Vehicle Original VIN : 159C12969
The American station wagon is the unsung hero of automotive history. In the 50s, 60s, and 70s you were far more likely to find one in a driveway than any other type of vehicle, and the 1959 Pontiac Catalina Safari was one of the nicest. 1959 was also the year Pontiac's famous split grille came about by accident. Designers cut a conventional full width grille in half and swapped the two halves, and that mistake gave the Catalina its distinctive look.
Finished in Olive Green with a white top, this Safari has a fresh, period correct color combination that shows off the full size lines of the 1959 redesign. Twin tailfins on each side were new and used for 1959 only, and thin pillars and lots of glass give the wagon a light, open look. The chassis is 5 inches wider than before, with the wheels moved out toward the fenders, which improved the stance and led to Pontiac's "wide track" ride and handling slogan, a phrase the company used in its advertising for years.
Power comes from the 389ci V8, paired with the 4 speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. In 1959 Catalinas came standard with this larger engine, while Chevrolet's full size cars offered a six cylinder or smaller V8s, and Pontiac's Hydra-Matic was a much more advanced transmission than Chevrolet's 2 speed Powerglide. The wider chassis also gave the car a smoother ride and more stable handling than its rivals.
Inside, green vinyl upholstery keeps the cabin clean, durable, and perfectly in tune with the exterior colors, and crank windows keep things simple and true to the era. The Catalina line was known for generous standard equipment, including a glovebox with two cup indents that folded open as a snack bar for drive in restaurants, a fun period detail that shows how much thought went into family travel.
This Safari wagon is a great chance to own a piece of the golden age of the American family car, combining big V8 power, wide track handling, and a color scheme as inviting as a summer road trip. It would be a standout at cruise nights, car shows, and family gatherings.
Please call or email us today for more information.