The First “Swiss Cheese” 1963 Pontiac Catalina Super Stock Drag Racer to be Offered by Mecum Auction
The October Mecum auction in St. Charles, Illinois will be the stage for the sale of one of the most significant cars in Pontiac drag-racing history when the 1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” Catalina, specially prepared for racing great Mickey Thompson, crosses the auction block. This Super Stock drag-racer was built by Pontiac in response to the challenges from Ford, Chrysler and Chevrolet and incorporated all the tricks of the trade necessary to produce a lightweight and powerful performer.
The most prominent modifications to the Catalina were the extensive measures taken to lighten the car. The chassis was altered by changing the section of the boxed rails and then drilling holes throughout the structure, leading to the nickname “Swiss Cheese”. All the stock insulation and sound deadener was removed and aluminum body panels were fitted. Even the cast-iron exhaust manifolds were replaced with custom aluminum pieces.
The 421 Super-Duty engine was highly modified with Mickey Thompson pistons, a custom camshaft and re-worked heads with lightweight valves. Twin Carter AFB carbs sat atop a special aluminum manifold. Altogether, these modifications gave 410 horsepower and coupled with all the other weight-saving measures, produced a car capable of 12-second times at 120 mph.
Pontiac produced two of the “Swiss Cheese” Catalinas for Thompson. This particular car was the first made and was used for backup and promotional use. Thus this car has accumulated very few miles. With a concours-quality restoration that paid special attention to all the period-correct details, this is an extraordinary example of Pontiac’s Super Stock Heritage. For full details on the car, please visit www.Mecum.com.
The 1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” Catalina is another Mecum Main Attraction of an estimated 800 collectible classics that will attract a crowd of thousands to the 13th Annual Mecum St. Charles, Illinois Auction, October 3 - 5, 2008 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. The car is will be sold Saturday, October 4 as lot number S88. The general public is welcome, with tickets available at the door for $10. For complete information about this auction, visit www.Mecum.com.
About Mecum
The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars, muscle cars and Corvettes for over twenty years. In spring 2008, the Company sold its fifty-thousandth car. Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling (815) 568-8888.
