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1952 Pontiac Catalina Catalog and Classic Car Guide, Ratings and Features

Image of 1952 Pontiac Catalina, sourced from barnfinds.com , Image Link.

Performance Metrics

Performance: +35
Handling: +40
Ride Comfort: +70

Fundamental Metrics

Safety: +30
Maintenance and Upkeep: +60
Restoration Difficulty: +50

Emotional Appeal

Looks: +75
Collectability: +65
Historical Significance: +55

MMP Rating

6.1 /10
Engine Specifications
Engine: Straight-8
Displacement: 268.2 cu in (4.4 L)
Horsepower: 118 hp
Torque: 214 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: 7.7:1
Ignition System: Battery Ignition
Cooling System: Liquid Cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time: Estimated 15 seconds
1/4 Mile Time: Not available
Top Speed: 90 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission Type: 3-speed manual, 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type: Carburetor
MPG: Estimated 15-20 mpg
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes: Drum Brakes
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,500 lbs

Note: Specifications for classic cars are given to the best of our ability, considering the limited and variant data available.

1952 Pontiac Catalina: A Postwar American Classic

The 1952 Pontiac Catalina is not merely a car; it's a gleaming artifact of postwar American optimism. Born from the storied assembly lines of General Motors, the Catalina emerged as a symbol of the era's burgeoning prosperity and technological advancement. This vehicle was more than transportation; it was a statement of style and innovation, capturing the hearts of mid-century motorists.

The Catalina's origin traces back to the Pontiac division, a marque known for its blend of performance and luxury at an accessible price point. As America left the hardships of World War II behind, Pontiac introduced the Catalina as a beacon of modernity in an age ripe with possibility. One notable moment in its history was when it adopted the name 'Catalina' in 1950, which would become synonymous with Pontiac's hardtop styling.

Design and Innovation

The 1952 Pontiac Catalina was a triumph of design, boasting sleek lines and chrome accents that exuded elegance and power. Its exterior styling featured a distinctive 'Silver Streak'—a band of chrome that ran down the hood and trunk, setting it apart from its contemporaries. The car's interior was equally impressive, with high-quality fabrics and an attention to detail that spoke to Pontiac's commitment to comfort and luxury.

Technologically, the Catalina stood out with features like the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission—a rarity at the time—and advancements in suspension that promised a smoother ride. Color options ranged from understated hues to vibrant two-tones, with Chieftain Blue and Sun Beige being popular choices among buyers. Body styles included coupes and sedans, but it was the two-door hardtop that became iconic, capturing the essence of 1950s automotive design.

Historical Significance

The 1952 Catalina didn't just turn heads—it turned corners in automotive history. It played a pivotal role in popularizing the hardtop body style, which blurred the lines between coupes and convertibles by offering a stylish profile without sacrificing structural integrity. The Catalina's influence can be seen in subsequent designs across various manufacturers, marking it as a trendsetter in an era defined by automotive innovation.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior lay an engine capable of delivering robust performance for its time. The top speed and acceleration figures may not rival modern sports cars, but for 1952, the Catalina's V8 engine provided ample power with commendable 0-60 mph times. Drivers praised its handling on both smooth highways and challenging roads; the car offered stability and poise uncommon in many vehicles of its day. The driving experience was characterized by a throaty engine growl, responsive steering, and an overall sense of connection to the road.

Ownership Experience

The 1952 Pontiac Catalina found its niche among various types of drivers—from those using it as a reliable daily driver to enthusiasts showcasing it at car shows or dabbling in vintage racing events. Maintenance was straightforward for mechanically inclined owners, making it a beloved choice for those who valued both reliability and ease of repair.

Fun Facts

This classic has its share of trivia: some models were equipped with innovative features like air conditioning—a luxury at that time—and there were whispers of celebrity ownerships that added to its allure. While not known for breaking speed records, it certainly set sales milestones for Pontiac.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1952 Pontiac Catalina is cherished by collectors for its beauty and historical significance. While exact production numbers are elusive, it is estimated that thousands were produced. Values vary widely based on condition, originality, and history; well-preserved models can fetch significant sums in today's market. The value range is broad but expect figures anywhere from $20,000 to over $50,000 for pristine examples. The market trend shows appreciation for this classic as nostalgia fuels demand.

Conclusion

The 1952 Pontiac Catalina stands as a testament to an era when cars were more than mere transportation—they were emblems of progress and style. Its legacy endures in every chrome detail and every turn of its wheels—a classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Catalog of Parts

1952 Pontiac Catalina Shock Absorber Grommet.  1 bottom O.D., 3/4 high-BN 1 1952 Pontiac Catalina Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each




1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Side Bumper-DB 42 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Side Bumper-DB 42Door Side Bumper. Each bumper has four screws and steel core like original. 1-5/8" high X 1-13/16" X 5/32" thick. Pair

1952 Pontiac Catalina Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper.  Held by screw-DB 60-A 1952 Pontiac Catalina Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw-DB 60-AUpper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw. 7/8" diameter X 1/8" thick. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer-DP 16 1952 Pontiac Catalina Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer-DP 16Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer. Made to original specifications to accommodate chrome molding. 17-1/2" long. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 7/8" diameter X 7/16" thick. Each



1952 Pontiac Catalina Trip Meter Reset Knob.  Made of black rubber-KN 10 1952 Pontiac Catalina Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber-KN 10Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber. Compare to measurements: 1/8" I.D., 7/16" O.D. X 1/2" tall. Each



