1963 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Full Size Pontiacs – Style and Luxury Emphasized for 1963
GM had banned factory competition efforts for Pontiac so styling and luxury were emphasized. Though appearing lower and wider, the 1963 full size Pontiacs were the same size as the 1962 cars, an excellent styling achievement. But all was not lost, in spite of the racing ban, the 421 CID V-8 became a street option, packing plenty of power with 338, 353 and 370 HP versions.
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1963 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1963 Pontiac Full Size Cars
For 1963, Catalinas and other full-sized Pontiacs featured cleaner, squared-off body lines and vertical headlights flanking the split grille, but retained the same dimensions and basic body shell of 1961-62 models – except for the rear fenders that received the new coke bottle styling. Due to this styling the rear track was extended back to Pontiac’s 64 inch “wide track”. Engine offerings were revised as the 333 HP and 348 HP versions of the 389 CID V-8 were replaced with the “street” versions of the 421 CID V-8, These new engines were rated at 338 HP with four-barrel carburetor, 353 HP with Tri-Power, or a 370 HP “HO”, also with Tri-Power. The 405 HP Super Duty 421 was offered to racing teams during the early portion of the model year but discontinued after General Motors stopped factory-supported racing efforts in February 1963. New options for 1963 included a tilt steering wheel that could be adjusted to six different positions, an AM/FM radio and cruise control.
The 1963 Grand Prix got a brand new body with a unique roofline along with unique front and rear end styling. Although still based on the Catalina, the GP looked much larger and more luxurious, sharing its content with the Bonneville. It featured sumptuous “Morrokide” bucket seats and a chrome-trimmed center console with floor shifter for the optional Hydra-Matic or 4-speed manual transmission.
“Vista” was used as the name for the four-door hardtop, however it did not have the panoramic rear window of earlier cars. “Safari” denoted station wagons. The term “Sports Sedan” was generally used to identify four-door pillared coupes. Sport Coupe denoted the 2-door hardtop, unlike in the mid-size line where this designation was used for 2-door pillared coupes. The Grand Prix, body style 2957, had a distinctive roof line that was not shared with other lines.
Bucket seats were now available for Catalina coupes and convertibles with the Ventura option. All Bonnevilles – including the Custom Safari station wagon – could also be so optioned.
1963 Pontiac Factoids
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The 1963 Grand Prix got a brand new body with a unique roofline along with unique front and rear end styling. Although still based on the Catalina, the GP looked much larger and more luxurious, sharing its content with the Bonneville. See the Pontiac Brochure for more information HERE.
Three versions were available – all with a hydraulic lifter camshaft fitted. On the induction side, either a three 2-barrel manifold or 4-barrel manifold were fitted. The three versions were 4-barrel carburetor and 338 HP, three 2-barrels and 353 HP and a “HO” version with the three 2s and a stronger camshaft making 370 HP. See a road test of a 1963 421 HO Grand Prix HERE.
1963 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – Series 23 – Catalinas wore small hub caps, plain full-length body moldings and “Catalina” on the front fenders in “script”. Turn signals, oil filters, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, electric wipers and five tubeless tires were standard equipment. Safaris had oversize 8.50 x 14 tires and the nine-passenger wagon had a power tailgate window.
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 had full-length body moldings, Deluxe wheel discs, star emblems on the rear roof pillar and “Star Chief” on the front fender in script. Star Chiefs had rocker panel moldings. Standard equipment included all Catalina features plus custom steering wheel, electric clock, dual-speed wipers and upscale upholstery.
Star Chief models were 4-door Sedan and 4-door Hardtop.
Bonneville – Series 28 – Bonnevilles had with all Star Chief features plus rear foam cushions. padded instrument panels and courtesy lamps. They were outwardly identified by broad, ribbed moldings on the front fenders and doors, rear fin badges, left-hand grille nameplates, rocker panel moldings and block lettered horizontal decor panels on the deck lid latch panel which carried the Bonneville name. The Station Wagon was now part of the Bonneville line.
Bonneville models were 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Hardtop, Convertible and 6-passenger Station Wagon.
