Driving a 1963 Pontiac Catalina 389 Tri Power 4 Speed

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  • Опубліковано 7 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 230

  • @DonutGuard
    @DonutGuard 12 років тому +5

    I love it. Not afraid to drive an old car, and give it a little gas! You sir, are a man of my own heart!

  • @wagonmaster1974
    @wagonmaster1974 8 років тому +5

    Thanks for the video! The first car I remember in detail is Dad's '63 GP. Had a 405 HP 421, dual quad, 4 gear. It had power steering - that was it. First car I ever drove - at 10 years old - in 1965. It was a beast! Mom had a matching color '63 Bonneville coupe. Her car was loaded to the hilt, for 1963. Power everything, with a 4-speed auto [super hydramatic] and a/c. Very fond memories of those cars followed me to my adult years, when I stumbled across a '63 GP with a 421 and a 4-speed. Bought it and owned it until 2004. Miss it, still. I've owned several GM senior cars with 4-speed sticks, but miss the GP the most...

    • @ronaldlynch2120
      @ronaldlynch2120 Рік тому

      The. 63. Bonneville. And. Catalina. Looked the same they were hard to tell. Apart

  • @cunard61
    @cunard61 14 років тому +4

    Thanks so much for posting this. I had a 63 Cat years ago, and would love to find another. 63 Catalina's were not only VERY fast, they were one of the most beautiful cars ever made in America. It's sad to think that we'll never see the likes of these great cars ever made again.

  • @phishertube
    @phishertube 8 років тому +1

    I had four Pontiacs birds from 67 to 69 and this video brings back some memories. Thanks.

  • @gojoe283
    @gojoe283 11 років тому +3

    I love that hardtop roofline! Great old Pontiac!!

  • @blackwaterdogs4256
    @blackwaterdogs4256 8 років тому +3

    Wow....history in the making ! :-) Love it !!!
    This REALLY makes me miss my `66 Grand Prix, 421 tri-power HO (376 HP), 4-speed, had those nice finned aluminum 8-lug wheels, and a 3.42 Posi....that thing had some serious bark for a big sled :-) Never shoulda let that one get away....

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  8 років тому +1

      +Black Waterdogs That '66 GP was a keeper.

    • @glyngough9743
      @glyngough9743 3 роки тому +1

      8 lug were Magnesium!

    • @SandMountainBallistics
      @SandMountainBallistics 2 роки тому

      @@glyngough9743 I’m not trying to be a Know it all or rude but they are actually alluminum with steel inserts it’s a really cool design

  • @wh9525
    @wh9525 3 місяці тому +1

    I still come back and watch this video often. Hoping someday you’ll let me take her home and park her beside my 63 Bonneville and 58 Bonneville

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  3 місяці тому

      lol, someday there'll be my estate sale. But hopefully not for sometime... Thanks for stopping by my Poncho friend!

  • @wipeoutkx
    @wipeoutkx 13 років тому +1

    i also have a 63 catalina 2 door hard top with a 389 in it.body work and paint is all done,painted it black and we put a superduty factory hood scoop on it.need to get it home and put it together.when it's done i hope it goes as good as your does.great video..

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  12 років тому +1

    Glad you enjoyed! She is a keeper.

  • @jkeimel354
    @jkeimel354 9 років тому +9

    Buddy looks like Robert Duvall

  • @shouldibehere
    @shouldibehere 13 років тому +1

    Cool video. I have a 61 4 door 389 rusting away in my back yard. Man, that car FLEW even with a two barrel. Love what you did with the upholstery. lol

  • @deepfreezefilms1
    @deepfreezefilms1 11 років тому +2

    4 Speed Bernie, you are a GOD...
    This is one of the most fun to watch car videos I have ever seen.
    You should consider doing a regular show, you would make a great host.

  • @jimcox4728
    @jimcox4728 6 років тому +1

    My high school classmate had a 64 Pontiac Catalina 421 tri power sleeper.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  12 років тому +1

    Very happy to oblige!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  12 років тому +4

    Hello, Thank you for the note. I hear you; not my intent and since this vid was shot the door panels have been freshened up, a nice original dash pad installed, correct carpet laid, and the front seat has been restored using original materials. This Catalina received pretty good care over the years but there is always something to fix or polish on these original cars - and I can never seem to keep much gas in the tank...

  • @billr111
    @billr111 9 років тому +2

    Awesome upholstery job!

  • @JDB5824RG
    @JDB5824RG 10 років тому +1

    what an awesome find !!! hang on to that one....

