Catalina is a-waitin for me

Anyone else remember that song?

"Twenty- six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance, romance, romance, romance"

That goes back to around 1960, many years before I was born. Still, I grew up on music like this, and I can't stop the song from running through my head when I see this Custom Catalina. When I listen to that song I think back to the ideals of the 1950s, with high pony-tails and poodle skirts and sock hops. The same thoughts strike me while looking at this car. It really is a beautiful model.

1955 Pontiac® Star Chief® Custom Catalina In Black over Red - Strict Limited Edition of just 550 pcs each!1955 Pontiac® Star Chief® Custom Catalina In Red over Black - Strict Limited Edition of just 550 pcs each!

With the introduction of the Star Chief™ in 1955, Pontiac® shed its stodgy image-with a vengeance. It also disproved the old adage that beauty’s only skin deep: for under that sexy, eye-catching two-tone paint scheme beat the heart of lion, in the form of the all-new “Strato-Streak” V-8 engine that produced 180hp and roared from 0-60 in 13.8 seconds.

Now, Franklin Mint Precision Models honors the legendary Star Chief™ as never before. And by acting now, you can choose one or both of the spectacular models featured here-one painted red on top and black on the bottom, the other black on top and red on the bottom…the very same option GM® offered customers back in '55!

Each is hand-assembled from more than 100 separate parts and each is packed with the authentic details that are the hallmarks of Franklin Mint Precision Models. Every detail of the powerful “Strato-Streak” V-8 stands out in lifelike clarity; the interior is matched perfectly to the original and such realistic working features as operable steering, functional suspension and doors, hood and trunk that open and close complete one awesome die-cast re-creation.

We'll also be looking for this sleek beauty in June: