1968 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
1. Grand Prix Gets Whole New Look
2. 428 CID V-8 Horsepower is Up
3. New Instrument Panel
4. 2+2 Model Retired
5. Shoulder Belts Standard in All But Convertible
1968 Pontiac Full Size – Looking Even Longer and Sleeker
The new styling for full-sized 1968 Pontiacs included integral front bumpers and grilles with pointed noses that split these grilles. There were new interiors, revised Instrument panels and redesigned tail lights. Horsepower was up in the 428 CID V-8, but the 2+2 was no more.
1968 Pontiac Resources
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1968 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Pontiac
Catalina, Executive and Bonneville
For 1968, full-sized Pontiacs received a face-lifting of the 1967 body with a new extended nose with a split grille. The front fascia reverted to horizontal headlights, and the taillights were revised. Engine offerings were similar to 1967 however some horsepower ratings were revised, including 340 for the four-barrel 400 CID, 375 for the 428 CID four-barrel and 390 for the 428 CID HO. The Catalina and Ventura trim vehicles sat on the shorter 121″ wheelbase, and the Executive and Bonneville were still used the 124″.
Safety improvements continued with new fender side-marker lights becoming standard. Cars built after January 1, 1968, now included front outboard seating shoulder belts as standard equipment. The interior saw some minor updates to styling with less chrome, as well as an available 8-Track Tape player.
2+2 is Gone
With the immense popularity of the GTO and the transition of the performance buyer to mid-sized cars, the 2+2 was quietly retired. Those seeking a performance full-size car could still order a Catalina/Ventura with all the bells and whistles of the 2+2, including bucket seats, 4-speed manual transmission, and the famous 428 CID V-8, but the badging disappeared. SEE: 1968 Pontiac Performance Brochure – HERE.
Grand Prix
The 1968 Grand Prix received a more pronounced extended nose and grille unique to the line as well as a new front bumper. Since the Grand Prix was the only 1967 full size Pontiac with concealed headlights, the arrangement was carried over, however the placement and design was new. A revised rear deck/bumper with L-shaped taillights was featured with the Grand Prix and side reflector markers were judiciously placed to meet a new federal safety mandate. The convertible was discontinued, leaving only the hardtop coupe for 1968.
The standard 350 hp (260 kW) 400 CID V-8 was revised to meet the new 1968 Federal and California emission regulations. Both optional 428 CID V-8s received higher power ratings of 375 HP for the base version and 390 HP the HO. The interior trim only received minor changes from 1967, but the door panels were revised.
This would be the final year for the B-bodied, full-sized Grand Prix on the 121″ wheelbase. The 1969 GP would feature a new body using a chassis based on the shorter Pontiac A-body intermediates, however stretched to 118″.
1968 Pontiac Factoids
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The famous Pontiac 2+2, carrying the banner of full size car performance, was retired this year, due to the huge growth of mid-size muscle – led, of course, by the Pontiac GTO. You could get the same features of this model by using the order sheet, and Pontiac did plug the car in their Performance brochure under the banner of a Ventura, but the nameplate was gone.
Under the increased pressure of the Horsepower Wars, Pontiac raised the horsepower figures of the 428 CID V-8 from 360/376 to 375/390, ostensibly, by measuring at a higher RPM. In fact, the H.O. automatic transmission version received a tamer camshaft in this year.
While the 1968 Grand Prix was rather heavily restyled, this would be the last year utilizing GM’s 121 inch wheelbase B-Body. Next year the Grand Prix, and later the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, would ride on a modified mid-size A-Body with a 118 inch wheelbase. More important would be the styling and a return at GM to personal/performance luxury cars. filling the vacancy made by Riviera and Toronado’s move upstream.
1968 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – New styling included peripheral front bumpers, a prow-like nose and a split grille. There were new interiors, revised Instrument panels and redesigned taillamps. Standard equipment for Catalina models included a cigar lighter, glove box and ash tray lamps, wood grained dash trim, carpeting, concealed two-speed wipers. Catalina lettering appeared on the front lender tip except cars with Code 554 Ventura package, which had the Ventura name in this location instead. The base V-8 remained a two-barrel 290 HP 400 CID V-8. Convertibles and station wagons had Morrokide seats, and the nine-passenger wagon had a power tailgate window.
