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1972 Pontiac Catalina Catalog and Classic Car Guide, Ratings and Features

Image of 1972 Pontiac Catalina, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Performance Metrics

Performance: +60
Handling: +50
Ride Comfort: +70

Fundamental Metrics

Safety: +40
Maintenance and Upkeep: +65
Restoration Difficulty: +70

Emotional Appeal

Looks: +75
Collectability: +60
Historical Significance: +50

MMP Rating

6.4 /10
Engine Specifications
Engine: 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8, 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8
Displacement: 400-455 cu in
Horsepower: 170-250 hp
Torque: 325-370 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: 8.2:1 - 8.4:1
Ignition System: Conventional breaker-point ignition system
Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time: 10-12 seconds
1/4 Mile Time: 17-19 seconds
Top Speed: 115-120 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type: Carburetor
MPG: 10-12 mpg
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
Wheelbase: 123 inches
Weight: 4,000-4,500 lbs

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

1972 Pontiac Catalina: A Testament to American Automotive Ingenuity

The 1972 Pontiac Catalina glides into the annals of automotive history with a grace that belies its full-size stature. Born from the ambitious design tables of General Motors, this classic American cruiser encapsulates an era where comfort, style, and power were the cornerstones of the driving experience. As a member of the illustrious Pontiac family, the Catalina was a testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence and aesthetic appeal. Notably, it was during this time that Pontiac was carving out its place in the hearts of American drivers, and the '72 Catalina played a pivotal role in cementing that legacy.

Design and Innovation

With its long hood and distinctive, sweeping lines, the 1972 Pontiac Catalina exuded an air of confidence and sophistication. The car's exterior styling was a harmonious blend of muscular contours and refined chrome accents—a visual feast for any classic car enthusiast. Inside, passengers were greeted with an expansive cabin adorned with premium materials that promised comfort for long journeys. The dashboard's layout was both functional and stylish, featuring woodgrain accents that complemented the soft-touch surfaces throughout. Technologically speaking, the Catalina was equipped with features that were quite advanced for its time, such as optional air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo radio. Color options ranged from subtle to vibrant, with hues like Wilderness Green and Sundance Orange capturing the spirit of the era. Among body styles, the two-door hardtop coupe stood out as an icon of design, though buyers could also opt for sedans and convertibles.

Historical Significance

In a period marked by change and innovation in the automotive industry, the '72 Catalina distinguished itself through its blend of performance and luxury. It offered a glimpse into a future where cars could deliver on multiple fronts—serving not just as mere transportation but as symbols of personal expression and technological prowess. The Catalina's influence can be seen in subsequent models across various manufacturers who sought to capture similar magic in their offerings.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood lay a robust V8 engine that propelled the Catalina with authority. With top speeds that could easily cruise past highway limits of the time and acceleration that brought it from 0-60 mph in respectable figures for its class, this Pontiac was no slouch on the road. Handling was surprisingly nimble for a vehicle of its size; it took bumps with composure and held its own against windy conditions. Drivers often remarked on the visceral rumble of the engine—a sound that became synonymous with American muscle—and how it contributed to an exhilarating driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The 1972 Catalina found its place in various roles—from being a reliable daily driver to gracing car shows with its timeless elegance. Its robust construction meant maintenance was straightforward for those familiar with classic car care, though some parts have become rarer over time. Reliability was generally high, though as with any vintage vehicle, regular upkeep was key to longevity.

Fun Facts

The '72 Catalina has had its share of limelight moments—from starring roles in films to being favored by celebrities of its day. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks in style and comfort that are still appreciated by enthusiasts today. Despite facing criticism for its size during an era when fuel efficiency began gaining importance, it remained popular among those who valued its unique blend of attributes.

Collector's Information

Today's collectors might find a 1972 Pontiac Catalina priced anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on condition, originality, and specific model variant—with convertibles generally commanding higher prices due to their desirability and lower production numbers. While exact production figures are elusive, estimates suggest tens of thousands were produced across all body styles. As interest in classic cars continues to grow, values for well-maintained examples have shown appreciation over time.

Conclusion

The 1972 Pontiac Catalina stands as more than just a relic from another age—it is a celebration of automotive culture at a time when cars were as much about personal freedom as they were about getting from point A to point B. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Pontiac's vision and craftsmanship—a vision that continues to resonate with car enthusiasts around the world.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Catalog of Parts

1972 Pontiac Catalina RE-ISSUE. Door lock-pillar seal-ALP 5055 1972 Pontiac Catalina RE-ISSUE. Door lock-pillar seal-ALP 5055RE-ISSUE. Door lock-pillar seal. Fits '71-'73 GM B-, C- and E-body 2-door hardtop, coupe and convertible (including Cadillac). This part has been completely re-designed from scratch with new cores and new molds. Replaces OEM#'s 9640451/2. Pair. R&L.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Shock Absorber Grommet.  1 bottom O.D., 3/4 high-BN 1 1972 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

