You travel first class in a Pontiac Catalina with so many conveniences that come as standard equipment.
1961 Pontiac Catalina
The 1961 Catalina received downsizing along with other makes. The new perimeter frame was what helped Pontiac cut size and weight. Some of the major differences were the return to the twin grille styling theme, sculptured side panels, taller rooflines and horizontal-oval tail lights. Catalinas also came with small tailfins, small hubcaps. Base equipment included turn signals, cigarette lighter, electric windshield wipers, oil filter, sun visors, and five tubeless black sidewall tires
1961 Pontiac Options included: Air-Conditioning - Electric Antenna - Guide Matic Headlamp Control - Power Steering - Power Brakes - Six Way Power Seat - Power Windows - Safeguard Speedometer - Magic Cruise - Aluminum Hubs & Drums - Bucket Seats - EZ Eye Glass - Luggage Carrier - Power Tailgate - 4 Speed Super HydraMatic - 4 Speed Manual - SafeT Track Differential - 4 Barrel Induction System - Tri Power Induction System
1961 Pontiac Catalina Specification and Production Numbers
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Catalina Series 23
23
69
4d Sedan - 6P
$2,702
3,725 lbs
36,638
23
39
4d Vista Hardtop - 6P
$2,842
3,785 lbs
17,589
23
11
2d Sport Sedan - 6P
$2,631
3,650 lbs
9,846
23
37
2d Hardtop - 6P
$2,766
3,680 lbs
14,524
23
67
2d Convertible - 5P
$3,078
3,805 lbs
12,379
23
45
4d Station Wagon - 9P
$3,207
4,175 lbs
7,783
23
35
4d Station Wagon - 6P
$3,099
4,135 lbs
12,595
NOTES:
113,354 Catalinas Were Built
6,337 had Synchromesh
107,017 had Hydra-Matic
Models Series Identification
2369 - 4d Sedan - 6P
2367 - 2d Convertible - 5P
2339 - 4d Vista Hardtop - 6P
2345 - 4d Station Wagon - 9P
2311 - 2d Sport Sedan - 6P
2335 - 4d Station Wagon - 6P
2337 - 2d Hardtop - 6P
Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Width
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Catalina
119 in
210 in
78.2 in
62.5 in
62.5 in
8.00 x 14
Catalina Station Wagon
119 in
209.7 in
78.2 in
62.5 in
62.5 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 = Tempest
6 = Star Chief
3 = Catalina
7 = 1961-1962 Bonneville Station Wagon
5 = Ventura
8 = 1961-1962 Bonneville exc. Station Wagon
Second & Third Symbol - Year
61 = 1961
Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant
(A) Arlington, Texas
(L) Linden, New Jersey
(D) Doraville, Georgia
(P) Pontiac, Michigan
(E) Euclid, Ohio
(S) Southgate, California
(K) Kansas City, Kansas
(W) Wilmington, Delaware
Last Four Symbols - Production Sequence
Started at 1001
Engine Data
Location Of Engine Code: (Four Cyl.) - (Four Cyl.) - Stamped on right front side of block or beneath the engine sequence number on machined pad on right hand bank of engine block. (Six Cyl.) - Stamped on right front side of block. (V-8) - Stamped on right front side of block or beneath the engine sequence number on machined pad on right hand bank of engine block. Note: Some Tempest engines have the letter code on the same line following the engine sequence number.
A - Regent Black
Lucite® Code - #88L
Dulux® Code - 93-005
F - Richelieu Blue Metallic
Lucite® Code - 4143L
Dulux® Code - 181-94696
NOTES: Solid colors will be designated by two letters: Example - Solid Regent Black AA. solid Shelltone Ivory CC. Tow-tone combinations are designated by two letter: First Letter - Lower Body, Second Letter - Upper Body, Roof.
Paint Codes - Interior Colors
Color Name / Code
Color Image
Color Name / Code
Color Image
Medium Garnet Metallic
DUCO - 4066H
Not Available
Dark Blue Metallic
DUCO - 4237H
Not Available
Medium Fawn Metallic
DUCO - 94171
Not Available
Dark Green Metallic
DUCO - 4238H
Not Available
Medium Gray Metallic
DUCO - 94187
Not Available
Dark Gray Metallic
DUCO - 4239H
Not Available
Medium Blue Metallic
DUCO - 94235
Not Available
Dark Brown Metallic
DUCO - 4240H
Not Available
Medium Green Metallic
DUCO - 94297H
Not Available
Dark Maroon Metallic
DUCO - 4241H
Not Available
NOTE: Unpolished LUCITE® will generally produce a gloss comparable to original interior semi-gloss finishes. If lower gloss is required, use 1/2 oz. DuPont #4528S flattening compound to a pint of unreduced color.