  • @barclaybenjamin6322
    @barclaybenjamin6322 9 років тому +7

    And then, the GTO was born. Pontiac power!

    • @danielkeener5140
      @danielkeener5140 5 років тому

      These list of events are the reason the GTO came to be. In 1963 a Tempest/Lemans superduty won the first ever Nascar Challenge Cup a race that was the first of its kind and the last big racing event for pontiac and was a pivoting point in american automotive history. The Challenge cup was before daytona and right before racing for GM and Nascar was to become entirely different. This race was one that would include the best of the best racing teams from all over the world right in America there were Corvettes, Ferrari 250 GTO's, masseratis, and pretty much any car with a displacement under 427CI! and they had to be production cars with "production parts" The Tempest/Lemans I am talking about was a 421 superduty the car won the event and lapped the Ferrari GTO 8 times, and even beat Mickey Thompsons corvette with the "BBC Mystery motor" which was new he was running at the time. Pontiac racing was doing great in these last few years their cars had also won the Daytona 500 in 1961 AND 1962 which was the first car company to ever do so. These cars that raced were owned by dealerships and groups who were their own teams (thus the names painted on sides, racing sold cars)in these years 1959-1963 they were able to be very competitive and create a lot of awsome racing builds at these times. Jim Wagner was able to connect dealerships and racing and non dealership racing teams to Pontiac zone offices and they won races and sold cars at the same time! Among them are these notable gentlemen of those years: Smokey Yunick, FireBall Robberts, Marvin Panch, (these guys won it in 1961 and 1962 together. as well as Junior Johnson, 1960~1962 and many more outside of nascar. This was totally bypassing a ban that was set forth in 1957 Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) voted to cease all manufacturer participation in competition. The AMA ban was essentially a gentleman’s agreement calling for automakers to withdraw from active support of racing (which most did, at least officially) and to cease promoting performance or speed (which many did not)! In January 1963, GM chairman Frederic Donner issued an edict demanding that all divisions - by which he primarily meant Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile - immediately withdraw from racing and abide by the 1957 AMA ban. Donner was well aware of the under-the-table racing support and he wanted it stopped. To continue his support for their dealers In response to this crisis, Jim Wagners wrote a memo to John DeLorean, with whom he’d developed a good working relationship, saying, “As ugly as it sounds, we need to take racing off the track and put it on the street.” DeLorean planned with him on a "super tempest" using the lighter weight newer A-Body cars and a engineer said "It'd take me 30min to swap a 389 into this this thing"(from the larger Catalina line of cars) poking fun a him and he did it and it was such a hit Wagner drove that car daily, and many people responsible for this project were sworn to secrecy until this was able to make it into a much larger production. A Buick engineer spotted a test car at the driving around the track and asked: "What the hell is in this thing"? the Pontiac engineer replied we are just trying some new axle gear ratios and transmission gear ratios... The GTO could not become its own car because it had a 389 engine and GM set limitations for their A-Body line of cars to not have anything larger then a 340ci engine. So in its first two years it was a special option for the 1964, LeMans and in 1966 due to the great success it was able to become its own model. But to many the car has always had its own heart and soul and has been its own thing since its creation.

  • @frankvaughn1288
    @frankvaughn1288 2 роки тому

    I purchased a new 63 catalina white sport coupe 4 speed, bucket seats ventura interior. 389 4 banger. Love to have one today. A good find for you. Congratulations.

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  2 роки тому

      GOOD TIMES!! You were mighty lucky to experience 'Pontiac Power' right off the showroom floor! This one's a keeper! Thanks for stopping by!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  12 років тому +1

    Hello and thanks for the note - you made my day! Great cars / memories!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  11 років тому +2

    Hello! Thanks for your note. Every '63 Catalina has this rear style - courtesy of the fine stylists at the General back in the day...

  • @starstatus329
    @starstatus329 12 років тому +1

    I love the re-upholstering job...lol (made my morning) love the car she looks amazing

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hello and thank you for the compliment! What GREAT 1st car you had!!

  • @DatBlueHusky
    @DatBlueHusky 14 років тому +1

    holy shit cars back then had POWEWRRRRRRRERRERER

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому +2

    @JTAY121 Good to hear from you! You are right about the warranty being voided - 4 speed meant hard use, so no warranty. Bet ya got some good memories with that GTO...

