1962 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Full Size Pontiacs Grow a Bit in 1962
Full-size Pontiacs grew about an inch and a half for 1962. Wheelbase on the Catalina and Grand Prix went up to 120 inches but stayed at 119 inches for the wagons. The big news was the new Grand Prix Sport Coupe – an all-new model for 1962. It was a performance-oriented coupe with bucket seats, a console with shifter, a tachometer, 4-barrel carburetor V-8, dual exhausts, and “sport” rear axle ratio of 3.42:1.
1962 Pontiac Resources
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1962 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1962 Pontiac Full-Size Cars
The 1962 Pontiacs received a heavy facelift from the 1961 design with more rounded body contours. They had new rooflines on two-door hardtops featuring convertible-like bows. Styling revisions included a V-shaped twin grille, full-length side sculpturing, and new rear end styling with curved tail lamps.
Most regular engine and transmission offerings were carried over from 1961 with the 389 CID V-8, ranging in power ratings from 215 HP to 348 HP. A small number of 1962 Catalinas and other Pontiacs were built with a race version of the 421 CID Super Duty V-8 with two four-barrel carburetors and 405 HP – a $2,250 option, almost the base price of a Cataline coupe that year. There were quite a few other “over the counter” performance options offered by Pontiac – even including aluminum bumpers and even lighter frames with drilled called the “Swiss cheese” units.
Catalina
Catalina sedans and coupes got a wheelbase increase to 120.0″. Safari wagons retained the 119.0″ wheelbase. 1962 also saw the introduction of the Grand Prix, a sporty version using the body style of the Catalina hardtop coupe. Ventura trim became an add-on package for the two Catalina models – 2 door Sport Coupe and the 4- door Vista.
Bonneville
In 1962, the Bonneville came with instrument panels and door panels with walnut veneer trim, carpeted lower door panels, grab bar on the passenger side of the dash and courtesy lights and a rear arm rest. The two-door hardtop was marketed as the “Sports Coupe”, the four door pillarless models were called “Vistas”.
The standard engine was the Bonneville’s 303 HP 389 CID V-8, which came with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. Tri-Power carburation raised output to 318 HP. Two other high-performance 389s were offered, including a high performance four-barrel version rated at 333 HP and a Tri-Power 348 HP version. Late in the model year a “street” version of the race-orientated 421 Pontiac offered in 1961 and 1962 became available, but only in a four-barrel form rated at 320 HP.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix was an all-new model for Pontiac in the 1962 model year as a performance-oriented personal luxury car. It used the Catalina two-door hardtop platform with minimal outside chrome trim. The Grand Prix featured distinctive grille and taillights. Also unique was the interior trim with bucket seats and a center console in the front to make the new model a lower-priced entry in the growing personal-luxury segment.
The Grand Prix was available with luxury features from the longer, top-line Bonneville coupe. The bucket seats were upholstered in “Morrokide” vinyl, while nylon loop-blend carpeting covered the floor and lower door panels. It was also installed with a center console with a transmission shifter, and tachometer. The rear bench seat included a center fold-down armrest and a speaker grille that could be made functional with the extra-cost Bi-Phonic rear speaker. Included were a padded instrument panel, deluxe steering wheel, and courtesy lights. The base powertrain included the 303 HP version of 389 CID V-8 engine with four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, and “acceleration” rear axle ratio of 3.42:1. Also part of the package was a three-speed manual transmission or optional console-mounted four-speed manual or Hydra-Matic automatic. The listed retail price before optional equipment was $3,490.
Historical
An automatic transmission was by far the most popular option among Pontiac buyers for 1962. Automatic transmissions found homes in Pontiacs in numbers ranging from 94% of Catalinas to 99.5% of Star Chiefs. Performance was still king, shown by 1,514 cars built with the 421 cubic inch Super Duty V-8s. Across the board sales were up for Pontiac. Production increased from 340,7635 in 1961 to 378,244 full size cars.
1962 Pontiac Factoids
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The Grand Prix was an all-new Pontiac this year as a performance-oriented coupe with 303 HP 389 CID V-8, bucket seats, a center console with a transmission shifter, tachometer, dual exhausts, and a 3.42:1 rear axle. It sat on the Catalina coupe platform with minimal outside chrome trim and unique front fascia. See Grand Prix Ads HERE.
Full Size Pontiac 2-door hardtops had new roof lines featuring convertible-like bows. (Four-door hardtop Bonneville and Star Chief models used the same look).
