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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:46 am Post subject: What Is Your Favorite Production Pontiac & Why? |
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With so many production Pontiacs being built, I would like to hear from members what there all-time favorite Pontiac is.
I have owned a few Pontiacs over the years, but I have not retained what I consider to be the best looking and performing car built. I own a '74 SD455 T/A, a '63 Tempest and a 30th Anniversary T/A. All of these cars have great things to offer, but they are not my favorite Pontiac. I guess some of you may ask me "why?" I have not sought after one of these cars harder(1962 Catalina). That is a good question.
My all-time favorite Pontiac produced is the 1962 Catalina. Loaded with style and classic lines!! Cram a 421 in it with a 4-speed and things get even better. It does not have to be an original 421 aluminum equipped car. I appreciate the Catalina on its own terms.
What are your guys/gals opinions? It is a hard decision since Pontiac produced so many great cars. I can narrow it down to the '62 Catalina.
Lets hear some opinions!!!
Jeff |
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Philo
Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Elmira, NY
1979 TransAm
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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I like the '62 also. I grew up with the big Pontiacs, and wish I had all of them in the condition they were when I bought/sold them. I bought used '50 (don't remember the model), '55 Star Chief, 57 Chieftain and 63 Cat, then a '66 GTO 3x2 four speed and later a '66 Tempest. Also a 71 LeMans. The '63 was a 389 manual HD three speed. Shortly after I sold it, I saw it going down the street. It looked like it had been driven between two buildings that were about six inches closer together than the car was wide. No door handles, no mirrors and very little paint. It made me sick. It's probably two Toyotas now. |
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87_FieroGT
Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 70 Location: Torrance, CA
1987
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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You know what my answer is going to be, the Fiero. I LOVE the styling, unique design, and just the way it feels. My GT (and the other Fieros I've owned) have a feel that goes along with the firm ride, growly exhaust, and low, wide stance that adds to the experience of driving a Fiero. Bottom line is they're great fun to own and drive. |
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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 12:10 am Post subject: |
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Philo,
Wish I could have grown up around the years of the "classic" Pontiacs. I have always been fascinated with the '62 Catalina. When I was around 4 or 5, my father raced a group of original super duty cars for a guy by the name of Selden Ruwwe. Watching these big Pontiacs whipping everything on the track was great. It was in my blood.
I have posted some of the photos of the Catalinas in my personal gallery. I did not even realize there was a personal photo gallery until David pointed it out to me. I have two of the 421 super duty Catalinas posted. One was called "Discontinued - But not forgotten" and the sedan was called "Tin Indian." I have not posted the fastest of the bunch, a '62 hardtop called "D-Con." Rat Killer! All three cars had aluminum frontends. Two were original SD cars while the sedan was a clone.
Looks like you have owned some cool Pontiacs over the years. You own a 1979 400 4-speed T/A now? I really enjoy the all around performance of these cars.
The Fiero is on the top part of my favorite Pontiacs too. At 6' 3" 265lb, some might never think a guy could slip in to one of these cars. Wrong! I actually fit good in the Fieros I owned. My favorite was the 1985 automatic car. Although it only had the 2.5, that was O.K. with me. The car ran great, got good fuel mileage, looked sharp and handled like no other car I have owned. It would stick through curves unlike anything I have ever owned as well. It is a shame they were not produced longer. I guess that makes them special though. I love seeing Fieros. They are very uncommon here in Missouri.
Thanks for the opinions guys.
Jeff |
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Larry Site Admin
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Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Posts: 4773
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Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject: Favorite Pontiac |
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It seems that the term "favorite" can be an evolving process. We all know we like what we have, or had, as favorites at one time or another, and probably still "favor" those cars now. I love my '40 and my '69 for their own reasons, and loved my '54 Star Chief also.
When my '40 was still on the road, everyone noticed it (sorry fellow with the new 'Vette, they're giving ME the thumbs-up!). And who didn't run over at the gas station because they couldn't believe the illuminated amber Indian head on the '54 hood ornament? My '69 customized Custom "S" wagon.... well, that's a long story for later.
I even had lots of people commenting when my everyday driver down in Florida for years was a '67 Ventura 2-door hardtop (factory air, of course!).
But, if I had to select ONE Pontiac that I believe got the most attention, and that I would have to rate as a favorite, it would have to be the '77 Can Am. That was my ex's car that I bought because she saw one and fell in love with it; she still has it. That car turned heads everywhere, either by looks, sounds, or performance. Everyone from young kids to little old ladies would come up and ask what it was. I think it was the odd combination of being a big car with a sporty car's appearance.
When searching for peoples' "favorite" Pontiac we should qualify it to: "regardless of value, if you had the opportunity to pick one particular car for your own, what would it be? And you can't pick an expensive one to sell and buy your real favorite." |
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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:25 am Post subject: |
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If I had to select ONE car, it would be the 1962 Catalina 2-dr hardtop. Hands down, it is the best of the best.
Thanks,
Jeff |
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ThomasL
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Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 22
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject: |
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All of the Pontiacs in my life have been special. The Bonneville I have now has been in and out of my possession for the past twenty years, but if it's never getting away from me again! Even the 76 Catalina I drove in high school and the 79 Sunbird I had in college had their charms. But, even though I've never owned one, I'd have to say that the '65 Catalina 2 + 2 convert would be my hands down favorite. What's not to love? Arguably the best styling out of GM in the sixties, 421 tri power, and drop top fun for the whole family. |
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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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Great choice and a great car. Big cars of the 60's are tough to beat. Styling, ride, power......you name it, they had it.