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому +1

    That is a GREAT idea! Good luck in your search.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому

    Hello and thanks for the note! Glad to be an instigator of more 4 speed vids and great memories. I'll keep an eye out for your vid - Grand Prix with 428 & 4 speed - that's a helluva a great Pontiac - your '63 was also a helluva a great car!

  • @Tchobil
    @Tchobil 11 років тому +1

    Very nice original Pontiac Catalina, old school restored...really a very cool car, congratulations !

  • @Pontiacman1964
    @Pontiacman1964 7 років тому +2

    Great video. Thanks for sharing. Born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. Dad worked at Pontiac Motors 30 years. Love the car, but you need to install a seatbelt.

  • @retro440
    @retro440 5 років тому

    I've owned lots of cars. My all time fave is my 1963 Pontiac Catalina Ventura, white with an auburn interior. I was in the army then and I bought the three-year-old car at a local Huntsville, Alabama dealer OMG, that car was gorgeous! I wish could have it back.

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  5 років тому

      I hear ya, these are great cars!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hello,
    Thank you for the note and pleased you approved! No plans to sell, but I am always looking...

  • @daleandrews367
    @daleandrews367 7 років тому +1

    This is a little off subject, but I've had 3 GTO's. A '66, a '68 in the early '70's and a '67 in the mid '80's. In the mid-eighties I also had a '77 Grand Prix which was the last of the "big ones". Beautiful dark green with a lighter green interior. Bucket seat with a console and Rally II (factory mag) wheels. It was a real looker when I bought it. I bought it in New Orleans from an old man(always a good prior owner!) who had used Armor All on the factory floor mats! It didn't have much power though, as the mill was a correct 301 V8 encumbered with factory smog equipment and low compression. It was a nice cruiser, however and had Radial Tuned Suspension which it proudly proclaimed with a little metal plaque on the dash. Sold it at 117,000 miles. Great highway car with decent mileage for a large car.

  • @neondave
    @neondave 14 років тому +1

    sweet car !! My first car was a '63 Cat , just a 2 barrel carb, but a great car. I think the '63 Cat was the best lookin' Pontiac ever, Thanks

  • @thevitalthing
    @thevitalthing 12 років тому +1

    That was very fun, I loved it!
    The first car I ever drove (not counting driving school) was 1963 Catalina. It didn't have Tri-Power and it was automatic. But I still have fond memories of it.

  • @jacksutherland846
    @jacksutherland846 6 років тому

    Good man Eric!
    If only more were smart enough to leave beautiful history alone!

  • @tyrefryingoat7068
    @tyrefryingoat7068 5 років тому

    great video. so nice to see it getting out of the garage. ya gotta exercise these old girls, they are reliable as they come

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  5 років тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed the vid! Yes agreed, once you dial 'em in there's no reason not to drive anywhere any distance.

  • @ToyKingWonder
    @ToyKingWonder 14 років тому

    Reallly enjoyed the video. I grew up and my parents had a 1961 Bonneville Safari Wagon. I always loved it. I finally found one after 10 years of searching. Factory air, 389v8, runs like a top but needs to be completely redone interior and paint. It has a four speed, yes four speed, automatic which is the weak point of the car. But boy do these big Pontiacs go! I had never seen a 4sp manual vintage stock Pontiac in action, thank you so much!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  15 років тому +1

    Thank you! Yes, I will be restoring the interior soon. Have no fear, I am taking very good care of her. Yes, considerably faster than the stock '66 Cat' 421 2+2 I had - and it was very healthy.

  • @pearsonba350
    @pearsonba350 15 років тому

    Great video, awsome car. Love seeing those all original classic iron running down the road.

  • @gordonmohr2268
    @gordonmohr2268 10 місяців тому +1

    this guys a maniac, but I love it

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  10 місяців тому

      Pontiac Power! Thanks for stopping by!

  • @SSGTA440
    @SSGTA440 7 років тому +1

    Truly the gentleman's muscle car....real nice!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Thank you -
    Pleased you enjoyed the video. And I could not agree with you more - these are great cars! Dog dishes are on the menu...

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому

    Thank you - it's a LOT OF FUN! I'm detailing the interior and doing a little underhood work - perhaps another vid in the works...

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Thank you! These are GREAT cars. Very pleased the vid brought back some good memories for you.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому +1

    '60! What a GREAT year and a GREAT year for Pontiac! Enjoy!

  • @herroberst4675
    @herroberst4675 9 років тому +4

    Your test drive run-thru-the- gears cars are great. The best part, though, is when you refer to your wife as "Cupcake." You're a lucky man in that she loves the old rides, too!Merry Christmas from Dallas to you and Cupcake!