1962 Pontiac Facts – Was the Pontiac Grand Prix GM’s first full-size sports luxury car?
The Pontiac Grand Prix gets the credit for the first full-size luxury Sport Coupe, but that’s not the case. Oldsmobile scooped the field with the Starfire in 1961! You can see that 1961 Starfire brochure HERE. Buick released their own version in in 1962, called the Wildcat. See the Wildcat Brochure HERE.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina Series 23 – Catalina’s outside identification came from small hub caps, unaccented side spear moldings and “Catalina” in script on the front fenders. The nine-passenger Catalina Safaris were equipped with a power tailgate window. Ventura sport trim became an add-on package for the Convertible and Sport Coupe Catalinas. Catalina standard equipment included turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, windshield wiper and five tubeless tires.
Catalina models were 2-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop, Convertible and 6- and 9-passenger Station Wagons.
Star Chief – Series 26 – Star Chiefs were distinguished by full-length body rub moldings and three slanting stars on the rear fins. Interior trims included Pyramid Pattern cloth and Morrokide combinations or all-Morrokide. Standard equipment included all Catalina features plus custom steering wheel, electric clock, DeLuxe wheel discs, right hand ash tray and decor molding, dual speed wipers and special upholstery.
Star Chief models were 4-door Sedan and 4-door Hardtop.
Bonneville – Series 28 – The trim on the Bonneville included chrome side spear moldings with ribbed bands in the concave portion, elongated V-shaped rear fender medallions, ribbed trim moldings on the deck lid latch panel. “Bonneville” was found in block letters on the front fenders and deck lid latch panel and on the left-hand radiator grille. Upholstery was of fine woven Morrokide or optional all-leather. High-wing bucket seats were optional in Bonneville convertibles. Standard equipment included all items found on Star Chiefs plus rear foam cushions, padded dashes, and courtesy lamps.
Bonneville Custom Safari – The Safari was now part of Series 28. Trim on Bonneville Custom Safari included chrome side spear moldings with ribbed bands in the concave portion, elongated V-shaped rear fender medallions. “Bonneville” in block letters was located on the front fenders and on the left-hand radiator grille. Pleated Morrokide upholstery in two tones was featured, as well as a concealed luggage locker. Standard equipment included all items found on the Star Chief plus padded dash and courtesy lamps.
Bonneville models were 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Hardtop, Convertible and 6-passenger Station Wagon.
Grand Prix – Series 29 – The new-for-1962 Grand Prix in some sense replaced the Ventura model as it sat on the same 120″ wheelbase as the Catalina. The Grand Prix was identified by clean side styling with a checkered flag badge in the “cove” section of side spears. Further identification came from rocker panel molding, an anodized grille insert and nose piece, and special rear-end styling.
The standard equipment list included all Bonneville features except courtesy lamps, plus monotone Morrokide upholstery, bucket seats, and center console with tachometer.
The Grand Prix was only available as a 2-door hardtop Sport Coupe.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 215 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 230 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 235 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 267 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 283 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 303 HP 389 CID V8 AMT
- 303 HP 389 CID V8 SMT
- 318 HP 389 CID V-8
- 333 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- 348 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- 405 HP 421 CID SD V-8
- NOTES
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 215 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020060.
NOTE: Standard Catalina and Star Chief.
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.
NOTE: Standard all when economy/automatic transmission is selected.
389 CID 4-Barrel Low Compression V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 235 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.
NOTE: Standard in Bonneville only when Heavy Duty manual transmission is ordered, where optional. Optional for Catalina and Star Chief.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 267 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 405 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.
NOTE: Standard on Catalina only when 2-barrel high compression is ordered.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 283 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 413 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.
NOTE: Standard on Star Chief only when 2-barrel high compression is ordered.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 303 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3300S.
NOTE: Standard in Grand Prix and Bonneville when automatic transmission is ordered. Optional Catalina and Star Chief
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 303 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.
NOTE: Standard in Grand Prix only when manual transmission is ordered. Not available others with manual transmission.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center manual transmission) 7020064 (center automatic transmission – Catalina & Grand Prix) 7020069 (center center automatic transmission – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7020067, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional all lines.
389 CID 4-Barrel 425-A V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 333 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel (synchromesh) Model 3123S, (Hydra-Matic) Model 3300S.
Ignition: Dual-breaker ignition.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Optional all lines.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel 425-A V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 348 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7020064 (center Hydra-Matic- Catalina & Grand Prix) 7020069 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7020067, (rear) 7013065.
Ignition: Dual-breaker ignition.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Optional all lines.
421 CID Dual 4-Barrel Super Duty V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical. Rocker ratio: 1.65:1.
Camshaft timing: Intake 308°, Exhaust 320°, Overlap 87°. Lift 0.445″.
Carburetors: Two 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors Model (front) 3433 (rear) 3435.
Ignition: Dual-breaker ignition.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Optional Catalina 2-doors and Grand Prix only.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1962 V8 engines may be found in the 1962 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size sheets HERE.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 23 and 29 – 120.0 inches, Series 23 Safari and 27 – 119 inches, Series 26 and 28 – 123 inches.
