 Though the pictured engine...  Though the pictured engine is closer to a standard 389, the original "stock car" was shipped from Pontiac with a 389 ci engine designated a Tempest 425-A 4-barrel and rated at 333 hp. Anybody could walk into a Pontiac dealer in 1960 and order this engine in their Bonneville, Catalina, or Star Chief. Its cost was $230-$279. This was the first year of Pontiac's purpose-built Super-Duty parts, and it is believed that Smokey Yunick outfitted the Panch Catalina with the Pontiac Super-Duty block (code 535466), large valve cylinder heads (code 535461), forged 389 ci crankshaft (code 533038), and cast-iron exhaust headers (code 535505/4). Today, NASCAR uses complete "purpose-built" engines that are not available to new car buyers or over the counter to the public. |  Although not invented by Smokey...  Although not invented by Smokey Yunick, heavy-duty wheel hubs with longer, heavier wheel studs were mandated by Nascar. |  Electrical tape was a safety...  Electrical tape was a safety feature on many early Nascar race cars, including this Daytona 500 winning '60 Catalina. If you wrap the electrical tape counterclockwise, your hands are safe, but if you wrap the electrical tape clockwise, your hands are in for cuts and scrapes. Marvin did not wear gloves during the races because he could get a better feel for the car driving with bare hands. Also, notice the toggle-style ignition switch, Stewart Warner gauges and the stainless steel plate that replaced the factory's dash gauge cluster. These were common in 1961-era Nascar racing. |
| Marvin Panch '60 Catalina Specs |
| This is how the Catalina is outfitted today. |
| Style | 2-door hardtop 2137 |
| Drivetrain |
| Engine | 389 ci |
| Block Casting No. | 536387 |
| Carburetor | Carter 4 barrel 625 cfm (est)(Carter did not publish cfm ratings on their '60 Pontiac carburetors) |
| Intake | Cast-iron, single four-barrel #536518 |
| Distributor | Stock Delco points-type |
| Heads Casting No. | 536109 |
| Valves | 1.88/1.60 |
| Cam | Unknown |
| Rockers | GM stamped steel 1.5:1-ratio |
| Pistons | Unknown |
| Rods | Unknown |
| Crank | Unknown |
| Compression Ratio | 11:1 |
| Exhaust | Pontiac cast-iron manifolds feeding dual 3-inch exhaust pipes exiting under each door |
| Transmission | Borg Warner T-85 |
| Shifter | Three-speed column |
| Rear End | Stock 3.23:1 geared open rear |
| Chassis |
| Wheels | Double-centered 15-inch steel 5 lug pattern |
| Tires | 8.00x15 Firestone Racing Tires |
| Driveshaft | Stock |
| Brakes | Aluminum drum with Grey-Rock shoes |
| Steering | Variable-ratio power designed by Smokey |
| Spindles | Pontiac reinforced Police car |
| Springs | Smokey Yunick used different springs on different wheels depending upon each track. The actual spring rates are unknown |
| Stabilizer Bars | Standard front/heavy-duty rear |
| Shocks | Monroe Racing, two per wheel |
| Horsepower | Estimated 333 |
Smokey's Innovations On The '60 Pontiac
As an exclusive for HPP readers, we will disclose a few of Smokey Yunick's secret inventions used on Marvin Panch's '60 Pontiac Catalina. In the days before computer modeling, sophisticated NASCAR race car wind tunnel testing, computer data analysis, and modern racing tire rubber compounds, Smokey Yunick modified a stock Pontiac chassis, sheetmetal, and 389ci engine to turn 165-170 mph and up to 6,800-7,100 rpm for 500 miles. Here's some of the ways that he did it.
 This is a special-built Smokey...  This is a special-built Smokey Yunick power steering pump equipped with cooling coils-one of the first Nascar race cars to have power steering. |  Firewall ducting relieves...  Firewall ducting relieves negative pressure under the hood and enhances stability. |  The radiator is equipped with...  The radiator is equipped with a copper tubing safety ring to prevent a loose fan from penetrating the radiator during "mild" front end impacts. |
 Dual breathers (one per valve...  Dual breathers (one per valve cover) relieve crankcase pressure. |  Smokey's specially-designed...  Smokey's specially-designed rollcage has X-bracing on the roof for safety and extra rigidity. |  Marvin Panch and his daughter,...  Marvin Panch and his daughter, Marvette, enjoy showing his Daytona 500 winning Catalina at special events across America. |