In 1971, mid-level executive and Ventura trim option for the Catalina were both canceled and replaced with the Catalina Brougham, who proposed a luxurious interior than the standard Catalina. Brougham was dismissed in 1973 after back its sales below expectations. 1972 also marked the final appearance Catalina Convertible.

1971 Pontiac (available with rim) Catalina Convertible

For 1971, Catalina and made other full-size Pontiacs completely revised and new from the wheels with a long hood / deck short proportions of the body and style like the Chrysler Corporation in 1969 full-size cars, along with a double hull roof to to improve the introduction of the lightning protection and external pull-up door Pen - The last two functions first appeared in 1970 ½ Firebird. Catalina and Catalina Brougham sedans and coupes rode on the 123-inch (3100 mm) wheelbase, while Bonneville and Grandville uses more than 126 inches (3200 mm) wheelbase and Safari wagons were an inch longer at 127 cm. Coach station also got their multi-leaf spring rear suspension, while the sedan and coupe are still hung from the front and rear springs.

New Series for 1971 Catalina Brougham, the lush interior as normal Catalina proposed, available as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan and four-door sedan columns. "Coaches", while similar in concept to the Ventura custom finish options on most models of Catalina in 1962 and offered to replace the old series of the executive.

Catalina Safari Pontiac Safari wagon was only for 1971 (although the internal and external decoration with sedans and coupes Catalina continues to share) and were luxurious executive and Bonneville cars replaced with a new car Grand Safari. Although the Grand Safari its grille design announced a new series of Grandville, his salon was equal to an additional internal vinyl, proposed a series of Bonneville. Pontiac now its full size cars as a separate series of his colleagues as a sedan Chevrolet (Brookwood, city dwellers, in the credits, Kingswood, Kingswood Estate), Oldsmobile (Custom Cruiser) and Buick (Estate Wagon) activities.

Like all GM B-body cars, and Safari Grand Safari has a new clamshell tailgate GM. Controlled by switches on the dashboard or the switch on the rear quarter slipped back door in the recess under the cargo floor, while electric windows slid the back of the roof. Pontiac praised the new system is easier to load and unload the car in a confined space, but "glide-away" back door prone to electrical and mechanical problems, and problems of water and air leaks, and the cars in old age.

Another feature of Pontiacs prone to all GM B-and C-body cars for 1971 split, a new ventilation system of government. System and with the unfortunate Vega, a fan heater to make the air in the car from the hood intake, and make it through the holes in the trunk lid or tailgate. In theory, the passengers can enjoy the fresh air, even when the car moves slowly or standing, as in heavy traffic. However, in practice it does not work.

Within weeks after the debut of 1971 models, however, and all other Pontiac dealers, the GM has received several complaints from drivers who complained about the ventilation system pulled cold air in the car until the heater is warm and can not be disabled. The ventilation system was extensively revised for 1972.

All models featured new Grand Prix-style round cockpit instrument panels, the controls and instruments placed within reach of the driver along with two round pods for the speedometer and the other in order to prevent the lights, fuel gauge, or additional sensors and electric clock. The design of the interior is in cloth and vinyl or expand Morrokide Morrokide depending on model.

The standard engine in the sedan and coupe Catalina has 255 hp 350 V8 with two barrel carburetor. Catalina Brougham models and safari vehicles equipped with a 400 cubic inch V8 with two barrel carburetor capacity of 265 horsepower, that was a gross addition to other models Catalina. Other engines are 455 cubic inch V8 with two-or four-term gasification ratings and corresponding PS 285 and 325, respectively. All Pontiac engines were developed for 1971, leaded to a lower octane regular, low lead or unleaded gasoline by GM corporate edict that to reduce the amount of compression calls.

Power front disc brakes were made standard for the first time in 1971. As in previous years, the variable steering ratio and Turbo Hydramatic transmission of additional options, but has run the series midway through the 1971 model. Also available in spring 1971 Catalina 350 engine with two-speed automatic transmission in addition to the standard three-speed column shift manual.

For 1972 was Catalinas and other full-size Pontiacs new GP-Style "V" nose of the grid and strong front bumper, the crashes of up to 5 miles per hour (8.0 mph), a year before the election standard, the effect was to resist in 1973 along with revised taillight.

