Johnny Lightning 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2



The good news for 2016 is the return of Johnny Lightning.  The castings are revived from the last time Johnny Lightning was still around, and with the revival of Racing Champions Mint the Auto World line has been reduced down to one simple line that has been popular from the start: the mid-segment Premium line.  Since I have experienced most of the JL castings by far there was no need to invest into the first release of the Johnny Lightning line.  One that caught my attention is the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2.




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The Catalina was the entry-level point in the Pontiac line for its full-size line starting in 1959.  The Bonneville was the higher-end line and is most represented in diecast, but not the Catalina.  The 1965 Catalina shard the new Pontiac's line of vertically-stacked headlights, though the larger Pontiac's have headlight bezels that stick farther out, while the grille has a split bar inside the twin grilles.  The interior is driver-oriented with a flat dashboard that features auxiliary gauges in the center.  The 2+2 option is the performance package for the Catalina that provides a 421 CID Pontiac V8 that produces 376 hp. through a 3-speed automatic transmission.  The Catalina would last until the late 1970's when the Parisenne would take over.




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The first thing you'll notice about this casting, aside from the longer weight, is the Lilac Sunset paint that looks silver until light shines on it and gives off hints of purple; it's really a nice touch to this car and is the main reason why I got this version.  The wheels are turbine wheels (I believe these were the same units used on the Grand Wagonner) in gray with rubber tires that have the redline on them; they look great on this car!  The front has the detailed headlights in white with silver bezels, twin grille with center bar and Pontiac logo in the middle, and lower bumper with Florida plate that reads LANDYHT, yes land yacht too but really referring to Landy's ride on the card that comes with the vehicle.  The 2+2 badges in red are located on the hood, front fenders, and rear trunklid, while the sides have front fender vents, a lower character line that dips low, and metal frame that stands out on the sides and interrupts an otherwise clean car (aside from the squatting rear end).




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The rear has detailed taillight bar with center grille vents that have the PONTIAC letters, rear plate again, and reverse lamps on the rear bumper.  The interior has the detailed dashboard, gauges, steering wheel, door panels, and front bucket seats with ribbed patterns and rear bench seat as well, but where's the floor shifter?  The chassis shows off the detailed frame, drivetrain, and exhaust system very well, while the hood opens up shows the Pontiac V8 in blue with three carbs with individual filters.  The overall appearance and touch of details on these Johnny Lightnings are impressive compared to the original JL's, and this Catalina is one of them despite the squatting rear-end this is one beautifully done model!



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