1960 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1960 Pontiac – Refining the New Look of 1959
Bill Mitchell’s design of the 1959 Pontiac was considered a bit too radical, so styling for 1960 was unique to Pontiac and the year – but a much cleaner design than 1959. It was a clean and simple execution, but the grille and rear light treatments were never repeated. and many of the 1959 styling cues would return beginning in 1961. For now, the smoothed over 1960s allayed the fears of many Pontiac owners.
1960 Pontiac Resources
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1960 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1960 Pontiac
Styling Changes
Pontiac’s major styling changes for 1960 included undivided horizontal bar grilles, straight, full-length side trim moldings, and a new deck lid which was nearly flush with the tops of the fenders. The “Ventura” Line was added in 1960. It was a Custom trim level Pontiac on the short wheelbase. Once again, the Star Chef was built on the long wheelbase chassis but used the Catalina two-barrel V-8 for its base power.
Model Naming
The term “Safari” remained Pontiac’s nomenclature for a station wagon. All 1960 Safaris were four-door types and nine-passenger, three-seat, versions had power tailgate windows and rear-facing folding seats. Safaris had distinctive single tail lamps and rear decor trim. “Amble Wagons” were low-cost professional cars built off of a standard Pontiac station wagon chassis by the Automotive Conversion Corp., Troy, Mich. The term “Vista” meant four-door pillarless hardtop. The term “Sport Sedan” meant two-door pillared coupe. “Starlight” was two-tone paint costing $40 in regular colors or $52 in special colors.
Added Transmission
A four-speed manual transmission with floor mounted shifter became available in mid-year. Most four-speeds went to professionally-driven NASCAR vehicles and drag racers. The unit was the same one used by Corvettes and Chevrolets – it retailed for $188.30.
Historical
Production declined from the 1959’s 382,940 to 370,701, not a huge loss. GM was readying the new mid-size car for introduction in 1961 – the Tempest, and Pontiac felt that with these two offerings sales would increase.
Jim Wangers took the NHRA Top Stock Eliminator title in a 1960 Pontiac, and Catalinas took checkered flags in three major NASCAR races and four Grand Nationals. Mickey Thompson set a World Land Speed Record of 363.67 mph in the Challenger I, a Pontiac powered streamliner.
1960 Pontiac – Factoids
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The Ventura was, for intents and purposes, the Bonneville on the Catalina wheelbase. It is generally understood that the Ventura would pave the way for the Grand Prix in 1962. Many Venturas were equipped with the 425-A performance 333 and 348 HP V-8s. See the 1960 Pontiac Brochure HERE.
The four-speed manual transmission with floor mounted shifter became available in mid-year. The unit was the same one used by Corvettes and Chevrolets and it retailed for $188.30. The gear ratios were 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
1960 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – Series 21 – Catalinas had plain belt line moldings, “Catalina” in script on the front fenders, and “Pontiac” in block letters on the belt latch panel. Standard features include turn signals, an oil filter, five tubeless tires, and courtesy lamps on convertibles.
Catalina models were 2-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Sport Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, Convertible, and 6- and 9-passenger Station Wagons.
Ventura – Series 23 – Ventura models had plain belt moldings, “Ventura” in script on the front fender, and “Ventura” in block letters on the trunk latch panel. They had all Catalina features plus a custom steering wheel, electric clock, DeLuxe wheel discs, full carpeting, triple-tone Morrokide seats, right-hand ashtrays, and special decor moldings.
Ventura models were 2-door Hardtop Sport Coupe and 4-door Hardtop Sedan.
Star Chief – Series 24 – Star Chiefs continued to be built on the long, 124″ wheelbase using the Catalina two-barrel V-8 for base power. They had Star Chief” in script on the front fender and “Star Chief” in block letters on the trunk latch panel. No aftermarket cars were built off of the Star Chief platform, although some may have had Star Chief trim. Distinguishing touches included Star Chief front fender scripts and four stylized stars at the rear of the lower belt line moldings. Regular equipment included all standard Catalina features plus two-speed electric wipers, Deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, Deluxe chrome wheel covers, and loop-pile Lurex-flexed carpeting.