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  5 років тому

      Thank you - Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  • @chrdelgro
    @chrdelgro 13 років тому +1

    the reason for the voided warranty was that this car was made from the factory to be raced! GM, Fomoco and Chrysler all did this to out do each other at the local strips.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  11 років тому +1

    Wow - are you lucky! You got to own & drive some REAL Pontiac History!! I've since cleaned up the interior - but still not for sale. Thx for the note.

  • @rickaddenbrooke1144
    @rickaddenbrooke1144 9 років тому +8

    The warranty was void because it was a HO., (high output)

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому +1

    @Montana102009 Thanks for the note. Very sorry to hear about your Bonneville. Great cars! Good luck with the search!

  • @Poncho389
    @Poncho389 15 років тому

    Enjoyed your video, hope you keep enjoying car!!

  • @mrdiplomat9018
    @mrdiplomat9018 Рік тому

    The tri-power sounds sooooo badass❗️🥊🙀

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  Рік тому

      Agreed! Thanks for stopping by!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Cupcake & Alex appreciate your approval. I'm along for the ride - they just needed someone to keep the ol' Pontiac between the lines and outta the ditch...

  • @ImForwardlook
    @ImForwardlook 14 років тому

    Great vid, thanks! That's my dream Pontiac, 63 Catalina Ventura 2dHT 389 Threepower, 4 sp and black with a red interior. Awesome! Only thing I'd change would be adding dog dish hubcaps. And dream of a 421 lol! Spent years looking for a 63 Ventura 2dHT that would be reasonably priced but couldn't find one (4-sp wasn't a requirement) so I bought a 64 Ventura instead. Just a 389 2bbl but that will be changed at some point. Love the design on these cars, especially the dash! Drive safe!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    You are very welcome - these were (and are) great cars. If I had 3 arms I'd have a dozen more vids of the Catalina by now...

  • @darryleshelly
    @darryleshelly 11 років тому +1

    She's a keeper !

  • @scottbaker1800
    @scottbaker1800 2 роки тому

    beautiful car and great mill

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  2 роки тому

      Thank you and agreed! This one's a keeper! Thanks for stopping by!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Yes, Great performance with an excellent ride and decent handling.

  • @roryvonbrutt7302
    @roryvonbrutt7302 4 роки тому

    Wow pure Detroit my mom had a 63 Grand Prix with a four-speed top load factory and a factory tac....Awesome car and video

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  4 роки тому

      You're a lucky man! GOOD TIMES!! Glad you enjoyed the vid - stay safe!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому

    Thanks for the note - those tires have excellent squeal appeal.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hello and thanks for the note. WOW - a '59 Cat' - VERY cool!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  15 років тому

    Thank you. I will be working on restoring the interior soon.

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hello, A very good buddy years ago was heavily into Corvairs - his favorite was the '66 Corsa - good power & no turbo hassles - I say hassles becasue he was a very good Chevy Dealer tech but most of the customers back then knew nothing about turbos - how they functioned or how to maintain them. Thanks for the note.

  • @adammarkowitz7944
    @adammarkowitz7944 2 роки тому

    Beautiful sound.

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  2 роки тому

      Thanks! Appreciate you stopping by!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  12 років тому +1

    They're out there. Start lookin'!!

  • @EliAngwin
    @EliAngwin 13 років тому +1

    drive it like you stole it.... man I can't wait till I can drive my 60....all though the 4 spd makes it a HELL of allot more fun....

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hey Rob,
    Just keep looking - you'll find one. Came with a couple of options including the Ventura interior.

  • @maxjonson1936
    @maxjonson1936 10 років тому +12

    You look like Jim Lahey

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Thank you! I'll be lookin' for a vid of your Cat!

  • @dougsather2939
    @dougsather2939 Рік тому

    We had a 63 Catalina with a 326 engine when I was growing up sad to say it was a 4 door. I worked at Mc Namara Pontiac in Orlando Fla in the early 70's. The 63 had a slim jim transmission and reverse was all the way down on the column shifter
    I think it was P N D 2 L R

  • @Montana102009
    @Montana102009 13 років тому +1

    @4spdBernie Thank you for the nice comment. I will be searching high and low. :)

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Up North East it's called HOASS POWAH. Thanks for the note!

  • @HeyRadialMoon
    @HeyRadialMoon 13 років тому

    Hahaha, the upholstery job! That indian blanket is sure appropriate for a Pontiac.

