1959 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1959 Pontiac – All New – All Different
Major styling changes were made for 1959 Pontiacs under GM styling chief Bill Mitchell. These included lower, longer bodies with more interior room and a new twin grille theme. Mitchell’s design of the 1959 Pontiacs was very radical, yet many of the styling cues would return beginning in 1961 and define the Pontiac look for years to come.
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1959 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1959 Pontiac
For 1959, major styling changes occurred. These included lower, longer bodies with more interior room, a new twin grille-theme, twin-fin rear fenders, ‘V’-contour hoods, increased glass area and flat, rear over-hanging roofs on 4-door “Vista” hardtops. The old Chieftain line was renamed, adopting the previous hardtop name term “Catalina,” which now became as series name.
The “Super Chief” name disappeared and was replaced with “Custom Star Chief”. The Bonneville name remained in place for the large, luxury line. “Catalina” was no longer a body style designation. Bonneville now rode on the long 124 inch wheelbase. “Vista” became Pontiac’s nomenclature for pillarless 4-door hardtop styling. The “Sport Coupe” was any two-door hardtop, and “Sport Sedan” designated any two-door pillared sedan.
Nine-passenger station wagons now used a rear-facing third seat of fold-away design. Tail lamps used on all station wagons and Catalinas were short, horizontal ovals without trim rings. The tail lamps used on Custom Star Chiefs and Bonneville Customs were long, horizontal-types with dual trim rings. “Wide-Track Pontiacs” first appeared as a marketing theme.
Engine displacement rose again, this time to 389 CID – by increasing the stroke to 3.75 inches. Extra-horsepower options included four-barrel and Tri-Power induction on the special heavy-duty “420-A” NASCAR-certified block, both with 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Historical
Production increased dramatically from the 1958 disaster of 216,982 to a healthy 382,940 – attributed both to an easing of the recession and the striking new designs. The entire Pontiac line was picked as “Car of the Year” by Motor Trend magazine. Bonneville Custom was picked as “Best Buy in the $2,000-$3,000 Class” by Car Life magazine. A prototype pickup truck with styling like the Chevrolet El Camino was built on a 1959 Catalina platform, but it never became a model.
1959 Pontiac Factoids
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The new cars featured a 5.0″ wider track – an increase to 63.7″ (front) & 64.0″ (rear) because Pontiac GM Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen noticed the new, wider bodies looked awkward on the carried-over 1958 frames. This campaign and the new styling contributed to Pontiac’s resurgence. See the 1959 Pontiac Brochure HERE.
Engine displacement rose again, this time to 389 CID – by increasing the stroke to 3.75 inches. Extra-horsepower options included four-barrel & Tri-Power induction on the special heavy-duty “420-A” NASCAR-certified block, both with 10.5:1 compression ratio. See the 1959 Pontiac AMA Spec Sheets HERE.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – Series 21 – The 1959 Catalina was set on the short 121″ wheelbase. Identification features for the new Catalina included “Catalina” in script on rear fins, plain deck lids, and body sides trimmed by single “Sweepspear” moldings with non-decorated projectile flares. Standard equipment included directional signals, electric wipers, dual sun visors, dome lamps, cigarette lighter, dual headlamps, front and rear ash trays, coat hooks, instrument panel, dual horns, tubeless tires, bumper jack, and wheel lug wrench.
Catalina models were 2-door Sport Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Sport Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, Convertible, and 6- and 9- passenger Safari Station Wagons.
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. Distinguishing touches included “Star Chief” on the front fender in script 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 Sport Sedan, 4-door Sedan, and 4-door Hardtop Sedan. The upscale station wagon moved to the Bonneville line .
Bonneville – Series 28 and Wagon Series 27. The Bonneville Custom was Pontiac’s prestige offering with the highest level trim and appointments. Bonnevilles were set apart by golden “Bonneville” in script on the right-hand grille, rear fins, and deck lid. There were four groups of short, horizontal louvers on the projectile-shaped rear fender flares and crest medallions on the deck lid and doors. Regular equipment included all Star Chief features plus padded dashboard, inside door safety reflectors, rear seat foam cushions, dash courtesy lights, and padded assist rails for passengers.
Bonneville models were 2-door Hardtop Sport Coupe, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, and Custom Safari Station Wagon. The wagon had its own series number (27) and rode on the Catalina 122 inch wheelbase.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 215 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 245 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 260 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 280 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 300 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 315 HP 389 CID V-8
- 315 HP 389 CID V-8 HLVS SMT
- 330 HP 389 CID V-8
- 345 HP 389 CID V-8
- NOTES
389 CID 2-Barrel 420-E 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: 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 7013069.
NOTE: Optional and available on all models.
389 CID 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: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 245 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 392 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7013061.
NOTE: Available on Catalina and Star Chief Only.
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 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2820S.
NOTE: Available on Bonneville and Bonneville wagon only.
389 CID 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:10.00:1.
Horsepower: 280 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 408 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7013060.
NOTE: Available on Catalina and Star Chief only.
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: 300 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 420 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 272°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2819S.
NOTE: Standard on Bonneville and Bonneville wagon, Optional all others.
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: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 315 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063, (center synchromesh) 7013067, (center automatic) 7013064, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional all models.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel High Load Valve Spring 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: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 315 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve Springs: High Load = Outer 131 lbs. @ 1.12″, Inner 96 lbs. @ 1.08″
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063, (center )7013067, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional all models.
389 CID 4-Barrel 420-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: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 330 @4800 RPM.
Torque: 420 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve Springs: High Load = Outer 131 lbs. @ 1.12″, Inner 96 lbs. @ 1.08″
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel 2819S.
Ignition: Dual-breaker.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhaust.
