RK Motors: Award-Winning Pontiac Catalina Safari Custom and More Amazing Collector Cars

Where do we even begin with this killer classic?

Let's see, it's a 1959 Pontiac, you know the first year of the company's Wide Track blitz, and an era that's criminally underrated. It's also a 1959 Pontiac that's an outrageous, and equally exclusive, Catalina Safari wagon. It's a 1959 Catalina Safari wagon that's powered by a correct 389 Tempest V8. It's a 389-powered 1959 Catalina Safari wagon that's been lovingly restored to include trick air ride and a fresh, $22K paint job… Oh yeah, and, it's been featured at SEMA twice, featured in both KUSTOM Magazine and Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine, and was awarded Best of Show at Viva Las Vegas 2014.

Pretty much any way you spin it, this wagon is an incredible, one-of-a-kind custom!

THE ART OF RESTORATION

Lovingly restored by renowned artist Max Grundy, this Catalina Safari is the stuff of a traditional car nerd's dreams! You know, there's a running joke in the automotive enthusiast community that wagons are, hands down, the coolest form of transportation. And, well, after seeing this rare, 9-passenger beast, we don't think that's such a bad premise. The car's extensive rebuild began with its virtual miles of solid, jet-age sheetmetal, being stripped to bare metal and coated in a custom combination of House Of Kolor 2-stage pearl. However, the car's most recent owner decided he wasn't happy with the original paint job, so, in 2016, he dropped $22K to respray everything in the same House Of Kolor pigments. As you would expect on a rarity like this, all the car's trim is restored original componentry that has been very well maintained. And deviations are minor but meaningful, with shaved hood and quarter emblems joining shaved fender toppers, and welded and smoothed tail fins as this Poncho's only obvious body modifications.

INSPIRED TO STAND OUT

The key to creating any timeless custom is strategically emboldening the already excellent virtues of a prized classic. Max's vision for the Safari's interior, inspired by the car's factory theme, proves the rule. The painted and Dynamat-lined cockpit trades GM's 2-tone, symmetrical look for 3-tone, asymmetrical digs that transform 'show' to 'whoa!' Blue, Cream and Mustard vinyl adorns all the car's seats, including a flat-folding third row that's nestled below custom Walnut trim and an electric rear window. At the front of the car, a shaved and smoothed dash seats fully rebuilt telemetry above cleverly integrated Vintage Air climate control. The glovebox was used to hide blatantly modern bits, like switches for the car's air ride and a Bluetooth-capable Sony CD player that kicks JL Audio speakers. A trick accelerator pedal, stamped with an all-too-appropriate bomber, rides monochromatic carpet that's devoid of Pontiac's typical silver stitching. And the driver commands the party through a delightfully retro steering wheel.

A TEMPEST OF POWER!

It's always nice to see a restored Pontiac that still features storied Pontiac power. Under this Safari's sculpted hood, you'll find 389 cubic inches of correct Tempest V8 that was completely rebuilt during the car's detailed restoration. Cold starts are a breeze thanks to MSD Atomic EFI. That throttle body funnels wind from a polished air cleaner to a traditionally Turquoise block, which tilts polished valve covers above a mild Comp cam. MSD 6A ignition bumps spark between an MSD Blaster 2 coil, an MSD Pro-Billet distributor and loomed MSD Super Conductor plug wires. Naturally, that ignition is sequenced to 12-volt wiring, which, provided by Painless, plays well with an Optima gel cell battery. Cooling comes courtesy of a factory radiator that, in addition to being rebuilt to 4-core by US Radiator, benefits from an efficient electric pusher fan. And, opposite that fan, traditional V-belts spin lucid power steering beneath a polished alternator and a coated AC compressor.

SITS WELL, SHOWS WELL

One great thing about classic cars is: they're generally simple, well-built pieces that have benefitted from years of innovation and restoration. That means you, the buyer, are getting a time-tested recipe that's sweetened with ingredients for the sole purpose of enjoyment. This Pontiac rolls on a 1959 factory suspension that, in addition to being fully rebuilt, has been spiced with trick Firestone air ride. The 389 spins power through a correct Hydra-Matic 4-speed, which twists a custom driveshaft that's hooked to a bulletproof factory axle. That motivation is countered by power front disc and rear drum brakes, with the former provided by Master Power Brakes. Great sounds emanate from throaty Magnaflow mufflers. And everything rolls on custom, chromed aluminum wheels that were designed by Max Grundy, and put into production by American Racing.

For many of us, owning a classic car is about defying norms and standing out from the crowd. It's an extension of the passion and creativity we always feel but can't always display. With this excellent Catalina, you're sure to be the boss of the road and the embodiment of kulture! Call, click or visit www.RKMotors.com for more information.

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Ground-up build that was executed by renowned artist Max Grundy
* Displayed at SEMA 2013 and SEMA 2014
* Featured in KUSTOM Magazine and Car Kulture Magazine
* Awarded Best of Show at Viva Las Vegas 2014
* Correct 389 cubic inch Tempest V8 / MSD Atomic EFI
* Correct Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission
* Modern air conditioning
* Power steering
* Power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Firestone air ride with separate control for each corner
* Custom interior
* Custom House Of Kolor paint
* Custom American Racing wheels
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world