Star Chief models were 2-door Sedan and 4-door Sedan, and 4-door Hardtop Sedan.
Bonneville Series 28 and Wagon Series 27 – Pontiac’s top-line Bonneville was identified by “Bonneville” in script on the front fenders, “Bonneville” in block lettering on the deck latch panel, belt line moldings ending in three dashes of chrome at the rear, and a V-shaped crest on the lower front fenders. All Bonnevilles had rear foam seat cushions, padded dashboards with walnut face inserts, courtesy lamps, and four-barrel V-8s in addition to all standard features found in lower-priced Pontiacs. All-Morrokide seat coverings were standard, and leather was available as an option.
Available Bonneville models were 2-door Hardtop Sport Coupe, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, Convertible, and 6-passenger Station Wagon.
1960 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
- 281 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 281 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 283 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 287 HP 389 CID V8 AMT*
- 303 HP 389 CID V8 AMT
- 318 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 318 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 333 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- 348 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- NOTES
389 CID 2-Barrel Tempest 425 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 7015073.
NOTE: Standard Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief when manual transmission selected.
389 CID 2-Barrel Tempest 425 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 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7015070.
NOTE: Standard Economy V-8 all models when automatic transmission selected.
389 CID 4-Barrel 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: 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 2975S.
NOTE: Standard Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon, optional all others.
389 CID 4-Barrel Low 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: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 283 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Carter 4-barrel 2976S.
NOTE: Available Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon.
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: 283 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Carter 4-barrel 2975S.
NOTE: Available Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon.
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 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7015070.
NOTE: Optional Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief.
389 CID 4-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: 287 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 417 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel Model 3125S.
NOTE: This engine is listed as optional for the Catalina, Ventura and Star Chief in some sources, but not the AMA Spec Sheet.
389 CID 4-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: 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 2976S.
NOTE: Standard Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon, optional all others.
389 CID Three 2-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: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 35°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063, (center) 7019064, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional All models.
389 CID Three 2-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: 10.75:1.
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) 7019076, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional All models.
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 @4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel 2976S.
NOTE: Optional All models.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel 425-A V-8: 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) 7019064 (center Hydra-matic) 7019076, (rear) 7013065.
Ignition: Dual-breaker.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Optional All models.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1960 389 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1961 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size sheets HERE .
1960 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 21, 23 and 27 – 122.0 inches, Series 24 and 28 – 124.0 inches.
- Overall length: Series 21 – 213.7 inches, Series 24 and 28 – 220.7 inches, Series 21 Station Wagons and 27 Safari – 213.7 inches.
- Overall width: 80.7 inches.
- Overall height: Catalina – 56.4 inches, Ventura – 54.6 inches, Star chief 56.6 inches, Bonneville – 54.8 inches.
- Front tread: 63.7 inches.
- Rear tread: 64.0 inches.
- Tires: Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. Full-Size Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station Wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.
- Optional tires: 8.50 x 14 available at extra cost on all lines in place of 8.00 x 14.
1960 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All V-8 – Standard: 1st – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1.
- All V-8 – Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- 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
- Standard Transmission: 3.23:1, Optional 3.08:1, 3.42:1; 425A High Performance V-8: 3.42:1 Standard.
- Automatic Transmission: 3.08:1, Optional 2.87:1, 3.23:1; 425A High Performance V-8: 3.23:1 Standard; 425E 2.69:1 Standard.
NOTE: To see the 1960 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets Click HERE.
1960 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- A column shift three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Super Hydra-Matic (Strato-Flight) transmission was $231.34 extra.
- A four-speed manual floor mounted transmission became available in mid-year, though not as a regular production option (“RPO”).
- Dual exhausts ($31) when not standard.
- The Tempest 66E option or ‘425E’ two-barrel 215 horsepower economy engine was optional on all models at no extra cost, but only with Hydra-Matic.
- The Bonneville four-barrel carburetor was $23.94 extra in other lines.
- Tri-Power on the standard 10.75:1 compression V-8 option – on Bonneville ($89), Star Chief ($99), Ventura ($132), Catalina ($142).
- Tri-Power on the Tempest 425-A block with 10.75:1 compression – on Bonneville ($316), Star Chief ($326), Ventura ($359), Catalina ($369).
