Well, got my cruiser. I had three main requirements: chrome bumpers, automatic on the column and a V8. I started looking for an early-'70s Chevy sedan--like the one Harry Dean Stanton drove in "Repo Man"--but then realized that a wagon was the answer.
This weekend we looked at this 1975 Pontiac Catalina Safari, and tonight Tom and I fetched it. It's a clean, stock, one-owner car. I figured a photo in front of Publix was fitting.
And I totally heart the disco red interior.
Nice score, I could be talked into the right Ford/Mercury from that era
I am in love with this beauty
Sweet, nice wagon! Welcome to the club.
If this keeps up GRM is going to need a longroof challenge :)
I like it! I drove a '71 Catalina (same body style) for many years, they're great cars.
The thing did the hour-long drive home from Orlando without a problem. It had been sitting since February, so the tires needed a few miles to lose their flat spots. Figure it will get an oil change and some routine maintenance in the very near future. Then attention goes back to the 240SX. I wasn't planning on buying a cruiser just yet, but it was the right car/deal at the right time.
Sweetness. I like my volvo wagon but there are many days I wish I had just doubled down and gotten a true land barge.
Please tell me it has a clamshell tailgate and a 455 under the hood.
hrdlydangerous wrote: Please tell me it has a clamshell tailgate and a 455 under the hood.
Clamshell, yes, but "just" a 400 topped with a four-barrel.
Needs some Rally II wheels. 
The new aluminum 17" version Year One sells look good, and probably would be in proportion with the Catalina:
Will the wagon be towing the 240SX to the track?
Clamshell FTW!
You know, Smokey and the Bandit is on AMC right now, and that car would look perfect with one of those phony Trans Am hood scoops like the cop cars in the movie.
Sweet! I bet it feels like you're floating on a cloud when you drive.
I regret getting rid of my 1970 every time cruise in season rolls around
Baby moons?
splendid
On mine? No, just these and careful application of black paint. 
The real thing looks pretty good on that woodgrain wagon.
A low option model. Interesting things noticed and memories from the picture:
Suicide windows. Crank window on the passenger door that is so far away you nearly drive into a ditch or tree trying to reach over far enough to roll the window.
Single bench that aids in the ability to slide over easier to roll the window. But, to move the seat (the whole seat) you have to pull the side lever then do a "butt dance" to try to gain enough motion and rhythm to have an influence on the position of that huge metal frame with metal springs.
Cool rig!
Rob_Mopar wrote: The new aluminum 17" version Year One sells look good, and probably would be in proportion with the Catalina:
The problem is the Year One wheel bolt pattern is 5 x 4.75" which matches up to Firebirds and GTOs, while full size Pontiacs use a 5 x 5" pattern.
I'd go for a set of big car Rallye II wheels, but if I couldn't find them I'd leave the original wheel covers - they look good on those cars.
5000 Pounds of Metal would be a kickass band name.
Knurled wrote: 5000 Pounds of Metal would be a kickass band name.
Thanks. I admit that I stole the concept from here: http://7000tons.com
What a car. I love those land yachts.
stuart in mn wrote:Rob_Mopar wrote: The new aluminum 17" version Year One sells look good, and probably would be in proportion with the Catalina:The problem is the Year One wheel bolt pattern is 5 x 4.75" which matches up to Firebirds and GTOs, while full size Pontiacs use a 5 x 5" pattern. I'd go for a set of big car Rallye II wheels, but if I couldn't find them I'd leave the original wheel covers - they look good on those cars.
I forgot about the big cars getting the 5" bolt pattern. I still encourage the Rally II's, they are a good looking wheel.
Time to make ze baybees!
94-96 Impala 17X9.5" wheels will bolt right onto that car... i don't know if they still sell it, but GM used to have a single part number for all 4 wheels with lug nuts and center caps for not too much more money than a single bare wheel..
And JohnRW1621, yeah, fairly low options. At some point I should go through the giant envelop of papers that came with the car, but I believe the only options are the FM radio and a/c--or was a/c standard that year?
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