1965 PONTIAC 2+2

PONTIAC EXPANDED ITS SPORTY CAR OFFERINGS for 1964 with the GTO and 2+2 options. The Goat drew more attention and buyers, likely due to the new Le Mans’ A-body on which it was based, its included high-performance 389 four-barrel engine, and its price. Conversely, the new 2+2 was essentially a trim option that added bucket seats, upscale side panels, and a console to the Catalina.

Engine upgrades were available for the 2+2 over its base two-barrel 389, but they cost more.

For 1965, however, the 2+2 became a bona fide muscle car. Wearing a revised GM B-body semi-fastback shape, the 2+2 option delivered a 421-cu.in. engine, dual exhausts, three-speed manual transmission, Hurst shifter, 3.42:1 rear gears, heavy-duty suspension, bucket seats, upgraded upholstery, carpet, emblems, “Decor” louvers, pinstripes, lower-body molding, and wheel covers. It added $418.54 to the price of the Catalina sports coupe or $397.04 to the convertible.

ENGINE

The 421 block featured a 4.09-inch bore and four-bolt main caps. A 4.00-inch-stroke cast crankshaft, rods, and pistons comprised the reciprocating assembly. Cylinder heads had 1.92/1.66-inch valves, HD springs, and 1.50:1 rocker arms directed by a hydraulic cam