The Catalina had a full line of models: 2-door sedan and hardtop, 4-door sedan and hardtop, convertible, and a 6- and 9-passenger station wagon.
Executive – Series 256: Executives sat on the Bonneville’s 124″ wheelbase but had the same equipment as the Catalina line plus Deluxe steering wheel, decor moldings, Deluxe wheel discs and map, courtesy and trunk lamps. Trim featured Executive lettering that appeared behind front wheel openings. To an outside viewer the cars appeared to be a Bonneville with less exterior trim and ornamentation.
Body styles available were the 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop sedan and 6- and 9-passenger station wagons.
Bonneville – Series 262: Bonnevilles had all Executive features plus lender skirts, carpeted lower door trim, elm burl vinyl dash trim and a 340 horsepower V-8 as the base engine. Convertible Bonnevilles had leather and Morrokide interiors. Station wagon models featured notch back front seats with a folding arm rest, a folding third seat, courtesy lamps, power tailgate window and carpeted load area. The Bonneville name, in block letters, appeared behind the front wheel opening and on the deck lid latch panel. Bonneville taillights were of the same shape used a year earlier, but were now of a single design, the lens being longer than used on Catalinas and Executives.
The Bonneville line consisted of a 4-door hardtop, and 2-door hardtop, convertible and 9-passenger Safari station wagon that carried Bonneville interior trim.
Grand Prix – Series 266: The Grand Prix returned only as a coupe for 1968. New styling featured a peripheral bumper, and hidden headlights. At the rear, extra-long horizontal taillamps integrated into the rear bumper, along with a down-swept rear deck. A “GP” badge appeared on the left-hand grille and right-hand corner of the rear trunk lid. Engine displacement badges were added to the rocker panel moldings. Standard were deluxe wheel discs, fender skirts, and dual exhausts, while the interior sported padded bucket seats with contoured backs and arm rests, a center console, and a redesigned dash panel. The base engine was a 350 HP 400 CID 4-barrel V-8, surprisingly with a three-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
1968 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 265 HP 400 CID V-8 AMT
- 290 HP 400 CID V-8 AMT
- 290 HP 400 CID V-8 SMT
- 340 HP 400 CID V-8 AMT
- 340 HP 400 CID V-8 SMT
- 350 HP 400 CID V8 AMT
- 350 HP 400 CID V-8 SMT
- 375 HP 428 CID V-8 AMT
- 375 HP 428 CID V-8 SMT
- 390 HP 428 CID HO V-8 AMT
- 390 HP 428 CID HO V-8 SMT
400 CID 2-barrel Economy V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4600.
Torque: 397 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″, (exhaust) 0.412″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7028060.
NOTE: Not available on Grand Prix.
400 CID 2-barrel High Compression V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4600.
Torque: 428 @ 2500 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.376″, (exhaust) 0.412″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7028060.
400 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4600.
Torque: 428 @ 2500 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.410″, (exhaust) 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7028066.
400 CID 4-barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 340 @ 4800.
Torque: 445 @ 2900 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift: Intake 0.410″, Exhaust 0.414″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel Model 7028262 or Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4342S.
NOTE: Not available on Grand Prix.
400 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 340 @ 4800.
Torque: 445 @ 2900 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.410″, Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel Model 7028263.
NOTE: Not available on Grand Prix.
400 CID 4-Barrel Grand Prix V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 4800.
Torque: 440 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift: Intake 0.410″, Exhaust 0.4014″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel Model 7028262 or Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4342S.
NOTE: Only available on Grand Prix.
400 CID 4-Barrel Grand Prix V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5000.
Torque: 445 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.410″, Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel Model 7028263.
NOTE: Only available on Grand Prix.
428 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 472 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.410″ Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester 7028262.
428 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 472 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.410″ Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester 7028263.
