1959 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

All New – All
Different for 1959

 

Bill Mitchell’s design of the 1959 Pontiacs was very radical, and many of the styling cues would return beginning in 1961 and designate Pontiacs for years to come.

 

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General Year Information

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 Footnotes

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.

 

Models Offered

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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.

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.

SERIES 27 (Wagons) and 28. 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.

Engines

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Catalina, Star Chief and Bonneville Economy V8 – 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: 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 7013069.

Catalina and  Star Chief  V-8 – Standard Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 4200. Torque: 392 @ 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 7013061.

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 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2820S.

Catalina and 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: 10.00:1. Horsepower: 280 @ 4400. Torque: 408 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″ Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7013060.

Bonneville Wagon and Bonneville – Hydra-matic Transmission (Optional all Others):  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 4600. Torque: 420 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 272°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2819S.

Optional 315 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: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7013067 (center Hydra-matic) 7013064, (rear) 7013065.

Optional 315 Horsepower High Load Valve Spring V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7013067 (center Hydra-matic) 7013064, (rear) 7013065.

Optional 330 Horsepower 420-A V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 333 @4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel 2819S. Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

Optional “Super Duty 420-A Block” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 345 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 420 @ 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) 7013067 (center Hydra-matic) 7013064, (rear) 7013065. Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

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 or use the navigation on this Fact Sheet’s main page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: Series 21 and 27 – 122″, Series 24 and 28 – 124″.
    • Overall length:  Series 21 – 213.7″, Series 24 and 28 – 220.7″, Series 21 Station Wagons and 27 Safari – 214.3″.
    • Front tread: (All) 63.7″.
    • Rear tread: (All) 64.0″.
    • 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. 8.50 x 14 available at extra cost on all lines in place of 8.00 x 14. Full-Size Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station Wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.

Power Train Options

    • 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.

Power Trains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

    • All V-8 – Standard: 1st – 2.21:1, 2nd – 1.32:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.51:1
    • Heavy Duty V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1

Hydra-matic Ratios: 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 14 in the 1959 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

Click HERE to view the AMA Specification Sheets

Body Paint Color Codes

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

1959 Pontiac

 

  A Regent Black
  B Silvermist Gray
  C Cameo Ivory
  C Palomar Yellow
  D Dundee Green
  E Jademist Green
  F Seaspray Green
  H Vanguard Blue
  I Frontier Beige
  J Castle Blue
  K Gulfstream Blue
  L Mandalay Red
  M Sunset Glow
  N Royal Amethyst
  O Sunrise Coral
  P Shoreline Gold
  R Canyon Copper
  S Concord Blue
  X Orchid

1959 Pontiac –
Current Market Values

 

Significant Options

    • 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-dr) $85; (2-dr) $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).

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1959 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1959 Pontiac Deluxe Brochure

1959 Pontiac Regular Brochure

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 Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1959 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below

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.

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