My friend Doug owns a '65. He is currently working on the car. There is an article on its build up in the online magazine section. 1965 Catalina, An Affordable Alternative. With some TLC, this will be a beautiful car once again.
Thanks,
Jeff |
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63catalina
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Joined: 22 Jul 2008 Posts: 9
1963 Catalina
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Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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I have owned a '73 Lemans Sport Coupe; a "77 Firebird w/350 chevy; a '76 Gran Prix; an '83 Firebird (2.8L/wife car); and now a '63 Catalina.
I love this car! But a '65 Bonneville, or a 2+2...? _________________ Scott Osborne |
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lilhotrod96
Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Alabama
1996 Trans Am WS6 TransAm
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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My FAVORITES are the 1973 TA 455SD (or any SD ) 1970 TA Ram Air IV (would take a 69 too ) I love the body style of the 70-73 TA's. Of course I am partial to the GTO's. I can still remember the exilleration I felt as my Dad told me to get in the back floor (no seat belts so he thought that was safer?????) of his 1969 RA IV and feeling the acceleration as he street raced and looking up to seeing the windows vibrataing. I LOVED IT!!!! _________________ LILHOTROD96
1996 Trans Am Ram Air WS6
2002 SOM Trans Am WS6
1969 GTO Ram Air IV
1969 GTO Ram Air III
1965 GTO Tri Power |
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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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Welcome aboard.
I can't argue that the SD cars in general were some of the best automobiles ever produced. I especially enjoy the SD cars of the early 60's.
I guess many of us have special influences in our lives that shape just about everything else around us. I am sure the Ram Air IV GTO's were some of the baddest Pontiacs to cruise on the streets.
My special moment was riding in a 1963 A/FX Tempest on the service road in our hometown. Yeah, the police dept. used to let people get away with things like this. He came to an intersection, pulled the Tempest up to 8500rpm (yes - it was a 1958 370 engine combination put together by Selden Ruwwe and my father that could rev at unbelievably high rpm's) and launched it! WOW!!!!
I loved riding in it down Selden's driveway too. Dad said he never hit second gear because he said the car would have went through the woods. That was exciting!!! Those things made me a believer. |
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lilhotrod96
Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Alabama
1996 Trans Am WS6 TransAm
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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I remember reading that the 1970 RA IV Judge was the fastest built Pontiac of that era.
WOW!!!! I would have loved to been in that Tempest when it launched!!!!!! One of the reasons I love car shows so much is talking to the owners and hearing their stories about their cars.
A newspaper article ran about me and my Dad restoring his 1969 GTO back in April of this year. In the article my name and where I work was mentioned. A few days later I got a call at work from a gentleman that wanted to let me know that he remembers the day my Dad's GTO was delivered to the dealership. He was there to buy a Pontiac himself when the trailer pulled in. He said that when they cranked Dad's GTO to pull it off the trailer it startled him because he had NEVER heard anything like that. He said that he had to inquire about it and look it over. He even asked to crank the car himself after it was pulled off of the trailer. He said that he has ALWAYS wondered what became of that GTO and he was delighted to read our story and relive that day. _________________ LILHOTROD96
1996 Trans Am Ram Air WS6
2002 SOM Trans Am WS6
1969 GTO Ram Air IV
1969 GTO Ram Air III
1965 GTO Tri Power |
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super
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Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Sullivan, Missouri
1974 Super Duty TransAm
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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That is a great story.
I have heard only a few original Ram Air IV's in the past (rare option!!!) and they definitley had their own tone. They actually sound wicked. A few raced at the Pure Stock Drags in the past and did great in the competition. |
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lilhotrod96
Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Location: Alabama
1996 Trans Am WS6 TransAm
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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Dad's is one of 510. I have read about the Pure Stock Drags and that is on my agenda for next year I met a guy at the LSX shootout in Memphis, TN a few weeks ago with a RA IV and he won the event in 2004 with that GTO. ![Smile](images/smiles/icon_smile.gif) _________________ LILHOTROD96
1996 Trans Am Ram Air WS6
2002 SOM Trans Am WS6
1969 GTO Ram Air IV
1969 GTO Ram Air III
1965 GTO Tri Power |
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rexs73gto
Joined: 17 Sep 2015 Posts: 94 Location: Niles MI
1973 GTO
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:54 am Post subject: |
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Of course my favorite car is my 73 GTO, It has been in several different trim levels, from show to race. But when it had the 462 in it & i took a friend for a ride in it before he pasted away & told me after the ride was done that he had never been in any car faster or stronger in his life. He owned 4 SD T/A's at the time & before had a 69 RAIV GTO, a 71 T/A. Now I'm back to the 400 because I had a little problems with it & it will be back in this spring. Right now it has the 413 in it & even my 17 years old daughter can feel the difference. But I have to say my 2nd favorite car has to be a 63 Ventua. I love the nose on teat car. Plus the overall looks are great & it's a big car with lots of room & fast. Then the 3rd is a 62 Cat. A good friend of mine had one for many many years & raced it with the name on the side said SUPRISE that was Steve Snyder, he's gone now to but When he worked still as a tech at a Dodge dealer they actually paid his repairs at the time on his Pontiac so he would race with there name on it. They bought him a new 69 R/T but it wouldn't go as fast as the big Pontiac so they sold it & let him race the Pontiac for the Dodge dealer. Loved it. _________________ I have a 73 GTO that I bought new, well it was a demo because the car I ordered was an SD car which never came in & i had to take what was left because I was in the Navy & had to talk to the dealer when I could. |
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