428 CID 4-Barrel HO V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1
Horsepower: 390 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 465 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.410″ Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester 7028268.
428 CID 4-Barrel HO V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 428 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.120″ x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1
Horsepower: 390 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 465 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift: Intake 0.414″ Exhaust 0.413″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester 7028267.
1968 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Catalina, Ventura, and Grand Prix – 121 inches; Executive and Bonneville – 124 inches; Catalina, Executive and Bonneville wagons – 121 inches.
- Overall length: Catalina, Ventura – 216.5 inches; Grand Prix – 216.3 inches; Executive and Bonneville – 223.5 inches; All wagons – 217.8 inches.
- Overall width: 79.8 inches.
- Overall height: Catalina & Executive – 54.8 inches; Grand Prix – 53.0 inches; Bonneville 53.8 inches.
- Front track: (All) 63.0 inches.
- Rear track: (All) 64.0 inches.
- Standard tires: (All) 8.55 x 14; Except: 8.25 x 14 std. on 25269 & 25211 styles without air conditioning and 8.85 x 14 std. on all 3- seat station wagons. 8. 55 x 14 std. on 25269 & 25211 with air conditioning.
- Optional tires: (All) 8.85 x 14 4-ply or H70 x 15 4-ply (H70 x 15 not available on 3-seat wagons).
1968 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
- All: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Standard: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- Optional: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Three Speed T-400 Hydra-Matic: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- Many standard and optional ratios depending on engine and transmission. See Page 4 in the 1968 Pontiac full size car AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios – HERE.
1968 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
- Three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was optional.
- Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift was optional.
- The 265 HP economy 400 CID V-8 was a no cost option on the Catalina, Ventura and Executive with Hydra-Matic transmission only. It was not available on the Bonneville or Grand Prix.
- The 340 HP 400 CID V-8 was not available on the Grand Prix.
- The 350 HP 400 CID V-8 was unique to the Grand Prix.
- The 375 HP 428 CID was optional on all models.
- The 390 HP 428 CID “HO” was optional on all models.
NOTE: For more information on powertrain availability, click HERE to see page 4 in the 1968 Pontiac Full Size Fact Sheet.
1968 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission w/floor shift ($42).
- 3-speed automatic transmission ($229).
- 4-speed manual transmission ($226).
- Aluminum hubs and drums, 8 lug, depending on model ($126-147).
- Auxiliary gauge panel, depending on model ($21-37).
- Bucket seats for Catalina two-door hardtop and convertible with special trims ($204).
- Capacitor ignition ($104-115).
- Console ($105).
- Cordova top ($105-132).
- Cornering lamps ($34).
- Cruise control ($63).
- Custom air-conditioner ($421).
- Custom gear shift knob ($4).
- Door edge guards ($6-10).
- Electric clock ($16).
- Fender skirts, except Bonneville ($26).
- Front bucket seats for Bonneville ($116).
- Front disc brakes ($105).
- Head restraints, depending on model ($42-53).
- Heavy-duty 15 inch wheels ($11).
- Hood mounted tachometer ($63).
- Low fuel lamp ($6).
- Mirror, rear view glare proof tilt ($4).
- Mirror, remote control outside rear view ($12).
- Power antenna ($30).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power bucket seat, left-hand ($69).
- Power steering, depending on model ($105-116).
- Power vent windows ($53).
- Power windows ($104).
- Radio, AM/FM Stereo ($239).
- Radio, push button AM ($89).
Radio, push button, AM/FM ($151). - Rally II wheels, depending on model ($63-84).
- Rear window defogger ($21).
- Reclining Right-Hand seat ($84).
- Remote control deck lid release ($14).
- Ride & Handling package ($9).
- Safari luggage carrier ($86).
- Safeguard speedometer ($16).
- Split back station wagon second seat ($37).
- Strato-bucket seats, where not standard ($114).
- Super-Lift shock absorbers ($40).
- Tachometer, except on cars with four-speed and console ($54).
- Tinted glass ($43).
- Tinted windshield ($29).
- Turbo-400 Hydramatic ($226).
