currently the big Pontiac is sitting just below $7,000 and for it’s condition and mileage, that’s starting to edge towards a bargain rate nowadays. Finding these big barges is only getting more and more difficult, so if it’s worth it to you, here’s your shot. Just remember, it’s kind of hard to hide a big red station wagon.
eBay Link: 1975 Pontiac Catalina Safari
That is awesome if it wasn’t so far away.
Family friends gave me an identical one in the early 90’s to get rid of it. Don’t kid yourself about the smog era 455, the one I got would boil the tires with authority. 🙂 Was a fun car to party in that’s for sure.
Perfect car for runs to Carlisle and to take full advantage of cheaper gas. You need this one Brian. You do!
These GM wagons,according to insurance ratings, were the safest vehicles built in North America in addition to all the other great things you can say and are feeling about these CRUISERS.
Need to get a one way ticket to New York.
No sale at a $6900 bid.
Jeez, it’s a cool car, but almost $7K isn’t enough to buy it? Everyone thinks they’re sitting on a retirement fund with an old car.
Let’s not forget that these Station Wagons (Of any model, but this Clamshell variety in particular) were very popular in demolition derbies. And the Clamshells are very big wagons; They’re about 19 feet long, give or take some inches depending on the particular model. Plus, they’re some of the heaviest cars G.M. built; Ranging from the upper 4,000 pound range to around 5,300 pounds.
The current owner bought this 1975 Pontiac in the last few months of 2014 from someone who had it in storage in Pennsylvania for a while.
I’m a 23-year old, and in the 1990s my Dad had a late 1980s Chevy Caprice Estate Wagon (Trailer hitch included) and I’m fond of the memories with that car (Riding in the rear-seat with Grandma) so I ended up buying a Mercury wagon. Ride quality-wise I don’t know how it compares to most cars made from 2005-2015, but I will say the first time I rode it I could scarcely tell I was driving a car because at 35 PSI it absorbed so many bumps. And that’s a 4,000 pound car, not like these Clamshells. I hope to get a Clamshell to work on.
Unfortunately these have become one of the favorites of the demo derby crowd and command a premium. A local demo derbier goes down South and brings them back by the semi load and auctions them off to fellow derbiers. In non-running condition a relatively rust free body can bring a couple thousand dollars.
I imagine that eventually these Clamshell wagons are going to be reproduced in kit form due to the vast popularity in derbies. To my knowledge at the moment it’s not happening, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it does happen.
Not that it makes it any more valuable, this is a very unusual car. Most Pontiac woody wagons of this vintage were Grand Safaris (Bonneville / Grand Ville trim level), Catalina wagons were rarely seen with wood sides.
Sweet longroof!