6. 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible
In the mid-1960s, the Pontiac GTO was the car to have since it was at the forefront of the exciting new muscle car movement. With its performance, powerful engine and great Pontiac styling, the GTO was the perfect car for the moment. But, it wasn`t the only stellar performance machine coming from Pontiac, and in 1965, there was another pure muscle car icon in form of the Catalina 2+2. Behind this strange name hides a full-size Catalina model, available as a coupe or a convertible, but with a performance twist. The regular Catalina was a handsome, decent selling model, but in 2+2 form, it transformed into a true Gran Turismo with a luxury interior and fire-breathing engine. Since the Catalina was a full-size model, it was eligible for engines over 400 CID, according to GM rules of the time.
The Catalina 2+2 came with the famous 421 V8, and drivers could get the Tri-Power intake system. This power intake system was the same as on the GTO, and it could boost the car’s power to 376 HP. Car buyers could also order limited-slip differentials, heavy-duty steering, brakes and a whole lot more, making the Catalina 2+2 well-appointed but unfortunately, expensive, too. The top of line 2+2 cost over $4,000 which was a hefty sum and much more than the similarly equipped GTO, for example. Pontiac produced around 11,000 of these fine machines in 1965, but only made around 200 convertibles, making the Catalina 2+2 rag top a rare find, indeed.