Colin Chapman is famous for the idea of “adding lightness”. His Lotus vehicles were quick and nimble sports cars that are still a scintillating topic of discussion for any auto enthusiast. In 1963, Pontiac decided to try their hand at “adding lightness” as well. They punched 120 holes into the frame rails of a Catalina, and thus the 1963 Pontiac Catalina Swiss Cheese drag racer was born.
It was a record holder for many years, and in May of this year it’s your chance to own it.
This piece of Americana racing is being offered for sale in the upcoming Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction, which runs from May 19th to the 23rd and is now in it’s 23rd year.
From the black-out wheels to the drag-racer stance, this Catalina is all business. Under the hood sits a 421 with such goodies as lightweight valves, high-compressions Micky Thompson pistons, and an aluminum manifold. The engine was rated at 410 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. This is ample power to propel the 3,308 lb beast to a 12-second quarter-mile run.
What will it sell for? What would you do to own it? Could the police catch you? And finally, would the sound of this vehicle at idle cause a sudden and intense need to find some private time?
For more information and a few more photos of this 1963 Pontiac Catalina Swiss Cheese, head over to the Mecum Auction site.
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