- Four-barrel induction on the Tempest 425-A V-8 on Bonneville ($230), Star Chief ($251), Ventura ($273), Catalina ($294).
- Rear axle ratios: (Hydra-Matic) 3.08:1 ; (Optional Hydra-Matic) 3.23:1 ; (Synchromesh) 3.42:1 ; (Optional Synchromesh) 3.64:1 ; (425E Economy Engine) 2.69:1 (Optional Economy) 2.87:1 (Dealer installed) 3.90:1 and 4.10:1.
- Safe-T-Track non-slip differential ($43).
1960 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum 8-lug hubs and drums ($107).
- Bucket seats ($100).
- Circ-L-Aire heater/defroster ($43).
- Continental spare tire and cover ($258).
- Custom steering wheel ($15).
- Custom wheel discs ($17-32).
- Deluxe wheel discs ($16).
- Direct-Aire heater defroster ($94).
- Electric antenna ($30).
- E-Z-Eye Glass ($43).
- Luggage carrier ($99).
- Magi-Cruise ($13).
- Padded dash ($19).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power steering ($108).
- Power windows 2-doors ($58) 4-doors ($106).
- Radio, “Sportable” ($129).
- Radio, Super Deluxe ($89).
- Radio, Wonder Bar ($125).
- Rear seat speaker ($14).
- Remote control mirror ($12).
- Safeguard speedometer ($15).
- Under hood utility lamp ($7).
- Windshield washer ($13).
1960 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1960 Pontiac Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1960 Pontiac Large Size Print Ads
1960 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets
1960 Pontiac Bonneville Tri-Power Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1960 Pontiac Ventura Road Test – Cars Magazine
1960 Pontiac Safari Wagon vs. 5 Others Road Test Motor Life Magazine
1960 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1960 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below
1960 Bonneville Convertible
Nothing epitomized Pontiac speed, power, and luxury for 1960 as did the Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, and 17,062 were sold as a result.
1960 Bonneville 4-door Vista
The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-door was a stylish addition to the line. It was the line’s largest seller at 39,037 delivered.
1960 Bonneville 2-door Sport Coupe
What most people identify with the 1960 Pontiac Bonneville is the Sport Coupe. It was well sought after back then, with 24,015 were produced.
1960 Bonneville Safari Wagon
The Pontiac Bonneville Safari was the height of Pontiac Station Wagon style. Compared to the other wagons in the line, it was a slow seller with only 5,163 delivered.
1960 Star Chief 4-door Vista
The 1960 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-door was a great value. Surprisingly, only 14,856 were made.
1960 Star Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1960 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan was the best seller in the line with 23,038 delivered.
1960 Star Chief 2-door Sport Sedan
The Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Sport Sedan seemed a little redundant next to the Catalina version, and buyers thought so, too, with only 5,797 sold.
1960 Ventura 2-door Sport Coupe
The 1960 Pontiac Ventura line were upscale Catalinas that were starting to catch on. Together with the Ventura Vista (not shown), they sold in good numbers with the coupe selling 27,577 and the Vista 28,700.
1960 Catalina Convertible
1960 Pontiac Catalinas were hot and none more so than the Convertible, with 17,172 produced.
1960 Catalina Vista 4-door
The 1960 Pontiac Catalina Vista 4-door hardtop had supplanted the Star Chief in production totals with 32,710 made.
1960 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sport Coupe
Of course, if you were cruising the streets looking for stop light racing, you would have likely chosen the Pontiac Catalina Sport Coupe with Tri-Power as many of the 27,496 buyers did.
1960 Catalina 4-door Sedan
The 1960 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan was that year’s best seller with 72,650 produced. It was practical, economical and good-looking.
1960 Catalina 2-door Sport Sedan
If you were a serious racer in NASCAR or NHRA, you had a 425-A Super duty in your 1960 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sedan. The car was hot on the street – and in sales with 25,504 sold.
1960 Catalina Safari Wagon
1960 Pontiac Catalina Safaris came in 6- and 9-passenger versions, and a total of 35,402 Cat wagons rolled down the assembly line.
