1964 · Pontiac · United States
1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2
The 2+2 arrived as a $291 Catalina option and the 370 hp 421 HO replaced the Super Duty at the top.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
With the Super Duty gone after GM's racing withdrawal, Pontiac introduced the 2+2 as a new $291 Catalina option for 1964, available on the hardtop sport coupe (style 2347) and convertible (2367); at the top of the engine list, the 421 HO Tri-Power at 370 hp replaced the departed Super Duty engines. A compiled table records 7,998 2+2 installations across all body styles within a claimed 265,766 Catalinas built for the year.1,2
That 265,766 series total carries an open conflict, however: a rival library instead gives 257,768, and this second figure leads because it is exactly the sum of the seven Catalina body rows both sources print, while 265,766 turns out to be that same 257,768 plus the 7,998 2+2 option row counted a second time, a double-counting defect the compiled table's own dossier itself warns about. The seven body styles broke down as 84,457 four-door sedans, 33,849 four-door hardtops, 12,480 two-door sedans, 74,793 two-door sport coupes, 18,693 convertibles, 13,140 nine-passenger Safaris, and 20,356 six-passenger Safaris, summing to 257,768; a separate transmission breakdown of 15,194 manual and 242,574 Hydra-Matic cars sums to that same corrected total.2,3
List prices ran $2,869 for the two-door sport coupe and $3,181 for the convertible, with the 2+2 option itself adding $291; Motor Trend's own May 1964 test car carried that same $2,869 basic price but reached $4,570.74 as tested with tax and license included. The engine range ran from an automatic-only 230 hp 389 two-barrel and a manual-standard 235 hp two-barrel, both at 8.6:1, through a 283 hp high-compression two-barrel (available with automatic in the Star Chief or manual in the 2+2) and a 303 hp four-barrel at 10.25:1, up to a 330 hp 389 Tri-Power, a 320 hp 421 four-barrel, a 350 hp 421 Tri-Power, and the range-topping 370 hp 421 HO Tri-Power at 5,200 rpm and 460 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm, all three 421s and the 389 Tri-Power at 10.75:1.2,4,1
Motor Trend tested a Catalina 2+2 hardtop with the 421 HO Tri-Power, four-speed manual, and 3.42:1 axle, recording 0-30 mph in 3.1 seconds, 0-45 in 5.2 seconds, 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 93 mph, and a 158-foot stop from 60 mph, on a manufacturer-specified curb weight of 4,000 lb. A three-speed manual was standard, with an M20/M21 Muncie four-speed and Hydra-Matic both optional as well.4,1
Further options for the year included a $161 console with tachometer or a $54 tachometer alone, aluminum hubs and drums ranging $122 to $138, and Ventura trim (styles 2339, 2347, and 2369) at $118. On a 120-inch wheelbase, the Catalina measured 213.0 inches long and 79.2 inches wide, with a 62.5-inch front and 64.0-inch rear tread, and the two-door sport coupe carried a shipping weight of 3,750 lb; fourteen exterior colors were listed. The 2+2 option applied specifically to styles 2347 and 2367, and each car's cowl-mounted body plate recorded a build date, style number, body number, trim code, and paint codes, with assembly plants identified by codes including KC for Kansas City, Missouri and PO for Pontiac, Michigan itself.1,2,5
Fact sheet · 1964 · United States
The numbers
1964 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 — The 2+2 arrived as a $291 Catalina option and the 370 hp 421 HO replaced the Super Duty at the top.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina series total, all bodies2 Catalina · not stated by source The table's TOTAL equals the seven body rows (257,768) plus the 2+2 option row (7,998). Because the 2+2 was an option on the sport coupe and convertible, the total may double count it; the body rows are shown as printed. | 265,766 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina series total, all bodies (sum of body rows)3 Catalina · not stated by source Equals the sum of the seven body rows already in this record (84,457 + 33,849 + 12,480 + 74,793 + 18,693 + 13,140 + 20,356). | 257,768 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 4-door sedan2 Catalina · 4-door sedan · not stated by source | 84,457 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina 4-door hardtop2 Catalina · 4-door hardtop · not stated by source | 33,849 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina 2-door sedan2 Catalina · 2-door sedan · not stated by source | 12,480 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina 2-door sport coupe2 Catalina · 2-door sport coupe · not stated by source | 74,793 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina convertible2 Catalina · convertible · not stated by source | 18,693 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina 4-door Safari 9-passenger2 Catalina · 4-door Safari 9-passenger · not stated by source | 13,140 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina 4-door Safari 6-passenger2 Catalina · 4-door Safari 6-passenger · not stated by source | 20,356 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 2+2 option, all models2,1 Catalina 2+2 · 2-door sport coupe and convertible · not stated by source Coupe and convertible combined; no body split was found. | 7,998 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina, synchromesh (manual) transmission3 Catalina · manual (synchromesh) · not stated by source | 15,194 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Catalina, Hydra-Matic transmission3 Catalina · Hydra-Matic · not stated by source With the manual row this sums to 257,768. | 242,574 | built, model-year | Reported |