Two-barrel 400 cubic-inch V8 was compared to all Catalina / Brougham / Safari models with 175 net hp, with 265 gross horse in 1971 thanks to the power switch of the measurement of gross ratings were measured dynometer without accessories attached at the time measured by standard deviation as a "net" figures were "installed as" in the car connected with all accessories and gear emissions are. More engines, two barrel 455 producing 185 hp (138 kW) and four barrel 455 rated at 250 hp (190 kW). 1972 was the last for Convertible Catalina and Catalina Brougham series.

Catalina and the other in 1973 presented in full-size Pontiacs a full-width grille shed together with the federal government now mandated 5 mph (8.0 kph) front bumper and tail light redesigned. Consoles sequel to "Pie" theme, but the two sensors were placed around the square tubes. With the Catalina Brougham terminated only regular models and Catalina Safari wagon were offered this year. Catalinas and other full-size Pontiacs is including Bonneville and Grandville now riding for a total of 124 inches (3100 mm) wheelbaase for sedans and coupes, while Safari Grand Safari wagon and put his own 127-inch (3200 mm) wheelbase.

Catalina sedans and coupes are equipped with the optional 350 cubic-inch V8 engine with 150 hp (110 kW) with 170-horsepower 400-Two Smoking Barrels and standard on the car Safari. Optional engines included a 230-hp four race and 250-400-455-hp four barrel V8.

1973 Pontiac Catalina

The new Mercedes-center as a split grille and revised rear style with a new 5 mph (8.0 kph) bumper at the rear end and a license plate has moved above the bumper, said 1974 Pontiac Catalina, and large. Two-door coupe-sedan offers new fixed triangular side windows, but kept the column style with roll-back window, other than the Chevrolet, which eliminates the drop-down rear quarter in the Caprice and Impala Custom Coupe. Four-door sedan limousines and columns have not changed since 1973. The interior was also in 1973, with the exception of the revised standard steering wheel and a new carpet to reduce the pile.

For the first time on the list of options, the adjustable gas and brake pedals, Pontiac exclusive (and often order), and radial suspension, which the bus were updated along with other modes of suspension, such as front and rear boards of the power mentioned.

170-hp V8 with 400 two-cylinder engine carburetor now standard on all models with 225-hp four race and 250-400-455-hp four race V8 as an option. Also for 1974, Safari Catalina Safari wagon renamed and continued to share the inner and outer panels with sedans and coupes.

In 1975, a revised front-and back style Catalinas and other full-size Pontiacs, together with standard radial tires and electronic ignition. Same range of 400 and 455 engines on the 1974 carried out with limited benefits from 170 to 200, but tied now with catalytic converters, which provided better handling and fuel economy compared to the previous equipment to reduce emissions, but called for the use of unleaded gasoline. Four-door sedan limousines and columns featured six new-style window from the window of the sixth to the Saloon Links opera window. 1975 also marked the end of the Pontiac convertible production until 1982, Grandville Brougham was the last full-size Pontiac convertible.

For 1976, only minor changes in detail were of the Catalinas and other contain full-size Pontiacs, the revision of the grid made (with rectangular headlights now Catalina with the "Another version of the Trim-round lights went on model) and rear light. In This year was the last one 1971-vintage body, additional adjustable pedals, 455 V8 and a clamshell rear doors in the car Safari. 1976 also marked the return series Bonneville Brougham on the top of the line at full size, have refused as a marketer, Pontiac Grand Ville as a whole name.

For decades, affordable roadster segment consisted exclusively of vehicles from England or Japan. General Motors has changed that night with the Pontiac Solstice (and its twin Saturn Sky), which was built here in America. Solstice brought genuine excitement to Pontiac brand, with its great design and is available with turbo. He was briefly available as a Targa top coupe, too.


Pontiac Solstice began life as a concept car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Once received rave reviews and a lot of public interest, Pontiac has decided to accelerate a production model. When the Solstice debuted at the 2006 model year, the design concept was almost intact, with big alloy wheels, fluid lines and sleek, retro-style front end, which gave the car a very distinctive look.