1952 Pontiac Catalina HYDRAMATIC TRANSMISSION LIP SL-LS 1 1952 Pontiac Catalina HYDRAMATIC TRANSMISSION LIP SL-LS 1HYDRAMATIC TRANSMISSION LIP SL, CADILLAC OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC HUDSON NASH LINC KAISER '46-54, SET

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-A 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ADoor Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-C 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-CDoor Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-D 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-DDoor Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-E 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-EDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-F 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-FDoor Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-G 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-GDoor Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-H 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-HDoor Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-I 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-IDoor Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-J 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-JDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-K 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-KDoor Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-L 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-LDoor Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-M 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-MDoor Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-N 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-NDoor Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob.  Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-O 1952 Pontiac Catalina Door Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ODoor Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Hydro-Electric Power Unit Mounting Cushion-RP 700 1952 Pontiac Catalina Hydro-Electric Power Unit Mounting Cushion-RP 700Hydro-Electric Power Unit Mounting Cushion. Two to three used per car. 1" O.D. X 3/4" high rubber with 1/4 x 20 x 3/4" Studs. Replaces OEM #4149788. Each


1952 Pontiac Catalina Fuel Door Bumper.  Held by screw.  1/2 X 1/2 X 1/4-SB 65 1952 Pontiac Catalina Fuel Door Bumper. Held by screw. 1/2" X 1/2" X 1/4"-SB 65Fuel Door Bumper. Held by screw. 1/2" X 1/2" X 1/4". Pair

1952 Pontiac Catalina Side Window Bumper-SB 98 1952 Pontiac Catalina Side Window Bumper-SB 98Side Window Bumper. For side window glass in vent frame at top of window. Made with steel core like original. Replaces OEM #4180904-5. Pair R&L

1952 Pontiac Catalina Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet-SM 2 1952 Pontiac Catalina Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet-SM 2Speedometer Cable / Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" to 13/16" hole. 3/16" center hole. Each


1952 Pontiac Catalina Special Purpose Grommet-SM 4 1952 Pontiac Catalina Special Purpose Grommet-SM 4Special Purpose Grommet. For firewall, fuel gauge wire, horn wire, hood latch cable and fresh air cable. Fits 1/2" hole. 1/8" center hole. Each


1952 Pontiac Catalina Headlight Wire Grommet-SM 57 1952 Pontiac Catalina Headlight Wire Grommet-SM 57Headlight Wire Grommet. Used with square clip (not included). Fits 7/8" hole. 7/16" center hole. Each


1952 Pontiac Catalina Firewall and Utility Grommet.  Fits 3/4 hole.  3/16 I.D-SM 8 1952 Pontiac Catalina Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D-SM 8Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D. Each



1952 Pontiac Catalina Vertical Seal for Vent Window.  Each is 17 long.  Pair-VS 2 1952 Pontiac Catalina Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair-VS 2Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair

1952 Pontiac Catalina Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VWS 7307 1952 Pontiac Catalina Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VWS 7307Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Hardtops and Convertibles. All models w/body style #2537 and 67 with reveal molding and division bar. Includes molded-in division bar. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Vulcanized Windshield Seal-VWS 7309 1952 Pontiac Catalina Vulcanized Windshield Seal-VWS 7309Vulcanized Windshield Seal. For models with body style 32511, 69 and 71 with reveal molding and division bar. Includes molded-in division bar. Each

1952 Pontiac Catalina Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72 1952 Pontiac Catalina Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72Flexible glass-run channel. Mohair lined, cloth covered with stainless steel bead. Used on side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72 1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96 1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72 1952 Pontiac Catalina Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72 1952 Pontiac Catalina Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. Used on inner and outer beltlines. Also forms easily for use with sliding quarter windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1952 Pontiac Catalina Fender Bolts.  For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001-WF 3000 1952 Pontiac Catalina Fender Bolts. For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001-WF 3000Fender Bolts. For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001. Zinc Chromate plated, high strength. 1" X 5/16". Set of 25

1952 Pontiac Catalina Fender Bolt Washers.  For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000-WF 3001 1952 Pontiac Catalina Fender Bolt Washers. For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000-WF 3001Fender Bolt Washers. For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000. High quality, cadmium plated. 1-1/4" O.D., 3/8" I.D. Set of 25


1952 Pontiac Catalina Front Vent Window Seals.  Does not fit Convertible-WR 7305 1952 Pontiac Catalina Front Vent Window Seals. Does not fit Convertible-WR 7305Front Vent Window Seals. Does not fit Convertible. Pair R&L



Why Choose Metro?

For over 100 years, Metro Moulded Parts has been the pinnacle of quality in classic car restoration parts. Our commitment to precision and authenticity in every component ensures a perfect fit and an OEM-level appearance.

  • Expert Craftsmanship & Quality: Each part is a testament to our dedication to reliability and perfection, crafted from original designs and thoroughly tested.
  • Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge techniques to create flawless, long-lasting parts that surpass others in performance.
  • SuperSoft Sponge – The Ultimate Door Seal: Not only are our door seals 30% softer than competitors', but they're also guaranteed to never leak. They effectively reduce wind and road noise, enhancing your classic car's comfort and driving experience.
  • Proudly American: Our parts are a product of American craftsmanship, made in the USA with a spirit of excellence and heritage.
  • Unrivaled Warranty: We back our products with a 30-year industry-leading warranty, a testament to our confidence in their quality.

Join us in preserving the legacy of classic cars with parts that are crafted for perfection, not just made.

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