1963 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

Style and Luxury
Emphasized for 1963

 

Styling and luxury were emphasized by Pontiac in 1963 as GM had banned factory competition efforts.

In spite of the ban, the 421 CID V-8 became a street option.

 

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General Year Information

Styling and luxury were emphasized by Pontiac in 1963 as GM had banned factory competition efforts. Styling was totally new with clean, square lines, angled roofs, upward curving tail lamps, recessed split grilles and non-panoramic windshields.

“Vista” is the name for the four-door hardtop. “Safari” denotes a station wagon. The term “Sports Sedan” was generally used to identify four-door pillared coupes. The Grand Prix, body style 2957, had a distinctive roof line 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.

 

Models Offered

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 394 @ 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 7023066.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville and Grand Prix 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: 386 @ 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 7023063.

Bonneville V8 – Standard Transmission (Optional Star Chief and Catalina) : 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: 407 @ 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 3479S, Catalina 3326SA.

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 7023060.

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: 4138 @ 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 7023060.

Bonneville & Grand Prix 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: 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 3326SA.

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 3479S.

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 Synchromesh) 7023075 (center Hydra-Matic – Catalina & Grand Prix) 7023073 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville) 7023077, (rear) 7013065.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 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: 353 @ 5000 RPM.  Torque: 455 @ 3400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 292°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 65°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester Model 3574S (synchromesh), 3545S (automatic).

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 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: 353 @ 5000 RPM.  Torque: 455 @ 3400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 292°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 65°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013078 (center Syncromesh) 7023161 (center Hydra-Matic) 7023162, (rear) 7013079.

Super Duty 421 CID V-8 option in Catalina two-door only: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 390 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 435 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft type: Hydraulic 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.

NOTE: various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the Popular McKellar #10 here.

Super Duty 421 CID V-8 option in Catalina two-door only: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.00:1. Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft type: Hydraulic 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 3433S (Front) 435S (Rear).

NOTE: various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the Popular McKellar #10 here.

Super Duty 421 CID V-8 option in Catalina two-door only: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 12.00:1. Horsepower: 410 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 4600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft type: Hydraulic 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 3433S (Front) 435S (Rear).

NOTE: various camshafts were used in this engine – we have cited the Popular McKellar #10 here.

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, or use the navigation on this page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: (All Full Size Safaris) 119 inches: (Series 23 and 29) 120 inches: (Series 26 and 28) 123 inches.
    • Overall length: (All Full Size Safaris) 212.8 inches: (Series 23 and 29) 211.9 inches: (Series 26 and 28) 218.9 inches.
    • Front tread:  64 inches.
    • Rear tread: 64 inches.
    • Standard tires: 8.00 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 carburetion as 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 hubs and drums ($122-138).
      • Console including tachometer ($161).
      • Cordova top ($86).
      • Instrument gauge cluster ($21-59).
      • Luggage carrier ($94).
      • Power brakes ($57).
      • Power seat ($96).
      • Power tilt bucket seat L.H. ($71).
      • Remote control mirror ($12).
      • Sports wheel covers ($30-46).
      • Tachometer ($54).
      • Ventura trim on Body Styles 2339, 2347 and 2369 ($118).

    Body Paint Color Codes

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

    1963 Pontiac Full Size

    A Starlight Black
    C Cameo Ivory
    D Silvermist Gray
    F Yorktown Blue
    H Kimberley Blue
    J Silverleaf Green
    L Marimba Red
    P Aquamarine
    Q Marlin Aqua
    R Yuma Beige
    S Saddle Bronze
    T Caravan Gold
    V Grenadier Red
    W Nocturne Blue

    1963 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: 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

    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 3 in the 1963 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
      • See Page 17 in the 1963 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

    For more information on the powertrain options, see the 1963 full size Pontiac AMA specifications sheets, found HERE

    Related Document
    Downloads

    Files directly related to the 1963 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

    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 Catalina Road Test – Car Life Magazine

    1963 Pontiac Production Figures

    Related Images

    Related Images to the 1963 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below

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