But GM's financial problems in 2009, requires the elimination of Pontiac, and the fact that the solstice of the past. It's a shame, because with another generation of refinement, Solstice can really be something. Use a mixed picture of the solstice, in equal parts seductive sheet metal, hit-or-miss dynamics and disappointing reliability and quality.


Recent Pontiac Solstice

Produced from 2006-'09, the Pontiac Solstice convertible is stuck with the classic roadster formula, showing the front of the four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, near 50/50 front / rear weight balance and manually operated convertible soft top. Coupe, which was prepared in 2009 only, was identical except for its Targa roof - I think, T-tops with no bar in the middle.


Under the hood of the base model was a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Although the engine featured aluminum block, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, he did not feel the same way as an engine sports car. Tall transmission gears and the lack of response due to the slow nature of the Rev, and the soundtrack near the red was far from glorious wail roadster fans expect.


The best choice, if resources permit, a Pontiac Solstice GXP (sold from 2007-'09). This version is much improved, provided the acceleration due to the powerful turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. GXP also sports suspension, stronger brakes and a high-performance tires.


In this review, we found that while both versions have been entertaining in terms of handling, they can not match up to the test Mazda Miata (or, for the GXP, Honda S2000). Inside, Pontiac has decided to go with a much cheaper materials, and ownership experience even more saddened by the three other unfortunate qualities: a bustling multi-step process for top convertibles (completed terrible rearward visibility for the coupe), the lack of internal space for storing things like cell phones and wallets, and small trunk, which was unusable in any of these models.


Pontiac Solstice has received several notable options during its run. In 2008, OnStar, acoustic headliner for the soft top and a trip computer became standard equipment for the base and GXP versions. In addition, for '08, Club Sport Package with firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheels became available. In addition, the arrival of the coupe in 2009 marked the advent of soft-top Solstice Street Edition, which includes updating of standard features and sports suspension. In addition, in '09, ABS, stability control and rear limited-slip differential were standard across the board, and the Bluetooth connection is available again.

1969 Pontiacs received a major restyling with a few extra square of sheet metal (though not as much as similar cars from other parts of GM) and finish. However, the basic 1965 chassis, the internal structure of the body and four-door sedan roof pillars have been retained, although vent windows were dropped on all models and Safari wagons got a new rear door are two ways that can be opened in the direction of the door or down the back door - similar in design, which was presented to Ford Motor Company to Ford / Mercury cars in 1966. Catalina also received a one-inch wheelbase increase to 122.

The variable steering ratio was a new option this year, and front disc brakes will be automatically enabled when the power brake option was ordered.

Engine power consists of a standard 290-horsepower 400-Two Smoking Barrels (with or without additional fuel cost of regular 265-horsepower 400 Turbo Hydramatic transmission), 330-horsepower 400 four barrel, 370-horsepower 428 four barrel, 428 HO Power 390 horses. Standard three-speed manual gearbox and optional three-speed Turbo Hydramatic was continued as before, but a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst was excluded from the list of options.

All full-size Pontiacs, including Pontiac Catalina, got a new Grand Prix, as the V-nose grille for 1970, along with the "horns of the ports on the updated interface and new tail lamps are installed in the rear bumper. Catalina sedans and coupes come standard now less 255 - 350-horsepower-cubic-inch Pontiac V8 as standard equipment with optional engines, including the previously standard 400 Two Smoking Barrels capacity of 265 and 290 horsepower (still on standard convertibles and Safari wagons), 330 - 400 horsepower four trunk, and two versions of the new 455-cubic-inch V8 with 360 hp (270 kW) or 370 horses with "no." As in past years, three-speed manual transmission with column shift standard equipment, but most cars were equipped with optional three-speed Turbo Hydramatic. It is also proposed for 1970, but rarely order was two-speed automatic transmission, Turbo Hydramatic 300, which was available with the 350 V8.