The 2+2 row is an option count within the Catalina body rows, not an additional body.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Catalina 2-door sport coupe2 | $2,869 | factory price as compiled, 1964 model year |
| Catalina convertible2 | $3,181 | factory price as compiled, 1964 model year |
| Catalina 2+2 option2,1 | $291 | option price as compiled, 1964 model year |
| Motor Trend 2+2 test car, basic price4 | $2,869 | basic price as printed by the magazine, 1964-05 |
| Motor Trend 2+2 test car, as tested4 | $4,570.74 | price as tested, plus tax and license, 1964-05 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 389 2-bbl1 389 cu in · 2-barrel, 8.6:1 | 230 hp @ 4,000, 386 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | automatic only | Not yet sourced |
| 389 2-bbl1 389 cu in · 2-barrel, 8.6:1 | 235 hp @ 3,600, 407 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | standard with manual | Not yet sourced |
| 389 2-bbl high compression1 389 cu in · 2-barrel, 10.25:1 | 283 hp @ 4,400, 418 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | Star Chief automatic; 2+2 manual | Not yet sourced |
| 389 4-bbl1 389 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.25:1 | 303 hp @ 4,600, 430 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional | Not yet sourced |
| 389 Tri-Power1 389 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 330 hp @ 4,600, 430 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 421 4-bbl1 421 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.75:1 | 320 hp @ 4,400, 455 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 421 Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 350 hp @ 4,600, 455 lb-ft @ 3,400 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 421 HO Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 370 hp @ 5,200, 460 lb-ft @ 3,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | all lines | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| Three-speed manual1 | standard | Not yet sourced |
| M20/M21 · Four-speed manual (Muncie)1 | optional | Not yet sourced |
| Hydra-Matic1 | optional | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Catalina 2+2 (styles 2347, 2367)1,2 | $291 | 7,9982 Reported |
|
Console with tachometer1 | $161 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tachometer1 | $54 | Not yet sourced |
|
Aluminum hubs and drums (price range)1 | $122 | Not yet sourced |
|
Ventura trim (styles 2339, 2347, 2369)1 | $118 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Starlight Black1 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Cameo Ivory1 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Silvermist Gray1 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Yorktown Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Skyline Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
J |
Pinehurst Green1 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Marimba Red1 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Sunfire Red1 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Aquamarine1 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Gulfstream Aqua1 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Alamo Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Saddle Bronze1 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Singapore Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Grenadier Red1 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Nocturne Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
221,286 |
Blue (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
222,288 |
Aqua (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
223,291 |
Olive (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
224,297 |
Saddle (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
225,298 |
Maroon (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
226,231,236,276 |
Blue (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
227,232,237 |
Aqua (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
229,234,238 |
Saddle (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
230,235 |
Maroon (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
233 |
Olive (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
239,280 |
Red (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
240,258-282 |
Black (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
299 |
Silver (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]5 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase1 | 120 in | Catalina (series 23) |
| Overall length1 | 213 in | Catalina |
| Overall width1 | 79.2 in | Catalina |
| Front tread1 | 62.5 in | Catalina |
| Rear tread1 | 64 in | Catalina |
| Shipping weight2 | 3,750 lb | Catalina 2-door sport coupe |
| Curb weight4 | 4,000 lb | Motor Trend 2+2 test car (manufacturer specification) |
Period road tests
| Test | Car tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Trend, 1964-0540-30 mph | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 3.1 s |
| Motor Trend, 1964-0540-45 mph | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 5.2 s |
| Motor Trend, 1964-0540-60 mph | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 6.6 s |
| Motor Trend, 1964-054standing quarter mile, elapsed time | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 15.7 s |
| Motor Trend, 1964-054standing quarter mile, speed | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 93 mph |
| Motor Trend, 1964-054stopping distance from 60 mph | Catalina 2+2 hardtop, 421 H-O Tri-Power (370 hp), four-speed, 3.42:1as reported by the magazine | 158 ft |
A road test result belongs to the one car that was tested, with its engine, gearing, tires, and conditions. It is not a figure for every car of the year.