  • @gojoe283
    @gojoe283 14 років тому

    Love those early Sixites Wide Track Pontiacs!!!!

  • @242176
    @242176 14 років тому

    Cool vid Bernie!

  • @BigAquaBonney
    @BigAquaBonney 14 років тому

    Awesome! What a Darksider should sound and look like. If you ever sell it ....

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  15 років тому

    Hi Mike - The Catalina - hands down!

  • @dominicpetruzzelli3134
    @dominicpetruzzelli3134 4 роки тому

    Boy....can that thing scream......! And that guy was NOT easy with it.....NICE !

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  4 роки тому

      Thanks, it does sound really good - thru stock Pontiac duals. And It's surprisingly quick.

  • @drjohnsonhungwell5115
    @drjohnsonhungwell5115 7 років тому +1

    Beautiful car unlike modern day cars that all look alike

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Hello and thanks for the note - this Catalina is one of my favorites - great car to drive - also great to hear from genuine muscle enthusiasts like yourself - you made my day!

  • @emile897
    @emile897 10 років тому +2

    where do these people find these cars? you know the're rare as hens teeth, most were crushed 30 years ago

    • @nicholasgardner1106
      @nicholasgardner1106 7 років тому

      emile buisson there is a red 63 Catalina convertible for sale at my local ford dealer

  • @mikeingersoll7344
    @mikeingersoll7344 3 роки тому

    Love this what a beautiful machine

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  3 роки тому

      Thank you, it's a keeper. Thanks for stopping by!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Because it's a '63 Pontiac. Likely run hard it's whole life - and almost 50 years later it's still in one piece.

  • @winki51z
    @winki51z 6 років тому

    Yes, An Indian blanket for the Poncho, Love It

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  13 років тому +1

    @videoguy604 Thank you; it's a lotta fun.

  • @angelbatrilla8689
    @angelbatrilla8689 8 років тому +1

    What a beauty

  • @maniyan_wanagi
    @maniyan_wanagi 6 років тому

    Love them ol' Pontiacs!

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Enjoy your Catalina no matter what's under the hood!

  • @SatchmoSings
    @SatchmoSings 13 років тому +1

    @videoguy604 1961-64 Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles had this automatic transmission called "The Slim Jim" and it was an incredible piece of junk; my dad must've set some kind of record by putting 73,000 miles on one.
    Putting this aside (along with the cheesy timing chain) this was a very good car.

  • @365degrees
    @365degrees 14 років тому

    Thanks for the thrill! Felt it.

  • @markarrivi3818
    @markarrivi3818 6 років тому

    Had One In 75 with 39'000 original miles. It was an automatic. Great car ma sold it for 15 dollars. Because I was driving there 69 Caddy

  • @ricksidenstricker2144
    @ricksidenstricker2144 Рік тому

    They will never make cars like this again. Good looking, fast, dependable, and comfortable. Only two things sound better than a four-barrel, 3- 2 barrels and 2 four barrels!!

  • @addisonmoye2612
    @addisonmoye2612 7 років тому +4

    Can you please do another video of the car

  • @4spdBernie
    @4spdBernie  14 років тому

    Thank you. Looking forward to your vid.

  • @jimsmith1856
    @jimsmith1856 5 років тому

    Jim Lahey goes for s drive! Brilliant.

  • @crusher1944
    @crusher1944 13 років тому

    SOUNDS BETTER THEN ANY FORD EVER DID. 4000LBS OF PURE POWER

  • @williamjackson982
    @williamjackson982 7 років тому +2

    That car deserves a better owner. I would love to have a great car like that. I am not rich so I can not afford it. That car needs to have some money put into it. That is such a beautiful car. You think he could at least fix the seat.

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  7 років тому +2

      Mexi blanket gone - seat has been fixed along with a few other deferred needs. Vid was shot back when I'd just bought this beauty. Still have it - one of my favorites of all time.

  • @nomiclas
    @nomiclas 9 років тому +1

    There's just something about a Poncho with a 4 gear!

  • @RFKFANTS67
    @RFKFANTS67 8 років тому +1

    Very sweet!

  • @wildbill5670
    @wildbill5670 4 роки тому

    beautiful. Its easy to see why insurance companies charge more for manual shift cars vs automatics

    • @4spdBernie
      @4spdBernie  4 роки тому

      Manual shift brings out the hooligan lurking inside all of us, lol. Thanks for stopping by!