1969 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Or what my family lovingly refers to as the "Beater Car"
Most car enthusiasts have at least one car they wish that they never sold, but did, often because they had to lower costs or obtain more reliable transportation. My first car was a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500, which I had to sell for those reasons after returning from active duty from the Air Force in 1978. I didn’t want my son in law John to suffer the same fate. My initial thinking was that we would fix up the car, and it would eventually go back to him some day. While it was not his “first” car, it was arguably the most unique as it was already 25 years old when he acquired it in 1994.
I have a connection to this Pontiac as it reminds me a lot of my old Galaxie, in both its looks (white with blue interior) and ride (like a boat). My goal for the Pontiac was to have a "driver" that looked good enough to use in local parades. I used to state “Driving Miss Eggplant" in the annual 4th of July parade as a primary goal.
The plan is to give the car back to John when I am done with it.
Car History
* Build in the Pontiac Linden, NJ plant.* Scheduled for production in the 26th week, May 20, 1969* Window Sticker Printed on May 27th, 1969* 1 of 5,436 Pontiac Catalina Convertibles produced in 1969* Scheduled for shipment on June 22, 1969 to Dealer Number 03 378: People’s Pontiac Howard & Delsea Drive Clayton, NJ 08312.* Purchased in August 22, 1969 from Dealer Number 03 299: Robert Lee Pontiac 7700 Germantown Pike Chestnut Hill, PA.* 4 documented owners: 1. Jane Young - Purchased new in August of 1969 2. David W. Emhardt - Purchased from Jane in February 1992. 25,800 miles 3. John Flint (Rick's son-in-law) - Purchased from David in April 1994. 39,447 miles 4. Rick Elder - Purchased from John Flint in February 1998, approx. 53,000 miles.* In the family 30 years (1994 to 2024). Current mileage: 56,000.
Specifications:
400 ci engine Edelbrock 650 cfm 4-barrel Carburetor Turbo Hydramatic 400 Transmission
"She ain't fast, but she rides like a boat"
"She ain't fast, but she rides like a boat"
Why is it called the "Beater Car"?
There are many reasons, including:* The amount of rust on the car (have plans to fix)* There was a strong smell of grease from the carpet (carpet has been replaced)* Water slushing around in the convertible well due to a leaky top (top has been replaced)* Cotton would fly out of the back seat as you drove down the road (seats have been reupholstered)* A strong smell of gas, believed to be the seal around the sending unit (have plans to fix).
Some family members were embarrassed to ride in it. These flaws do not stop others. It's just what old cars do!
Some family members were embarrassed to ride in it. These flaws do not stop others. It's just what old cars do!
2024 Winter Angel Expo Feature Car
1969 Pontiac Catalina Convertible Video