New for 1959, replacing the Chieftain line was the Pontiac Catalina.
1959 Pontiac Catalina
In 1959 the Chieftain lines name changed to Catalina. For 1959, the Pontiac Catalina received major styling changes. They were lower, longer, and had more interior room. They had a new twin grille theme to go along with the twin fin rear fenders. The Catalina featured a V-contoured hood, increased glass area, and flat rear over-hanging roofs on the four-door Vista hardtop.
1959 Pontiac Catalina Production Numbers and Specifications
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Catalina Series 21
21
19
4d Sedan - 6P
$2,704
3,955 lbs
72,377
21
39
4d Vista Hardtop - 6P
$2,844
4,005 lbs
45,012
21
11
2d Sport Sedan - 6P
$2,633
3,870 lbs
26,102
21
37
2d Hardtop - 6P
$2,768
3,900 lbs
38,309
21
67
2d Convertible - 6P
$3,080
3,970 lbs
14,515
21
45
4d Station Wagon - 9P
$3,209
4,405 lbs
14,084
21
35
4d Station Wagon - 6P
$3,101
4,345 lbs
21,162
Notes:
231,561 Catalinas Were Built
9,939 had Synchromesh
221,622 had Hydra-Matic
Model Series Identification
2119 - 4d Sedan - 6P
2167 - 2d Convertible - 5P
2139 - 4d Vista Hardtop - 6P
2145 - 4d Station Wagon - 9P
2111 - 2d Sport Sedan - 6P
2135 - 4d Station Wagon - 6P
2137 - 2d Hardtop - 6P
Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Catalina
122 in
213.7 in
63.7 in
64 in
8.00 x 14
Catalina Station Wagon
122 in
214.3 in
63.7 in
64 in
8.50 x 14
VIN Decoding
Vin Number was on the left front door hinge pillar. On raised pad at front of right hand cylinder bank.
First Symbol - Series
1 = Catalina
7 = Custom Safari
4 = Star Chief
8 = Bonneville
Second & Third Symbol - Year
59 = 1959
Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant
(P) Pontiac, Michigan
(K) Kansas City, Kansas
(T) Arlington, Texas
(F) Framingham, Massachusetts
(C) Southgate, California
(D) Doraville, Georgia
(L) Linden, New Jersey
(A) Atlanta, Georgia
(W) Wilmington, Delaware
(E) Euclid, Ohio
Last Four Symbols - Production Sequence
Started at 1001
1959 Pontiac Options
Description
Description
Push-Button Radio
Power Tailgate Window
Wonder Bar Radio
Six-Way Power Seat
Sportable Radio
Ever-Level Air Ride
Electric Antenna
Oil Filter
Rear Seat Speaker
Heavy-Duty Air Cleaner
Fresh Air Heater & Defroster
Clear Plastic Seat Covers
Air Conditioning
8.00x14 White Sidewall Tires
Tinted Glass
8.50x14 White Sidewall Tires
Back-Up Lights
Two-Tone Paint
Windshield Washers
Front Foam Seat Cushion
Deluxe Steering Wheel
Bucket Seats (Convertible)
Parking Brake Signal
Decor Trim
Padded Dash
Lamp Group
Power Brakes
Safety Group
Power Windows
Mirror Group
Custom Wheel Covers
Antifreeze
Full Wheel Discs
Tissue Dispenser
Outside Rear View Mirror
Safety Belts
Tilt Mirror
3-Speed Manual Transmission (Column)
Undercoating
4-Speed Super Hydra-Matic (Strato-Flight) Transmission
Safe-T-Track Differential
1959 Pontiac Engine Data
Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on right front side of block.
L - Roman Red
Lucite® Code - 2931LH
Dulux® Code - 93-93037H
NOTES: Color Combination Numbers are on a plate on the right side of the dash panel, under the hood, immediately below the heater water control valve (Ranco Valve).