pontiac solstice mallet

On the American tuning show SEMA, Tuner Mallett is going to present something special, which has 560 horses under the hood and "faced with" a specific body-kit. This Pontiac Solstice, which tuner Mallett chose to fly their ideas, the result of which is obvious and striking. Immediately it is worth noting the serial chetyrehtselindrovuyu diesel filling models, which fell tuner is simply not to your taste and compare the market competitors, and of course from a special respect for a "favorite", tuner integrated so "free" place a powerful 560-horsepower V8-silovik used in models of Corvette. The result on the face! "Weaving" at such modest mass is less than four seconds and a top speed of more than 300 km / h. The latter should be added that such high-speed performance, the tuner has been achieved and due to specific body kit, elements of which were manufactured in fiberglass (as an alternative, provided the elements and carbon). Shestichastichny "designer", which includes four extensions to the wheel arches, front and rear spoiler is offered at a price of 18,000 dollars. Officially, Mallett Pontiac Solstice will be presented at SEMA tuning show, and only then will go on sale in a small limited edition

1965 full-sized Pontiacs were completely restyled with more threads in sheet metal with a "Coke-bottle" profile and finishing fastback two-door hardtops. The wheelbase grew to 121 inches (3100 mm) on all models.

The new three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission replaced the previous Roto Hydramatic unit on full-sized Pontiacs for 1965. "Turbo" There were three units of the speed torque converter similar in basic design to Torqueflite Chrysler and Ford Cruise-O-Matic transmission - a move that made the automatic torque converter transmission of universal design for helpless, and deliver the original Hydramatic fluid connection to history. While the "Turbo" channel continues to use the name Hydramatic, he shares none of his design with older programs. Turbo Hydramatic also adopted standardized "PRNDSL" shift pattern, which replaced the "PNDSLR" pattern long familiar to owners Hydramatic equipped Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs.

389 and 421 cubic-inch V8s received a number of changes, including thinner block castings. The standard engine for model Catalina 389 two barrels capacity 256 hp (191 kW) with a base three-speed manual gearbox and 8.6 to 1 compression ratio or 290 horses with a Turbo Hydramatic transmission and above 10.5 to 1 compression. Fuel economy is regular 265 horsepower (198 kW) version of the 389 two barrels from 8.6 to 1 compression, which was burning regular gas was available for free version of turbo Hydramatic. Additional engines include four 389 barrel capacity of 325 horsepower (242 kW) turbocharged Hydramatic or 333 with a stick shift, Tri-Power 389 with capacity of 338 horses, four barrel capacity of 421 338 hp same (252 kW), 353 horses with Tri-Power or 421 HO with Tri-Power and 376 horsepower (280 kW).

2 +2 version changed from trim package all package for 1965 is similar to the average Pontiac GTO. The base engine with a 2 +2 is now 338-horsepower 421 four barrels from 353 hp (263 kW) Tri-Power or a 376-horsepower 421 HO with Tri-Power is available as an option.

In 1966, the full-sized Pontiacs received minor facelifting of the '65 body with a new lattice and rear treatment. Inside, the dashboard was revised with the salon. 2 +2 has been upgraded with the possibility of a complete model of the status and engine / transmission prices on all models Catalina remained the same in 1965, except for the elimination of 338-horsepower 389 Tri-Power option.

For 1967, Catalinas and other full-sized Pontiacs received heavy facelifting of the '65 body with a more rounded wasp-waisted body contours and finishing better fastback and concealed windshield wipers - the first in the industry. Replacing the 389 and 421 V8, in previous years were new 400 and 428 cubic-inch V8s built from the same V8 Pontiac design used since 1955. Standard engine Catalina had two barrel unit capacity of 265 horsepower (198 kW) with three-speed manual transmission or 290 horsepower (220 kW) Turbo-Hydramatic. 265 horsepower (198 kW) engine was available for free version with Turbo Hydramatic and differed from the standard 290 horsepower (220 kW) unit with regular gas as opposed to premium fuel. Additional engines include four 400 barrel capacity of 325 horsepower (242 kW), four barrel 428 with 360 hp (270 kW) or four barrel 428 HO power of 376 horsepower (280 kW). Options for Tri-Power engine was removed in 1967 in connection with the new GM corporate policy, which prohibits the use of several carbohydrates on all vehicles, except for Chevrolet Corvette. Front disc brakes and a stereo 8-track tape players were new additions to the list of options.

