Today, it comes as no surprise that Pontiac rose to prominence as America’s third-ranking automaker, holding that position for eight straight years from 1962 through 1969 – a time when Pontiac excitement was heightened by incredibly successful marketing efforts led by Jim Wangers.

The Catalina was a perfect case in point. With it, Pontiac created an automobile specifically targeted to buyers who required usable passenger accommodations yet still wanted superior driving dynamics and cutting-edge styling. The 1962 Catalina was exactly that and featured a newly designed grille and understated side spears. This marked a considerable cosmetic improvement over the previous model.

This Pontiac is formerly of the Milton Robson Collection. Mr. Robson’s love for the 1962 Catalina was based on his admiration for their driving quality and overall usability. When he purchased this example, he opted to keep it as it was with the overall originality of the car being paramount.

Robson had actually flown to Bloomington, Illinois to inspect the car and decided to purchase it on the spot. At the time, the Catalina showed just 18,000 miles from new, and when the weather wouldn’t allow him to fly home, he opted to drive the car home. After a 12-hour journey, without any reported issues, it was clear that this particular Catalina was worth every penny. Its originality caused him to leave it as he had purchased it, adding only the eight-lug wheels which were a factory option on the car in 1962.

The Catalina is a solid rust-free driver that features the requisite bench seats and tri-color interior. PHS documentation showed that the car was delivered new in the color scheme of Mandalay Red with the Red Morrokide bench seat and a column shift automatic transmission, exactly as it remains today. Additional options listed included power brakes, power steering, back up lights, heavy duty air cleaner, manual antenna and rear seat speaker.

This Catalina is currently owned by Terry Earwood, the winningest driver in the history of the Firestone Firehawk Endurance Series and the 1973 NHRA Super Stock National Champion.

Much as it remains today, the Pontiac is remarkably original and not in need of restoration. As one of Milton’s preferred drivers, one can justly assume this Catalina is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner for many more miles.