1972 Pontiac Catalina Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110 1972 Pontiac Catalina Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear coil-spring insulator 1961-72 GM A-Body-BN 111 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear coil-spring insulator 1961-72 GM A-Body-BN 111Coil spring insulators are a great way to prevent metal-on-metal contact and noise. Manufactured to OEM specifications for a precise fit, these coil spring insulators are made of rubber and are used between the coil spring and the frame of your ride. 3-3/4 in. OD, 2-1/8 in. ID, 5/8 in. high with 3/16 in. , wide bottom flange 1/4 in. thick.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Door Side Seal-C/LP 40-K 1972 Pontiac Catalina Door Side Seal-C/LP 40-KDoor Side Seal. Made of smooth skin sponge extrusion, with clips installed. (For seal without clips, see LP 40-K) Sold by the foot.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Pillar Post Seals for Convertibles.  26 long-CZ 8130 1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Pillar Post Seals for Convertibles. 26" long-CZ 8130Windshield Pillar Post Seals for Convertibles. 26" long. Pair

1972 Pontiac Catalina REISSUE. Header seal-HD 732 1972 Pontiac Catalina REISSUE. Header seal-HD 732REISSUE. Header seal. Fits '71-'75 GM B-body and '71-'76 GM E-body convertibles. Molded from all-new 2015 retooled molds for improved fit and function.


1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Door Seals.  For 2-door hardtops and convertibles-LM 12-H 1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Door Seals. For 2-door hardtops and convertibles-LM 12-HMolded Door Seals. For 2-door hardtops and convertibles. Replaces OEM #9824514/5. Pair R&L

1972 Pontiac Catalina Front Molded Door Seals-LM 16-G 1972 Pontiac Catalina Front Molded Door Seals-LM 16-GFront Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon, with RWD. Each is 138-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals.  For 4-door sedan only, with RWD-LM 16-G/R 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan only, with RWD-LM 16-G/RRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan only, with RWD. Each is 123-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals.  For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-G/W 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-G/WRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Each is 127-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for Convertibles-RKB 2007-115 1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for Convertibles-RKB 2007-115Basic Kit, for Convertibles. Door (LM 12-H) Roof Rail (RR 1814) Trunk (TK 46-E/18), Seals.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop-RKB 2007-116 1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop-RKB 2007-116Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop. Door (LM 12-H) Roof Rail (RR 5007-A) Trunk (TK 46-E/18), Seals.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal.  Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-E 1972 Pontiac Catalina Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each


1972 Pontiac Catalina Oil Filler Hole Cap.  Made of rubber-RP 8 1972 Pontiac Catalina Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber-RP 8Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber. Fits a 1-3/16" to 1-1/4" hole. Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Convertible Top Roof Rail Kit-RR 1814 1972 Pontiac Catalina Convertible Top Roof Rail Kit-RR 1814Convertible Top Roof Rail Kit. 5-Piece set includes all right and left side top rail seals and the windshield top header seal.

1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Roof Rail Seals-RR 5007-A 1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Roof Rail Seals-RR 5007-AMolded Roof Rail Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop -Sport (body style # ending in 57). 82" long. Pair R&L


1972 Pontiac Catalina Seat Bumper.  Made with steel core like original-SB 62-A 1972 Pontiac Catalina Seat Bumper. Made with steel core like original-SB 62-ASeat Bumper. Made with steel core like original. 1-1/2" long, 7/16" thick. Two used per car. Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Front door window stop bumper. ’70-’81 GM passenger cars-SB 70-A 1972 Pontiac Catalina Front door window stop bumper. ’70-’81 GM passenger cars-SB 70-AFront door window stop bumper. '70-'81 GM passenger cars. Dense rubber. Replaces OEM# 9810036. Each.


1972 Pontiac Catalina Dash and Firewall Grommet.  Single-hole type is for one wire-SM 101 1972 Pontiac Catalina Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire-SM 101Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire. Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Firewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L-SM 80-A 1972 Pontiac Catalina Firewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L-SM 80-AFirewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L. Replaces OEM#'s (GM) 7642589 and (AMC) 4001934. Black. Each.


1972 Pontiac Catalina Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket.  1-3/16 O.D., 7/8 I.D-UM 1600-100 1972 Pontiac Catalina Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, made with steel core-VS 3-N 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, made with steel core-VS 3-NRear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, made with steel core. For 2-Door Hardtops and Convertibles. 18" Long. Pair

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 4-Door Hardtops-VS 3-Y 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 4-Door Hardtops-VS 3-YRear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 4-Door Hardtops. 19-1/8" Long. Pair

1972 Pontiac Catalina Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip.  Made of Steel-WF 205 1972 Pontiac Catalina Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip.  For Station Wagons-WF 208 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip.  Made of steel-WF 211 1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip.  Made of steel-WF 223 1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1/1/8" X 3/4". Each

1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip.  Made of steel-WF 224 1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 224Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1-1/4" X 3/4". Fits many models. Each

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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.

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  • Unrivaled Warranty: We back our products with a 30-year industry-leading warranty, a testament to our confidence in their quality.

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