As has been well documented here on BangShift over the years, I have a soft spot as wide as the Grand Canyon for early 1960s Pontiacs. It was then that the brand was really at the pinnacle of its performance dominance in the American market and this 1962 Catalina is a really cool piece from that time and place. The car has a rebuilt 389, some paint retouched in places, and its factory radio delete interior. A factory automatic car, it now has a properly swapped Muncie M21 four speed. The 389 engine has been professionally rebuilt and tri-power has been added along with some factory chrome accents like valve covers, etc. The bones of the car are as they were delivered. There is not a spec of rust on the floors, the thing is show quality, and the owner is a true freak for making stuff right. This car does not have a hair out of place.
Now, here’s where the debate starts. Is the car a “survivor” after reading what you have read above? Again, I love the car so much I’d contemplate committing a crime to own it so I am not taking a shot at the thing. It is just an interesting debate, right?
How much stuff can be done before a car loses “survivor” status. I think this definition will aye wildly between people. The seller seems to be going by the fact that the chassis, floors, most of the lines in the thing and other elements like the interior are factory installed and the car has not been restored in a formal manner. Does that qualify for you? Want do you consider a survivor? Something that has not been touched since it left the factory or is this car in the survivor category?
If anyone here buys that sucker, I am flying to your house for a ride.
eBay link: This 1962 Catalina may not be your definition of a survivor but it rules
What a great car, survivor who cares.
Survivor and Barn Find are just used by owners to hype their cars for sale.
Barn find just means they are too lazy to wash off all the dirt and dust and survivor means an old car I’m trying to get rid of.
Neither adds anything of real value to the vehicle they are what they are calling them a “oh so special” name does nothing but jack up their price.
original survivor .. except the paint… interior…engine…paint…wheels…transmission…
Beautiful car but survivor? Not even close.
Great car no matter what label they are trying to put on it. Love the 62s no matter what!
Who cares? Its a truly great car that’s been very well treated.
Obviously the word survivor has different meanings for everyone. Who cares is right.
The sixty twos are one of my all time favourites. 1961-62 Pontiac and Chevy, I can’t get enough.
But man that’s a ton of money!
If this car had the 421 engine & 4 speed….. They were Super Super Stockers in 1962 & would really run for a big ol’ heavy car. Yes, the class was SS/S. I think they were capable of high 12’s in 1962 and that was on almost street tires.
There were some won ran A/FX with a ’62 Pontiac Tempest & the 421 engine. YES!
This I want