Cruisin'
BYGREG ZYLA

1966 Pontiac Catalina

Q: Greg, I have a 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 with a 421 V-8 Tri-Power with the WH code. It has power steering, power brakes, M-21 four-speed transmission with console, eight-lug wheels, bucket seats, posi rear and PHS documentation as an original car. It is blue inside and out. The powers and wheels came from a "donor" car. The car is in average "No. 2" condition. What's your opinion? -- Dave M., Foley, Mo.

A: Dave, you are sitting on a real beauty that is worth considerable money. Pontiac offered 2+2s in 1964 and 1965, the latter with the 421 V-8 as standard equipment. However, in 1966, the 2+2 Catalina became a stand-alone model, and although Pontiac built more than 240,000 Catalinas that year, just 6,383 were of the 2+2 variety.

The 421 Tri-Power V-8 is another rarity, as the standard 2+2 engine in 1966 was indeed a 421, but it came with a single fourbarrel carb rated at 338 horsepower. The Tri-Power three two-barrel setup pushed the horsepower to either 356 or 376, and is the most desirable of all. Yours looks to be the 376-horse engine known as the 421 HO (high output), another big plus.

The photos you sent clearly show the correct 2+2 badges, twin-lens taillamps and chrome body side gills. Pontiac's now celebrated eight-lug aluminum wheels were optional, and even though yours were added later, they still look great.

Your addition of the powers and wheels haven't hurt this car by any means. Also, the M-21 Muncie four-speed is also an added plus with its factory Hurst shifter. I'd say your car is easily worth $25,000, and perhaps more to a real Pontiac collector.

Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.