- Under hood utility lamp ($7).
- Ventura Custom convertible option with bucket seats ($206).
- Ventura Custom hardtop option with bucket seats ($248).
- Ventura trim package with standard bench seat ($128).
- Visor vanity mirror ($4).
- Wire wheel discs ($53-74).
1968 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1968 Pontiac Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1968 Pontiac Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1968 Pontiac Full Size Car Regular Brochure
1968 Pontiac Performance Brochure
1968 Pontiac Grand Prix Brochure
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Print Ads
1968 Pontiac Catalina & Safari Print Ads
1968 Pontiac Grand Prix Print Ads
1968 Pontiac Full-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
SEEKING: 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix Road Tests – Have One? Contact Us
1968 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
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1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Convertible
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Convertible was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Bonneville convertible. Production numbers were included in standard Bonneville models.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 2-door Hardtop was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Bonneville coupe. Production numbers were included in standard Bonneville models.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 4-door Hardtop was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Bonneville 4-door hardtop. Production numbers were included in standard Bonneville models.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible was the top of the line in Bonneville models, only outshone by the Bonneville Brougham version. Together they sold 7,358 vehicles.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door Hardtop sat just below the Brougham version, separated only by a better trim level in the former. Combined, 29,598 found buyers.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door Hardtop was only differentiated from the Brougham version by a bit lesser interior trim. When both were combined, 57,055 were delivered.
1968 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Wagon was the top wagon in the Pontiac Full Size line for 1968. It was a 3-seat version that sold 6,771 units.
1968 Pontiac Grand Prix
The 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix retained its popularity though the body style changed again. 31,711 chose the Grand Prix for their garage this year.
1968 Pontiac Executive 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Executive 4-door Hardtop was a bit more upscale looking than the sedan, but still more affordable than the Bonneville line. Our guess it wasn’t enough of a difference because only 7,948 chose this model over the Bonneville – that sold 57,055 units.
1968 Pontiac Executive 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Executive 2-door Hardtop would have seemed a popular choice, considering its 124″ wheelbase and more moderate price, but 5,880 people took the plunge.
1968 Pontiac Executive 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Pontiac Executive 4-door Sedan was made for those wanting 4-door long wheelbase transportation without paying Bonneville prices. 18,869 were produced.
1968 Pontiac Executive 3-seat Safari Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Executive 3-seat Safari Wagon was the other faux wood-sided wagon offered this year. 5,843 found customers.
1968 Pontiac Executive 2-seat Safari Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Executive 2-seat Safari Wagon was one of the faux wood sided wagons offered this year. 6,195 were sold.
1968 Pontiac Ventura Convertible
The 1968 Pontiac Ventura Convertible was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Catalina convertible. Production numbers were included in standard Catalina models.
1968 Pontiac Ventura 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Ventura 2-door Hardtop was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Catalina version. Production numbers were included in standard Catalina models.
1968 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Ventura 4-door hardtop was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Catalina version. Production numbers were included in standard Catalina models.
1968 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Sedan was an upscale interior trim package on the standard Catalina version. Production numbers were included in standard Catalina models.
1968 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina Convertible was considered the sporty drop top in the Pontiac line. Surprisingly, it sold within a few numbers of the bigger and more plush Bonneville version at 7,339 units.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Hardtop was by far the most popular Pontiac. Good looks, full size, and if you wanted, 428 CID V-8 power were all on tap. the result was that 92,217 were sold that year.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Hardtop was another popular Pontiac with its smooth styling and reasonable price. 41,727 found happy customers.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan was always a solid seller, topping the charts just under the 2-door hardtop at 80,551 delivered.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sedan
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sedan was the most basic full size Pontiac. It might have been too basic as only 5,247 left the showroom.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-seat Safari Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 2-seat Safari Wagon was by far the most popular Pontiac wagon, It found a home with 21,848 buyers.
1968 Pontiac Catalina 3-seat Safari Wagon
The 1968 Pontiac Catalina 3-seat Safari Wagon was the 2nd most popular Pontiac wagon with 13,363 delivered.