AMT 1/25 Polyglas Gasser II

The 1961 full-sized Pontiacs were completely restyled with more squared-off bodylines, the reintroduction of the split grille first seen in 1959 and dropped for 1960 and an all-new Torque-Box perimeter frame with side rails replacing the "X" frame chassis used since 1958. The new frame not only provides greater side-impact protection than the "X" design but also improves interior roominess.

The distinctive protruding grille made its appearance on all Pontiac products during the early 1960s, and was a modern revival of a similar appearance on Pontiac products during the 1930s and early 1940s, as demonstrated on the Pontiac Torpedo.

Rooflines are more squared off on four-door models with the six-window styling dropped on pillared sedans and wider C-pillars with flat rear windows on four-door hardtops. A revised version of the 1959-60 "bubbletop" roof was used on two-door hardtops. Wrap-around windshields were dropped in favor of flatter glasswork for improved entry and exit to the front seat.

The new body is somewhat smaller and lighter than the 1960 model with the wheelbase down three inches (76 mm) to 119, overall length reduced by the same to 210 in (5,300 mm) and width dropping nearly two inches to 78.2 from 80 in (2,032.0 mm) 1960. The front and rear track of the 1961-62 Pontiac was reduced to 62.5 in (1,590 mm) front and rear. The 1961 Pontiac was advertised as "all Pontiac...on a new wide track."

All engines were again 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8s as in previous years, now called "Trophy" engines. rather than "Tempest" (including the larger 421ci "big bore" engine). Standard engines are two-barrel units rated at 215 hp (160 kW) with the three-speed manual transmission or 267 hp (199 kW) with the optional Hydramatic, with a 230 hp (170 kW) regular-fuel-capable "economy" V8 offered as a no-cost option with the Hydramatic. Offered as extra-cost options were more powerful versions of the 389 including a 303 hp (226 kW) version with a four-barrel carburetor or 318 hp (237 kW) Tri-Power option. New to the options list were two higher performance versions of the 389, including a four-barrel 333 hp (248 kW) unit and a 348 hp (260 kW) Tri-Power option, both with higher, 10.75:1, compression ratios. A 363 hp (271 kW) engine was offered to drag racers. Late in the 1961 sales season the 421 cu in (6.9 L) Super Duty was released for sale as a dealer installed engine. The 1961 models never came from the assembly line with the 421ci engine; instead it was a specialty item installed and sold at the discretion of individual dealers.

A new "three-speed four-range" "Roto Hydramatic" automatic transmission replaced the previous four-speed unit for 1961. The new transmission is slimmer and lighter than the older four-speed Hydramatic, which was continued on the larger Star Chief and Bonneville models. Also new for 1961 was a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst floor shifter, available on special order.

The 1962 Pontiacs received a heavy facelift from the 1961 design with more rounded body contours and new rooflines on two-door hardtops featuring convertible-like bows. Catalina sedans and coupes got a 1-inch (25 mm) wheelbase increase to 120", after spending 1961 on a 119-inch (3,000 mm) length shared with full-sized Chevys (Safari wagons retained the 119-inch (3,000 mm) wheelbase through 1964).

Most regular engine and transmission offerings were carried over from 1961 with the 389 cu in (6.4 L) Trophy V8, ranging in power ratings from 215 hp (160 kW) to 348 hp (260 kW). A small number of 1962 Catalinas and other Pontiacs were built with a "non-streetable" 421 cu in (6.9 L) Super Duty V8 with two four-barrel carburetors and 405 hp (302 kW), as a US$2,250 option (when the base Catalina listed at US$2,725), along with various "over the counter" performance options offered by Pontiac including aluminum bumpers and even lighter frames with drilled holes (which were dubbed the "Swiss cheese" frames).

This kit is the 1962 Catalina hardtop with a 421 engine. The kit can be built as either a stock  or a custom version. Both have a dual four barrel 421, the construction of which takes up the first full page of the instructions.

One then moves to the interior. Then one moves on to the interior. There are separate build steps for the stock and custom interior, but there are differences in how they are painted. One then moves to the underside of the frame and installs the dual exhaust and then the suspension. This is fairly complex and there is a goodly amount of detail involved. The kit's exhaust has a cutout extension so that when one does the custom version, one can install the lake pipes to the cutouts.

Two sets of wheels and tires are provided to attach to the axle assemblies. Most of the custom work involves the grille assembly as the tail section is the same for both. You can pose the hood open or closed as you wish, but if open it will remain like that. Clear pieces include the lights, front and rear windows. The taillights are in red transparent plastic. There are no clear quarter windows, but a template is provided in case you wish to add these with clear plastic sheet.

Instructions are well done and provide color information to be used during construction. The decal sheet (not shown) is fairly thick and provides customizing items like flames along with license plates and racing decals.  

It looks to be a nice car kit and one that has enough detail for the general modeler and a good start to add more to those who like to go nuts. The original tooling was 1969 and the condition of the parts is superb. One other note is that I bought my kit second hand and it did not come with the four extra redline tires. This is also not an officially licensed kit, hence the lack of the Pontiac name anywhere on the box or in the instructions.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Catalina

February 2020

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