Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1965 Pontiac 2+2 Sports Coupe. This Catalina-based muscle car is powered by a Tri-Power 421cid V8 and connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power steering and brakes, air conditioning, and Pontiac’s famous eight-lug wheels. Finished in blue over a white vinyl interior, this Poncho comes from the selling dealer with original vehicle documentation and vehicle history paperwork, manuals, rebuild receipts, reproduction window sticker, the original air cleaner, rear wheel skirts and other parts, and a clear title.
Nineteen sixty-five was THE year for Pontiac. The GTO came into its own, the division won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award across the board, and there was a new performance package for the Catalina called 2+2. Introduced in 1964, the 2+2 package was a sporty aggregation of bucket seats, console, and four-speed or automatic transmission; for 1965, it became a de facto performance package no different than the GTO but for the Catalina instead of the LeMans. Standard power was a 338-horsepower 421, with two Tri-Power options up to 376 horses available. Available for the Catalina Sports Coupe and Convertible, the 2+2 package was installed on 11,521 Catalinas in 1965.
The exterior was refinished in the original color of Blue Charcoal (code B) about 10 years ago. Features include driver-side rearview mirror, front fender-mounted antenna, simulated fender extractors, roof drip moldings (code B80 on the data plate), rocker and wheel opening moldings, 2+2 and 421 emblems, and trunklid trim.
A set of black 14-inch eight-lug Pontiac wheels without trim rings is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
The interior is upholstered in white vinyl. Features include power steering, console with automatic transmission shifter, AM radio, and factory air conditioning (code C60 on the data plate).
The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery. A factory vacuum gauge is mounted on the center console. The odometer reads 60,497 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
Power is provided by the reportedly numbers-matching and newly rebuilt 421. Putting out 356 horsepower, the Tri-Power engine is connected to a replacement TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include black Pontiac valve covers and individual chrome air cleaner housings. The selling dealer states that the engine has logged 150 miles since being rebuilt.
This Pontiac was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power four-wheel drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.
The auction for this 1965 Pontiac 2+2 Sports Coupe ends Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
A brilliant and vicious piece of Pontiac history. I wonder how many Camaros/Firebirds, Mustangs, Chargers, Challengers, Barracudas, Torinos, Cyclones, Cougars, Javelins, AMXs, and home built hotrods this thing surprised back in the day.
My first car was a ’67 Impala SS with the 325/396 and a TH400, posi rear(3.42?). That was a great cruiser, surprisingly quick for a barge. This one is way mo’ bedda.
Did they offer 421 with th350? I thought they all came with th400
Standard 3-speed on floor, optional 4-speed or TH400.
No doubt 1965 was the year of the Pontiac. Some of the best looking and performance cars ever to be leave Detroit were the 65 Pontiacs, and I’m a total Ford fan! I was 10 years old in 65, and I knew it then. And that wasn’t easy. 1965 was a landmark year for the Big Three. Remember it was 1965 that introduced Mustang, and all its friends. But those Pontiacs topped all of them.
1964 Mustang and GTO debut.
Back in the day in Detroit there was a two plus two Catalina with a 426 cubic inch poncho motor in it that if I recall correctly could actually lift one of the front wheels off the ground! One badass machine
Super surprised to hear there was an option for a 3767 horsepower motorn. I am picturing a swamp rat cartoon with a giantV-8 with a supercharger. Any way this looks like a really fine example of one of my favorite factory hot rods.
Thank you
Snip,They didn’t make a 426 engine for Pontiac.
I am pretty sure that this car came with a TH400 not a 350. I worked at a Pontiac store in the early ’70s when we had one of these traded in. The dealer principal had the engine removed and installed in his ’62 Catalina. One of the mechanics was giving him a hard time that he was wasting his time as the car was still going to be slow. He had to eat his words after I flagged them off out in front of the dealership. GREAT FUN!!!
You are correct but not all cars remain stock over time.
Correct, it was the 428 cu.in. And 428 H.O. That was made by Pontiac, both very rare now.