1970 Pontiac Catalina 400

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/pontiac/catalina/1142759.html

 

Looks nice and unmolested. Never was a big fan of that front end. Too much body color around the headlights, and the center divider is too large and just overpowers everything. Still, if it was next door and not too much, I'd consider it.

 

I love the 70 Pontiac. Beautiful car, in great condition. The only thing that would make it better to me is if it were a Bonneville.

 

My least favorite front end from this period Pontiac.

When I was much younger, I would scout out the dealers starting in late August, looking for the new models in the back lots before 'release date'. I remember coming across the new '70 Pontiac and thinking, "Man that's an ugly front end."

 

100% agreement MikeT1961

 

Any thoughts on a ballpark price for this one?

 

That's tough. Very rare original Pontiac wagon with somewhat limited appeal. Looks to be very solid for what it is. As the saying goes, "Find another!"

 

I found it funny in the write up, the car comes with the original warranty papers and maintenance to 1975. The first 5 years of a 45 year old car, some history.

 

The Old Cars Price Guide says that this car, in showroom condition, is worth about $9,000. In "car show" condition, the value is about $6,000. So perhaps somewhere in between, depending on its level of pristine-ness.

Unfortunately, the ad has only one photo. Car sounds nice, though, and will be auctioned on February 20. It'll be interesting to see what it draws.

 

6-9k seems pretty reasonable if its in perfect condition. I agree with that...

I know its not highly optioned and is only a 6 seater, but the 1970s are pretty rare and especially in good condition as this one appears to be...

There's the black Catalina floating around on a bunch of sites but they're asking 25k for it and that's a little too much for what the car is

I've contacted the auction house to see if I can obtain some more pics... there are actually two on that site, car is Lot 69 and gets auctioned on the Friday night

http://www.classic-carauction.com/auction_details.cfm?pagesubid=54&auctionid=7334

 

Don't make the common mistake that rarity + good condition = valuable. It's not true.

Three things have to be true for an old car to have high value. Rarity, condition, and desirability. People have to want the car. People aren't going to flock to it just because it's rare and in good shape. If it's not a sought-after vehicle, it won't command a high price.

 

So this Old Car Price Guide really does not have any merit then, book price vs. desirability ????

 

Jaunty75, I understand it has to be about what the market desires and I know 1970 Pontiacs don't rate very high on that scale, but I meant in a personal context

 

I'm ok with the 70 front end but the 71 was a big improvement such as on Brandon's Clam before it got bashed.

 

More Pics

The owner sent more pics of the wagon... exterior, will post a couple interior pics in another response