1959 Pontiac Catalina Convertible. Manufactured in 59 and 60. The Catalina, though it was priced and trimmed below the Impala due to GM's overlapping price structure formula. Catalinas had more standard amenities than Chevrolet models and included a larger and more powerful V8 engine. Also a much better automatic transmission than their Chevrolet counterparts - the four-speed Hydra-Matic - versus Chevy's two-speed Powerglide. The Catalina featured a split grill, which was one of Pontiacs many “firsts” that was carried on though many generations, including the GTO. The Catalina was Pontiac's most popular model and the base platform for many iconic, popular cars - Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac 2+2, Pontiac Ventura, and the Pontiac Safari station wagon.