- Overall length: Series 23 Safari and 27 – 212.3 inches, Series 23 and 29 – 211.6 inches, Series 26 and 28 – 218.0 inches.
- Overall width: 78.6 inches.
- Overall height: Catalina, Star Chief & Bonneville – 55.9 inches, Grand Prix – 54.5 inches.
- Front tread: 62.5 inches.
- Rear tread: 62.5 inches.
- Standard tires: Pontiac Coupes and Sedans – 8.00 x 14, Station wagons – 8.50 x 14.
- Optional tires: All – 8.50 x 14, Police and H.D. – 8.00 x 14 6-ply.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Catalina & Ventura: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- Star Chief & Bonneville (Optional Catalina & Safari): 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Three Speed Hydra-Matic: 1st – 2.97:1, 2nd – 1.56:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1.
- Four Speed Hydra-Matic: 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.74:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
NOTE: For more information on the powertrain options, see the 1962 full size Pontiac AMA specifications sheets, found HERE.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models. Heavy Duty Optional.
- Super Hydra-Matic ($231.34).
- Four-speed Synchromesh with floor shift ($231.34).
- Dual exhausts were standard with the “Trophy 425A” and Super Duty V-8s – ($30.88) on others.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $42.00 .
- Four-barrel carburetor was standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix unless Economy V-8 ordered. On other models ($24.00).
- Tri-Power induction ($116.00 – $174.00) depending on model and transmission.
- The four-barrel “425A” V-8 ($199.00 – $294.00) depending on model and transmission.
- The Tri-Power “425A” V-8 ($312.00 – $401.00) depending on model and transmission.
- The “421 Super Duty” V-8 ($2,250.00) regardless of model.
- Seven rear axle gear ratios were available, with the 3.64:1 and 3.90:1 on special order only.
1962 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum 8-lug hubs and drums ($107).
- Bucket seats ($116).
- Electric antenna ($30).
- E-Z Eye glass ($43).
- Guide-Matic headlamp control ($43).
- Heavy-duty springs ($19).
- Luggage carrier ($99).
- Magic-Cruise ($16).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power tailgate ($32).
- Power windows ($104).
- Safeguard speedometer ($19).
- Six-way power seat ($97).
1962 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1962 Pontiac Facts –
Related Document
Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1962 Pontiac Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1962 Pontiac Full Size Car Regular Brochure
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Print Ads
1962 Pontiac Bonneville & Star Chief Print Ads
1962 Pontiac Catalina Print Ads
1962 Pontiac Full-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1962 Pontiac NHRA Engine Specifications Sheets
1962 Pontiac Catalina 421 Drag Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix 421 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1962 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1962 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Sport Coupe
The 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix was brand new offering from Pontiac. It capitalized on the desire for class, performance, and style. An astounding 30,195 of the all-new model were delivered.
1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Interior
This illustration of the 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix interior says it all – even by today’s standards it looks good.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible was slick, stylish, and powerful especially when equipped with the 348 HP Tri-Power V-8. A total of 21,582 were sold this year.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-door Hardtop
The 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-door was very popular with 44,015 4-doors sold.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe
The 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe was popular with 31,629 units delivered.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville Interiors
The 1962 Bonneville Convertible could be had with bucket seats and a console – both extra cost options. The Bonneville hardtops could be had with this interior (right lower).
1962 Pontiac Dashboard
1962 Pontiac dashboards were designed to stretch the eye and reinforce the “Wide-Track” image Pontiac touted.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville Safari
The 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Safari wagon was a classy vehicle that appealed to a specific clientele. As such, 4,527 were produced.
1962 Pontiac Bonneville-Bonneville Safari Interior
The 1962 Pontiac standard Bonneville and Bonneville Safari Interiors were identical.
1962 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-door Hardtop
The 1962 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-door hardtop was a big Pontiac for a great price. 13,882 were built.
1962 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan was solid transportation with a luxury look, and 27,760 were delivered.
1962 Pontiac Star Chief Interiors
1962 Pontiac Star Chief interiors were similar to the Bonneville’s as befitting the line.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina convertible was a lower-cost alternative to the Bonneville version, and 16,877 left the showroom.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Sport Coupe
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina line was very popular with the Sport Coupe seeing 46,024 sold.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Vista 4-door Hardtop
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina Vista 4-door hardtop was very sought after. 29,251 were delivered.
1962 Pontiac Catalina 2-door and 4-door Sedans
The true meal tickets for Pontiac were the Catalina 2 and 4-door sedans. The 4-door sold 68,124 and the 2-door followed with 14,263.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Interiors
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina Interiors were either simple (sedans) or classy (hardtops).
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari
The Pontiac Catalina Safari came in 6- and 9- passenger configurations. Combined, they sold 30,115 units, with 19,399 being the 6-passenger version.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Interior
The 1962 Pontiac Catalina Safari Interior was utilitarian but crisp.