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Saturday, August 8, 2009
the only 1962 Pontiac Catalina Bubbletop made for Mickey Thompson, by Pontiac Developmental
Posted by st at 5:08 PM
Photographed at the Pontiac Oakland national convention (thanks Dave!) is the only bubble top 1962 Catalina. Its also seen here: http://chrysler300country.com/pontiac_389_super_duty_2.htm Just prior to the September 1961 NHRA Nationals at Indianapolis, Pontiac introduced a new 421 cubic inch engine rated at a ridiculously low 373 horsepower. The only people who could get them were the Mickey Thompson crew. I believe they only went into 1962 models because of the date they were introduced. Hayden Proffitt, driving Mickey Thompson's 1962 Catalina, beat everyone with a 12.55 / 110.20 run, unheard of in 1961.
....Thompson and the crew from Royal Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan, seemed to hit upon the same idea at the same time. According to Larry Davis's book, Quarter-Mile Muscle: Detroit goes to the Drags, both teams converged on the 1962 NHRA Winternationals with Tempest two-door coupes fitted with 421-cu.in. Super Duty V-8s.
Proffitt also drove a 421-powered Catalina in the Super Stock class during that event, but ran just 12.75 seconds with it. http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2008/05/01/hmn_feature9.html
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