NOTE: Optional all models.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel 420-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: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 345 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 420 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve Springs: High Load = Outer 131 lbs. @ 1.12″, Inner 96 lbs. @ 1.08″
Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063, (center synchromesh) 7013067, (center automatic transmission) 7013064, (rear) 7013065.
Ignition: Dual-breaker.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhaust.
NOTE: Optional all models.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1959 389 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1959 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 21 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 Series 27 Safari – 214.3 inches.
- Overall width: 80.7 inches.
- Overall height: Catalina and Star Chief – 56.4 inches, Bonneville – 54.6 inches.
- Front tread: (All) 63.7 inches.
- Rear tread: (All) 64.0 inches.
- Tires: Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. 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.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Standard: 1st – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1
- Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1
- Automatic transmission Ratios
- All 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.74:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- Automatic transmission except economy: 3.08:1, Optional 2.87:1 and 3.23:1
- Automatic transmission economy: 2.87:1, Optional None.
- 3-speed manual transmission except 420-A Hi-Pert: 3.23:1, Optional 3.08:1, 3.42:1.
- 3-speed manual transmission with 420-A Hi-Pert: 3.64:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.42:1.
NOTE: Most ratios available as dealer installed. See more information on AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- A three-speed manual gear box with column mounted gear shift was standard on all models.
- Four-speed Super Hydra-Matic (Strato-Flight) transmission was $180 extra.
- Rear axle ratios: (Hydra-Matic) 3.23:1 ; (Optional Hydra-Matic) 3.08:1 ; (Synchromesh) 3.42:1 ; (Optional Synchromesh) 3.64:1 ; (dealer installed) 3.90:1 and 4.10:1.
- Safe-T-Track non-slip differential was $42 extra.
1959 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($355).
- Anti-freeze ($7).
- Back-up lights ($9).
- Bucket seats, Bonneville Convertible ($84).
- Catalina decor trim ($45).
- Clear plastic seat covers ($30).
- Custom wheel covers ($26).
- Deluxe steering wheel in Catalina ($12).
- Electric antenna ($20).
- Ever-Level air ride ($155).
- Fresh air heater and defroster ($74).
- Front foam seat cushion ($9).
- Full wheel discs on Catalina ($14).
- Heavy-duty air cleaner ($6).
- Lamp group ($23).
- Mirror group ($10).
- Oil filter ($8).
- Outside rear view mirror ($5).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Parking brake signal ($4).
- Power tailgate window ($27).
- Power windows 4-door ($85), 2-door ($48).
- Radio Sportable ($104).
- Radio, push button ($74).
- Radio, Wonderbar ($100).
- Rear seat speaker ($11).
- Safety belts ($12).
- Safety group ($34).
- Six-way power seat ($81).
- Tilt mirror ($4).
- Tinted glass ($35).
- Tissue dispenser ($6).
- Two-speed power brakes ($35).
- Two-tone paint ($11).
- Undercoating ($15).
- Whitewall 8.00 x 14 tires ($34).
- Whitewall 8.50 x 14 tires ($37).
- Windshield washers ($11).
1959 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1959 Pontiac Facts –
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1959 Pontiac Portrait Size Print Ads
1959 Pontiac Landscape Size Print Ads
1959 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Tri-Power Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1959 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
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1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible was fast, lavish and luxurious, and only the Bonneville Safari wagon exceeded it in price. Even so, 11,426 were sold.
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible Bucket Seats
Starting in 1958, the Bonneville Convertible could be ordered with bucket seats. It wouldn’t be long before this option would be available in hardtop Bonnevilles and later in the soon to be added Ventura line.
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe
The “hot dog” 1959 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe was still the performance image-maker, but it was no lightweight and needed the new 389 CID V8 to give it some go. Even so, 27,769 were produced.
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Vista 4-door Hardtop
The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville line now sported a 4-door “Vista” hardtop. It proved very popular with 38,696 delivered.
1959 Pontiac Bonneville Custom Safari Wagon
The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville Custom Safari wagon was the most expensive 1959 Pontiac. Even so, 4,673 were made.
1959 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Sedan
The 1959 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan was well received by Pontiac buyers, and 27,872 were sold.
1959 Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Sport Sedan
The 1959 Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Sport Sedan was a good buy, but most looking to purchase a long wheelbase car took its brother 4-door. As a result, only 10,254 were produced.
1959 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-door Vista Hardtop
The 1959 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-door Vista Hardtop was the most popular in that line with sales of 30,689.
1959 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1959 Pontiac Catalina convertible proved to be a hot seller with 14,515 sold. Quite a few were equipped with the 315 HP Tri-Power setup.
1959 Pontiac Catalina Vista 4-door hardtop
The 1959 Pontiac Catalina Vista 4-door hardtop was a good value, and the new roof line encouraged many buyers. The result was 45,012 left the factory.
1959 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1959 Pontiac Catalina Sport Coupe was the big surprise with 38,309 delivered. When people thought “Wide Track” Pontiac – they thought of this car.
1959 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sport Sedan
The racer’s choice would have been the lighter weight 1959 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sport Sedan. When equipped with one of the Tri-Power or 420-A V-8s, it would fly. A total of 26,102 were built.
1959 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan
The biggest surprise for 1959 was the hot selling Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan. With 72,337 were produced, it was the best-selling Pontiac for 1959.
1959 Pontiac Catalina Safari 6-passenger wagon
The less luxurious wagon for 1959 was the Pontiac Catalina, available in 6-passenger trim 21,162 were sold.
1959 Pontiac Catalina Safari 9-passenger Wagon
The less luxurious wagon for 1959 was the Pontiac Catalina, available in 9-passenger trim. 14,084 were sold.