Grand Prix Series 29 – The Grand Prix was restyled from bumper to bumper. It had a clean look with no side trim and a unique and a concave rear window treatment. A grille emphasizing negative space with bright accents and enclosed parking lamps, grilled-over tail lamps mounted on the rear deck lid and stainless rocker panel moldings were employed.
Standard equipment included the full list of Bonneville items plus special monochromatic Morrokide upholstery, wood-grained steering wheel and dash trim, bucket type front seats and a center console with a vacuum gauge. The Grand Prix badges were now mounted on the sides of the rear fenders.
The Grand Prix was available as a 2-door Hardtop only.
1963 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
- 267 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 283 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 389 CID V8 303 HP AMT
- 303 HP 389 CID V8 SMT
- 318 HP 389 CID V8
- 353 HP 421 CID HO V-8
- 370 HP 421 CID HO V-8
- 390 HP 421 CID SD V-8 *
- 405 HP 421 CID SD V-8*
- 410 HP 421 CID SD V-8*
- NOTES
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy 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: 215 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 394 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023066.
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: 386 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023063.
NOTE: Standard all Except Grand Prix when automatic transmission is selected.
389 CID 4-Barrel Low Compression V-8 – Manual H.D. 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: 407 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3479S, Catalina 3326SA.
NOTE: Standard in Bonneville only when Heavy Duty manual transmission is ordered, except Bonneville station wagon, where optional. Optional for Catalina and Star Chief.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V8 – 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 7023060.
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: 4138 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7023060.
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 3326SA.
NOTE: Standard in Grand Prix and Bonneville only when automatic transmission is ordered.
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 3479S.
NOTE: Standard in Grand Prix only when manual transmission is ordered.
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) 7023075 (center automatic transmission – Catalina & Grand Prix) 7023073 (center automatic transmission – Star Chief, Bonneville) 7023077, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional all lines.
421 CID 4-Barrel HO 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: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 353 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 455 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 65°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester Model (manual transmission) 3574S , (automatic transmission) 3545S .
NOTE: Optional all lines.
421 CID Three 2-Barrel HO 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: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 370@ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 455 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 65°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013078 (center manual transmission) 7023161 (center automatic transmission) 7023162, (rear) 7013079.
NOTE: Optional all lines.
421 CID 4-Barrel Super Duty V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 435 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft type and timing: Flat-tappet McKellar #10 Duration: 308/320° intake/exhaust, Overlap 87°, Lift: 0.445/0.447″ intake/exhaust.
Valve train: 1.65:1-ratio rocker arms.
Carburetor: Carter AFB 3475S.
* Available until February 1, 1963.
NOTE 1: Various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the popular McKellar #10 here.
NOTE 2: Available Catalina 2-door sedan only.
421 CID Dual 4-Barel Super Duty V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing and type: Flat-tappet McKellar #10 Duration: 308/320° intake/exhaust, Overlap 87°, Lift: 0.445/0.447″ intake/exhaust.
Valve train: 1.65:1-ratio rocker arms.
Carburetors: Carter AFB 3433S (Front) 435S (Rear).
* Available until February 1, 1963.
NOTE 1: Various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the popular McKellar #10 here.
NOTE 2: Available Catalina 2-door sedan only.
421 CID Dual 4-Barrel Super Duty V-8 -Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 12.00:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 4600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing & type: Flat-tappet McKellar #10 Duration: 308/320° intake/exhaust, Overlap 87°, Lift: 0.445/0.447″ intake/exhaust. Valve train: 1.65:1-ratio rocker arms.
Carburetors: Carter AFB 3433S (Front) 435S (Rear).
* Available until February 1, 1963.
NOTE 1: Various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the popular McKellar #10 here.
NOTE 2: Available Catalina 2-door sedan only.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1963 389 and 421 CID V8 engines may be found in the Library’s 1963 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size sheets HERE.
1963 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: (Station Wagons) 119.0 inches: (Catalina & Grand Prix) 120.0 inches: (Star Chief & Bonneville) 123.0 inches.
- Overall length: (Station Wagons) 212.8 inches: (Catalina & Grand Prix) 211.9 inches: (Star Chief & Bonneville) 218.9 inches.