2 +2 has been proposed for the last time in 1967 as a hatchback coupe and convertible. 360-HP 428 is a standard and 428 HO is not mandatory. This model was rejected because of low sales since its introduction in 1964, performance car buyers overwhelmingly preferred smaller and lighter, intermediate, such as your own GTO Pontiac and new ponycar Firebird, which was introduced in 1967. 1967 Pontiac Catalina convertible was introduced in the Red Hot Chili Peppers video "Scar Tissue".

For 1968, Catalinas and other full-sized Pontiacs received minor facelifting of the '67 body with a new grille split beak nose and going back to the horizontal headlights, taillights and revised. Engine proposals were similar to 1967 with the revised horsepower ratings including 340, four barrel 400, 375, 428 and 390 four barrel, 428 HO.

1963-1964

For 1963, Catalinas and other full-size Pontiacs featured net square bodylines and vertical headlamps flanking the split grille, but retained the same dimensions and the main body of 1961-62. Engine proposals were revised as 333 hp (248 kW) and 348 hp (260 kW) version of the 389 V8 were dropped in favor of "production" versions of larger 421 cu In (6.9 liter) capacity of 338 horsepower (252 kW) four-barrel carburetor, 353 hp (263 kW) with Tri-Power, or 370 hp (280 kW) "NO" Tri-Power. 405 hp (302 kW) 421 Super Duty continues to offer cross-country team during the first half of the model year, but fell after General Motors ordered Pontiac (and Chevrolet), to "cease and desist" from the factory supported racing efforts in February 1963. New options for 1963 include a tilt steering wheel, which can be adjusted to six different positions, AM / FM radio and cruise control.

1963 Catalina convertible changes in the California Hot Rodder, Bill Straub was used as a prime mover in the M2-F1 program at NASA.

M2-F1 and 1963 Catalina convertible tow vehicle

Soft facelifting including a new grille and taillights said 1964 full-size Pontiacs. Engine / transmission proposals have been unchanged since 1963, except for the new GM-built Muncie four-speed manual replacement of Borg-Warner T-10 units. In addition, new for 1964, 2 +2 option package available on the Catalina two-door hardtops and convertibles, which included bucket seats, heavy suspension and other equipment operation, along with the same choice of 389 cu in (6.4 liter) and 421 cu in (6.9 liter) V8, in other Catalina.

Throughout most of 1960, when Pontiac annually captured third place in industry sales, Chevrolet and Ford, Catalina and the third part of industry sales of full-size cars in the first Chevrolet Impala and the second place Ford Galaxie 500. Success in Catalina prices environment field caused many competitors to respond with similar products, such as the 1961 Chrysler Newport, a less expensive Chrysler, which was cheaper than the base models of the bearing plate Chrysler in recent previous years, and in 1962 Dodge Custom 880 and 1963 Mercury Monterey , both of which were introduced as full of cheap car environment full size in the size and power, which followed unsuccessful attempts to Mercury and Dodge full-size cars to detect contractions.

In 1964, even Pontiac's mid-priced competitors in General Motors responded to the success of the Catalina in the market, as well as to capture the Chevy Impala owners to trade with high quality vehicles from units GM. Buick took it at the lowest price of a big machine, LeSabre, and reduced cost base sticker on the replacement of less than $ 300 (4,9 l) V8 engine and two-speed automatic gearbox on his car instead of the average 401 U.S. dollars (6, 6 liters) V8 and three-speed automatic used in other large Buicks. Porn has gone even further, creating new full-range, Jetstar 88, which was $ 75 lower than the dynamic 1988 series (but still a few dollars higher than a comparable model Pontiac Catalina), and also received less engine - 330 USD in (5.4 liter) V8 and two-speed automatic gearbox with an intermediate line F-85/Cutlass, along with a smaller 9.5 in (240 mm) brake drums (also from GM intermediates) compared with 11.12 in (280 - 300 mm) drums were found on all other GM full size cars from the bare bones of a six-cylinder Chevrolet Biscayne in 1975, a limousine Cadillac. And, as Pontiac Catalina still cheaper than Jetstar and LeSabre, at the lowest cost full-size Pontiac buyers are often perceived as better value in the market due to the high standard V8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission, and (compared to 88 Jetstar) larger brakes.