AutoHunter Spotlight: 1965 Pontiac 2+2

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1965 Pontiac 2+2 Sports Coupe. This Catalina-based muscle car is powered by a Tri-Power 421cid V8 and connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power steering and brakes, air conditioning, and Pontiac’s famous eight-lug wheels. Finished in blue over a white vinyl interior, this Poncho comes from the selling dealer with original vehicle documentation and vehicle history paperwork, manuals, rebuild receipts, reproduction window sticker, the original air cleaner, rear wheel skirts and other parts, and a clear title.

Nineteen sixty-five was THE year for Pontiac. The GTO came into its own, the division won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award across the board, and there was a new performance package for the Catalina called 2+2. Introduced in 1964, the 2+2 package was a sporty aggregation of bucket seats, console, and four-speed or automatic transmission; for 1965, it became a de facto performance package no different than the GTO but for the Catalina instead of the LeMans. Standard power was a 338-horsepower 421, with two Tri-Power options up to 3767 horses available. Available for the Catalina Sports Coupe and Convertible, the 2+2 package was installed on 11,521 Catalinas in 1965.

The exterior was refinished in the original color of Blue Charcoal (code B) about 10 years ago. Features include driver-side rearview mirror, front fender-mounted antenna, simulated fender extractors, roof drip moldings (code B80 on the data plate), rocker and wheel opening moldings, 2+2 and 421 emblems, and trunklid trim.

A set of black 14-inch eight-lug Pontiac wheels without trim rings is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The interior is upholstered in white vinyl. Features include power steering, console with automatic transmission shifter, AM radio, and factory air conditioning (code C60 on the data plate).

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery. A factory vacuum gauge is mounted on the center console. The odometer reads 60,497 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by the reportedly numbers-matching and newly rebuilt 421. Putting out 356 horsepower, the Tri-Power engine is connected to a replacement TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include black Pontiac valve covers and individual chrome air cleaner housings. The selling dealer states that the engine has logged 150 miles since being rebuilt.

This Pontiac was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power four-wheel drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.