- Overall width: 78.7 inches.
- Overall height: (Station Wagons) 56.5 inches: (Catalina & Star Chief) 55.2 inches: (Grand Prix & Bonneville) 54.1 inches.
- Front tread: 64 inches.
- Rear tread: 64 inches.
- Standard tires: 8.00 x 14; Station Wagons 8.50 x 14.
- Optional tires: 8.50 x 14; Police and H.D 8.00 x 14 6-ply.
1963 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Standard: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 389 CID: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
- 421 CID: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.3:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1. NOTE: This transmission could be special ordered for 389 CID V-8.
- 389 CID: 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 Axle Standard Ratios
NOTE: For more information on the powertrain options, see the 1963 full size Pontiac AMA specifications sheets, found HERE.
1963 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
- Four-speed Synchromesh with floor shift ($231.34).
- Super Hydra-Matic ($231.34)
- Four-barrel carburetion as standard on Bonneville and Grand Prix unless economy engine selected. ($24.00) on other models.
- Tri-Power induction ($116.00 to $174.00) 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.
- Dual exhausts were standard with the HO and Super Duty V-8s and $30.88 extra on others.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $42.00 .
1963 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum hubs and drums ($122-138).
- Console including tachometer ($161).
- Cordova top ($86).
- Instrument gauge cluster ($21-59).
- Luggage carrier on Station Wagons ($94).
- Power brakes ($57).
- Power seat ($96).
- Power tilt bucket seat left-hand. ($71).
- Remote control mirror ($12).
- Sports wheel covers ($30-46).
- Tachometer ($54).
- Ventura trim on Body Styles 2339, 2347 and 2369 ($118).
1963 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1963 Pontiac Facts –
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Downloads
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1963 Pontiac Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1963 Pontiac Full Size Car Regular Brochure
1963 Pontiac Full Size Canadian Brochure
1963 Pontiac Full Size South African Brochure
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Print Ads
1963 Pontiac Bonneville & Star Chief Print Ads
1963 Pontiac Bonneville & Star Chief Large Size Print Ads
1963 Pontiac Catalina Print Ads
1963 Pontiac Full-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 421 HO Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1963 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
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1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
When you wanted a luxurious drop top, back in 1963 you were likely to give the 1963 Bonneville convertible a look. Lots did, with 23,459 leaving the factory.
1963 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe
Next to the new Grand Prix, when you wanted luxurious style the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe was buyers’ choice in 1963. 30,995 were delivered.
1963 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door hardtop
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door hardtop Vista was a great ca if you were looking for space, luxury, and performance. 49,929 people thought so as well.
1963 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Wagon
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Safari wagon would have been the choice of wealthier suburbanites who wanted luxury and hauling capacity. Its price pushed people downstream to the Catalina,. As such, only 5,156 were delivered.
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix
The 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix continued the same cache and demand that the first year car started. An astounding 72, 959 were sold!
1963 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door hardtop
Like its companion the 4-door sedan, the 1963 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door hardtop appealed to those who wanted Bonneville size but not the pretentious interior. 12,448 left the showroom.
1963 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1963 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan offered Bonneville size with a more modest interior. 28,309 were delivered in this year.
1963 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1963 Pontiac Catalina Convertible also appealed to the younger set. As a result, 18,249 were snapped up.
1963 Pontiac Catalina Sports Coupe
The Pontiac Catalina Sports Coupe was a hot seller, especially among the sporty set. 60,795 were delivered. Quite a few received the 370 HP 421 CID HO engine.
1963 Pontiac Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1963 Pontiac Catalina 4-door hardtop was stylish and sleek – as crisp any 2-door. 31,256 were delivered.
1963 Pontiac Catalina 2-door and 4-door sedan
The 1963 Pontiac Catalina 2-door and 4-door sedans were practical and still great looking. The 2-door had 14,091 delivered and the 4-door found 79,961 customers, it being the largest selling Pontiac model in 1963!
1963 Pontiac Catalina Safari
The Pontiac Catalina Safari wagon was the workhorse of the Pontiac line. It came in 6- and 9-passenger setups. Total sales of both the 6- and 9-passenger models were 30,197.
