1962 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

Pontiac Grows
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,” but stayed at 119″ for the wagons.

The big news was the new Grand Prix Sport Coupe.

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General Year Information

Full-Size Pontiacs

Wheelbase on the Catalina and the new Grand Prix went up to 120,” but stayed at 119″ for the wagons. Styling revisions included a V-shaped twin grille, full-length side sculpturing, and new rear end styling with curved tail lamps. Ventura trim became an add-on package for the two Catalina models – 2 door Sport Coupe and the 4- door Vista.

The big news was that the Grand Prix Sport Coupe bowed and that the Ventura as a model disappeared. The Ventura was now only an interior trim package on Catalina Convertibles and Sport Coupes. The Grand Prix was inspired by the success of the Oldsmobile Starfire. Pontiac’s new “sport” version would prove an immediate success, but unlike the Starfire, the Grand Prix would only be offered as a Sport Coupe.

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, with Tempest adding 149,737 to that total, placing Pontiac third in total vehicle sales for 1962 with 527,981 sold.

Models Offered

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SERIES 23L Ventura sport trim became an add-on package for the Convertible and Sport Coupe Catalinas. 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.

Catalina standard equipment included turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, windshield wiper and five tubeless tires.

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.

SERIES 27: The Bonneville Custom Safari wagon continued as a separate series. It was the heaviest and most expensive Pontiac. Trim on Bonneville 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

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.

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.

Engines

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Catalina and Star Chief Economy V8 – Synchromesh Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 215 @ 3600. Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020060.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon Economy V-8 – Hydra-Matic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 3600. Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.

Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon V8 – Standard Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 235 @ 3600. Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.

Catalina 267 HP V8 – Hydra-Matic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 267 @ 4200. Torque: 405 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.

Star Chief V-8 – Hydra-Matic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 4400. Torque: 413 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″ Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7020071.

Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Hydra-Matic Transmission (Optional on Safari, Catalina, and Star Chief): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 303 @ 4600. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3300S.

Grand Prix V-8 – Standard Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 303 @ 4600. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.

Optional 318 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Syncromesh) 7020064 (center Hydra-Matic- Catalina & Grand Prix) 7020069 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7020067, (rear) 7013065.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 320 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 455 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester Model 3300S.

Optional “Tempest 333 HP 425-A Block” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 333 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Special high lift, long duration camshaft with Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S (synchromesh) 3300S (Hydra-Matic), low-restriction dual exhausts, and dual-breaker ignition.

Optional “Super Duty 425-A Block” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 348 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: 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. Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

Optional “421 Super Duty” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetors: two 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors Model (front) 3433 (rear) 3435. Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

More detailed information on the 1962 389 and 421 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1962 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size sheets HERE, or use the navigation on the main page.

Chassis Features

- Wheelbase: Series 23 and 29 – 120″ Series 23 Safari and 27 – 119″, Series 26 and 28 – 123″.
- Overall length: Series 23 Safari and 27 – 212.3″, Series 23 and 29 – 211.6″, Series 26 and 28 – 218.0″.
- Front tread: 62.5″
- Rear tread: 62.5″,
- Tires: Pontiac Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station wagons 8.50 x 14.

Power Train Options

- A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
- Super Hydra-Matic was $231.34.
- Four-speed Synchromesh with floor shift was $231.34.
- Dual exhausts were standard with the Trophy ‘425A’ and Super Duty V-8s and $30.88 extra on others.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $42.00 .
- Four-barrel carburetor was standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix and $24.00 on other models.
- Tri-Power induction was $116.00 – $174.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The four-barrel “425A” V-8 was $199.00 – $294.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The Tri-Power “425A” V-8 was $312.00 – $401.00 depending on model and transmission.
- The “421 Super Duty” V-8 was $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.

Significant Options

- 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).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1962 Pontiac Full Size

		A Starlight Black
		C Cameo Ivory
		D Silvermist Gray
		E Ensign Blue
		F Yorktown Blue
		H Kimberly Blue
		J Silverleaf Green
		L Belmar Red
		M Bamboo Cream
		N Burgundy
		P Aquamarine
		Q Seafoam Aqua
		R Yuma Beige
		T Caravan Gold
		V Mandalay Red

1962 Pontiac –
Current Market Values

Power Trains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

- Catalina & Ventura V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- Star Chief & Bonneville V-8 (Optional Catalina & Safari): 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1
Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1

Hydra-Matic 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

- See Page 2A in the 1962 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
- See Page 15 in the 1962 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

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.

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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 were 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).