Pontiac Custom Catalina 1953

This video accompanies the slide show movie of my Pontiac.
It was the 73rd Pontiac off the assembly line of the Pontiac, Michigan factory.
The original factory colors of Milano Ivory and Laurel Green is a recent repaint.
The front grille has been replated along with damaged stainless trim replaced.
The flat-head straight eight engine is 268cid at 122 horsepower with the dual range hydramatic transmission.
The wheels are fitted with new Coker wide whitewall tires.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1953
• Pontiac
• Custom
• Catalina

[mayonpi]

Thanks for showing your nice Catalina. My parents also had a '53, inherited when my grandfather died, identical in every way except that the paint was the opposite; olive hardtop and white body. Wonderful leather seats. It was still a strong runner when they sold it in '63. The amber indian head on the hood had a light in it. When the bulb burt-out, I hounded my father until he fixed it.

[boots235]

@mayonpi

Thanks for your comments on the Catalina. You are correct...in 1953 you could get this Pontiac in any combination of these factory colors...which were called Laurel Green and Milano Ivory. I do see a lot of photos online of the car in either of the color combinations. The hood ornament attracts a lot of attention when I take the car to a show. It gets lots of smiles when I turn it on ! Always great to hear from folks who have had experiences with this Pontiac. Thanks again.

[dougs63riv]

Your 53 is beautiful. I learned to drive during the late 50's in my parents car identical to yours and it brings back memories of those days. Ours was purchased used in 56 and they had it til 1960. The red accent in the belt line trim is a nice touch. I don't recall that on ours. We didn't have power steering and as I recall it was a chore to steer. We had a power antenna though, but it never worked! You don't see many of these still around. Thanks for sharing your video. Doug

[boots235]

@dougs63riv Thanks for your message. I am glad you like the car. Yes, the red pinstripe is not an original feature, but I thought it sort of dressed it up a bit, too. Jim

[53chieftain]

Very Nice...Very Nice...maybe one day I may get mine looking that good!! Joe

[boots235]

Thanks Joe. Next month will be a year since I got the car....been a very busy year getting it this way!

Whenever you get a chance you can cast me a new hood ornament insert. Just let me know and I will send you a check. Thanks. Jim

[hep2jive]

beautiful! Im guessing this doesnt get out in the snow/salt LOL

[hep2jive]

I love your pontiac! check out my vids, i have a 1947 pontiac u might like!