The Catalina, along with the other full size Pontiac's were completely redesigned for 1959. The Catalina had the distinction of being Pontiac's full size price leader. Ironically, the Catalina was priced below the Chevy Impala that year yet came standard with more amenities than the Chevy and boasted a better, four-speed Hydra-Matic  transmission- versus the Chevy's two-speed Powerglide unit. Buyers had several powertrain options to chose from including Pontiac's famous 'Tri Power' V8 which boasted up to 345 HP.