Identification
- 2+2 bodies
- The 2+2 option applied to Catalina styles 2347 (sport coupe) and 2367 (convertible).1
- Body (cowl) plate
- Body (cowl) plate riveted to the top left cowl under the hood. It carries the build date (month 01-12 and week A-E), the style number (year, series and body style), the body number (assembly-plant prefix and production sequence), the trim code, the lower and upper paint codes, and factory accessory codes. The page's example plate reads: Build Date 03D; Style 64-2267; Body KC 13XX; Trim 217; Paint P11.5
- Body-plate assembly-plant codes
- BA = Baltimore, MD; BT = Arlington, TX; BA = Doraville, GA; BW = Wilmington, DE; BC = Southgate, CA; EP = Euclid, OH; BF = Fremont, CA; KC = Kansas City, MO; BK = Kansas City, KS; PO = Pontiac, MI; BL = Linden, NJ.5
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1964 Pontiac VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1964
- Buick Riviera The 425 became standard, the dual-quad Super Wildcat 360 arrived as an option, and the Super Turbine 400 replaced the twin-turbine automatic.
- Buick Wildcat The best Wildcat year at 84,245, with a 425 in 340- or 360-hp form and an available four-speed.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The first Chevelle; the Malibu SS was a series, and its strongest released engine was the midyear 300 hp L74 327.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova First V8 (283) year in the source engine table. Enthusiast-compiled production: 191,691 cars; Super Sport 10,576.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS No factory Super Sport El Camino is documented for this year; the record carries the host El Camino production as context.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Super Sport becomes its own series: 185,325 built.
- Chrysler 300 letter series Cheaper by about $1,000, with a single-four-barrel 360 hp 413 standard, leather made optional and the convertible restored, the 300K became the best-selling letter car: 3,022 hardtops and 625 convertibles.
- Dodge Dart 330/440, Polara and Max Wedge The Max Wedge's last year brought the Ramcharger 426-III, a 365 hp street 426 for Polara buyers, and in midyear a competition-only 426 Hemi in lightened 330/440 bodies; Roger Lindamood's Dodge won Top Stock at the Nationals.
- Ford Fairlane The year of the Thunderbolt: a midsize Fairlane with a 427 installed for NHRA Super Stock, which carried Gas Ronda to the national Stock title.
- Ford Falcon Sprint The restyled Falcon kept the Sprint hardtop and convertible with the 164 hp 260 V8 standard; the club counts 18,108 built, many with a bench seat.
- Ford Galaxie Ford sold its 427 in the restyled full-size range in two advertised versions, 410 hp with one four-barrel and 425 hp with two, and the Galaxie 500 XL hardtop was the bucket-seat flagship.
- Ford Thunderbird The redesigned fourth-generation car offered one drivetrain, a 300-hp 390 with Cruise-O-Matic, and output rose to 92,465.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Cyclone name first appeared on a 1964 Comet hardtop; the only production figure found is a single secondary total.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 Marauder now meant the fastback roof on any full-size Mercury series, two-door or four-door, with the 390 standard and the 427 optional.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds Oldsmobile's first 4-4-2 was a mid-year option package, B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit, with a 310 hp 330, a four-speed and dual exhausts; 2,999 are tabulated.
- Oldsmobile Starfire Production fell to 16,163 as the cheaper Jetstar I took the same body; Motor Trend timed a convertible at 9.7 s to 60.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Plymouth's glassback Valiant-based fastback launched in a short first season and sold 23,443 cars.
- Plymouth Savoy, Fury and Max Wedge Plymouth's last Max Wedge year offered the Super Stock 426-III beside a 365 hp street 426 Commando, while a competition-only 426 Hemi went into lightened Savoy/Belvedere drag cars and swept the Daytona 500.
- Pontiac GTO A $295 option on the Tempest LeMans that put Pontiac's 389 in the intermediate body; 32,450 were built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix A carryover year: 63,810 built, with the 370 hp 421 HO at the top of the option list.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Tempest becomes a 115-inch intermediate with a 326 V8, and the LeMans carries the new GTO option.
- Studebaker Avanti The last Studebaker Avanti, cut short when South Bend stopped building cars on 20 December 1963. It got rectangular headlamp bezels and a level stance, and 809 were built, including the nine production R3s.
- Studebaker Hawk The final Hawk, with a new deck lid and an optional vinyl 'Sports Roof', ended when South Bend closed on 20 December 1963. 1,767 were built, 1,484 of them domestic.
- Studebaker Lark and Super Lark Brooks Stevens restyled the Lark-type line and the Daytona became its top series. Of the V8 Daytonas, 111 got the R1 and 48 the supercharged R2, and one got the only production R4, before South Bend closed in December 1963.