Image of 1972 Pontiac Catalina, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.
Performance Metrics
Fundamental Metrics
Emotional Appeal
MMP Rating
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](https://metrommp.com/product_images/i/403/ALP5055__31834.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Shock Absorber Grommet. 1 bottom O.D., 3/4 high-BN 1](https://metrommp.com/product_images/x/321/BN1__54075.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110](https://metrommp.com/product_images/p/827/BN110__19031.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear coil-spring insulator 1961-72 GM A-Body-BN 111](https://metrommp.com/product_images/q/556/BN-1111__53271.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Door Side Seal-C/LP 40-K](https://metrommp.com/product_images/d/277/CLP40K__04430.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Pillar Post Seals for Convertibles. 26 long-CZ 8130](https://metrommp.com/product_images/p/738/CZ8130__65512.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina REISSUE. Header seal-HD 732](https://metrommp.com/product_images/r/703/HD732__00389.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Hood to Fender Bumper. Each-HF 24](https://metrommp.com/product_images/w/507/HF24__06501.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Door Seals. For 2-door hardtops and convertibles-LM 12-H](https://metrommp.com/product_images/f/138/LM12H__92526.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Front Molded Door Seals-LM 16-G](https://metrommp.com/product_images/i/560/LM16G__06121.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan only, with RWD-LM 16-G/R](https://metrommp.com/product_images/j/211/LM-16-G-R_1__42609.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-G/W](https://metrommp.com/product_images/l/698/LM16GW_1__85310.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for Convertibles-RKB 2007-115](https://metrommp.com/product_images/n/173/RKB2007115__07565.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Basic Kit, for 2-Door Hardtop-RKB 2007-116](https://metrommp.com/product_images/x/655/RKB2007116__87660.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-E](https://metrommp.com/product_images/k/997/RP2E__06350.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Sun Visor Support Sleeve. Clear plastic. Each-RP 303-A](https://metrommp.com/product_images/e/837/RP303A__37993.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber-RP 8](https://metrommp.com/product_images/j/176/RP8__99551.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Convertible Top Roof Rail Kit-RR 1814](https://metrommp.com/product_images/n/632/RR1814__93604.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Roof Rail Seals-RR 5007-A](https://metrommp.com/product_images/n/432/RR5007A__88596.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Molded Roof Rail Seals for 4-Door Hardtop. Pair-RR 5007-E](https://metrommp.com/product_images/a/739/RR5007E__51987.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Seat Bumper. Made with steel core like original-SB 62-A](https://metrommp.com/product_images/r/140/SB62A__05837.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Front door window stop bumper. ’70-’81 GM passenger cars-SB 70-A](https://metrommp.com/product_images/o/697/SB70A__65682.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8 high, 5/16 O.D. Each-SB 81](https://metrommp.com/product_images/d/057/SB81__83383.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire-SM 101](https://metrommp.com/product_images/j/647/SM101__70061.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Firewall insulation fastener. 1 in. dia. W head. 1-1/2 in. L-SM 80-A](https://metrommp.com/product_images/i/799/SM80A__66734.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Trunk Seal. Each-TK 46-E/18](https://metrommp.com/product_images/g/300/TK46E18__47163.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16 O.D., 7/8 I.D-UM 1600-100](https://metrommp.com/product_images/b/018/UM1600100__05445.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, made with steel core-VS 3-N](https://metrommp.com/product_images/w/702/VS3N__10071.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Roll-Up Quarter Window Seals, for 4-Door Hardtops-VS 3-Y](https://metrommp.com/product_images/t/007/VS3Y__88429.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205](https://metrommp.com/product_images/f/358/WF205__12068.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208](https://metrommp.com/product_images/w/248/WF208__54399.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211](https://metrommp.com/product_images/o/452/WF211__81101.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223](https://metrommp.com/product_images/t/703/WF223__35525.jpg)
![1972 Pontiac Catalina Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 224](https://metrommp.com/product_images/n/264/WF224__58584.jpg)
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.