Pontiac 2+2

Infobox Automobile


name = Pontiac 2+2
aka = Parisienne 2+2 (in Canada)
manufacturer = General Motors
class = sports grand tourer
production = 1964-1967 in the U.S.
body_style = 2 Dr. sports coupe, convertible
engine = Pontiac V-8, OHV
transmission = 3 or 4-speed manual, automatic
length = Auto in|214.6|0
height = Auto in|48.001|0
wheelbase = Auto in|121|0

|The Pontiac 2+2 was a high performance automobile manufactured by Pontiac Motor Division and debuted in 1964 as an interior trim option with special door panels, buckets seats and center console on the full size Catalina. Beginning in 1965, the name Catalina was no longer found on the car any where. The cars were given the famous 421 cubic inch power plant, dual exhaust, heavy duty front springs as well as its own outer body trim appointments. It officially became its own series according to the numbers [pg. 115, "Big Pontiac's - A Source Book", edited and annotated Thomas E. Bonsal (1983) ISBN 0-934780-26-9] in 1966, on the same platform, but reverted again to an option in 1967 [pg. 127, "Big Pontiac's - A Source Book", edited and annotated Thomas E. Bonsal (1983) ISBN 0-934780-26-9] and was discontinued the same year due to poor sales. Make no mistake, from '65 through '67 the 2+2 was distinctive. It continued as a series in Canada until 1970. The 2+2 was produced in low numbers and are fairly rare cars today as many were lost to the drag strip as well as the crusher. Though they have managed over the years to remain a well kept secret, they are beginning to come in to their own as people are realizing that they are a highly collectible automobiles. Due to their rarity, there is much misinformation about these cars in print. The Pontiac Historical Society is an excellent source for correct information concerning the Pontiac 2+2

Design

The designation 2+2 means front bucket seats and dual exhaust. It was designated officially at Pontiac as a "regular performance" model [pg. 99, "Big Pontiac's - A Source Book", edited and annotated Thomas E. Bonsal (1983) ISBN 0-934780-26-9] created to fill the affordable sports market niche between the base Catalina, upon which it was built, and the brand new GTO. The 2+2 was intended by Pontiac to be to the Catalina platform what the GTO was to the Lemans. Standard on the 2+2 beginning with the 1965 models was a high-compression 421 V8 powered through a 3-speed manual transmission, with 3-speed automatic and 4-speed as optional equipment. Consumers also had the option of ordering an array of induction setups to feed it, like a single 4bbl carburetor or a 3x2 configuration, called Tri-Power. The suspension was stiffened for improved handling with heavy duty springs and sway bars. When it was discontinued by 1968, all options were still available to consumers, and a purchaser could still effectively build themselves a 2+2, just not with the badges.

Exterior

The "2+2" was only available as a hardtop coupe or convertible. Distinguishing a "2+2" visually from a Catalina was easy, simply by spotting the tell-tale "shark-gill" louvers on the fenders or quarter panels. As 2+2 body styles were re-worked yearly like clockwork, so too did the look and placement of the louvers, as they had a tendency to be placed on different locations on the fenders from one year to the next. 1964 was the only year that the "2+2" came without them. Along with the badges that appeared on the fenders, hood, and interior to identify the "2+2", other details that appeared included a metal trim that ran the full length of the car, along the lower body line and skirt on the 1965 and 1966, and at mid-door height on the 1967. Another distinguishing feature was the pin-stripe trim package offered after 1965. Interior The sport interior was equipped with individual bucket seats. Automatic transmission cars had a column shift as standard equipment, console and floor shift were optional. Manual transmission cars had a floor shift as standard equipment. The console was also an option. The elegant Catalina dashboard was carried over as well, and fitted with fully functional gauges. Other features included a console-mounted vacuum gauge, to monitor efficient engine use while driving, and a tachometer mounted at the top left corner of the dash fascia and later the hood, as an option in 1967.

Power plant

The Catalina and "2+2" were built on a light weight platform ideally suited to accepting performance and handling improvements, and came with the same variety of power options as its big sister, the "Bonneville" though it was considered the big Sister to the GTO.

1964

Pontiac offered the 2+2 as a trim option only in 1964. Most of the trim specifics were found in the passenger compartment. Without the 2+2 badges on the outside, it looked very much like the base Catalina. Standard was the 389 in³, OHV "Trophy" V8, rated at convert|283|hp|abbr=on under a Rochester 2bbl carburetor, and a 3-speed transmission controlled by a floor shifter mounted through the center console. A 4-speed was available at extra cost as was an automatic.

Trivia

*Car and Driver (March 1965) tested a Catalina "2+2" and recorded a top speed of over convert|130|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on and a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds [ [http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/pontiac-catalina/pontiac-catalina-history.shtml Muscle Car Club] On-line car registry] . The 3.9 time is in dispute, as it has been suggested that the actual car used was a ringer. [1st paragraph - [http://www.pontiactorque.com/1965.htm Pontiac Torque] A fan-based site with interesting trivia] .

Footnotes

External links