1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 convertible owned by Danny and Becky Mientka

Some builds are more than just restorations—they’re resurrections. That’s exactly what Danny and Becky Mientka set out to accomplish with their 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2, aptly named Big Cat. This sleek, powerful machine boasts a history as rich as its transformation, culminating in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece thanks to The Custom Shop and the skilled hands of John Wargo and his team.

The Legacy Behind Big Cat

The Catalina 2+2 was known for its long, aggressive chassis, earning the name Big Cat from Pontiac’s marketing materials and automotive enthusiasts alike. In 1966, Car and Driver recorded an impressive top speed of 130 mph with a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds, solidifying the Catalina’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Danny Mientka’s personal connection to the car only deepens its significance. Purchased from a developer who originally bought it off the showroom floor, the Catalina became an integral part of Mientka’s life—helping him celebrate major milestones, enduring a dramatic 360-degree spinout on Colorado Highway 94, and serving as a trusty summer companion towing boats throughout the 1980s. Eventually, it was stored for over 20 years, waiting for its next chapter.

Bringing Big Cat 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Back to Life

Mientka entrusted the resurrection of Big Cat to The Custom Shop, a renowned name in the industry since 1988. The shop’s reputation for high-quality builds made them the perfect choice to handle the extensive work needed to restore and modify the Pontiac. Spanning over four years as an on-again, off-again project, the end result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Under the Hood: A Modernized Beast

At the heart of Big Cat lies a GM LSX engine bored and stroked to match Pontiac’s original 421 cubic inches. Performance enhancements include Granatelli coils and plug wires, a Fi Tech Tri Power EFI system, a Pypes Exhaust system, and DEI heat shields. The car is cooled by a Tuff Stuff water pump, alternator, and starter, ensuring it runs as good as it looks.

To handle the power, Big Cat is equipped with a Ford 9-inch narrowed axle with 3.73 gears, providing the perfect blend of strength and acceleration.

A Custom-Tuned Chassis and Stance

The foundation of Big Cat is a Roadster Shop chassis featuring a coil-over suspension and a four-link rear setup. Koni coil-over shocks on all corners give the Catalina a smooth yet aggressive stance, sitting 4 inches lower than stock. Custom one-off Pontiac three-piece wheels, measuring 20×8 in the front and 20×10 in the rear, are wrapped in Toyo tires (245/50/20 front, 275/45/20 rear) for maximum grip and performance.

Show-Stopping Paint and Bodywork on this 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2

The exterior of the 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 sports a stunning custom silver mix with a tri-coat blue-gold pearl finish, expertly applied by John Wargo at The Custom Shop using TCP Global Custom Shop Series paint. The engine bay and interior parts were finished in TCP Global satin blue, polished to perfection with Griot’s DA polisher and Malco compounds. North Star Plating refined and tucked the chrome bumpers, while extensive metalwork, rust repair, and precision body panel adjustments brought the Catalina’s classic lines back to life.

Luxurious Yet Functional Interior

Inside, the Catalina blends classic elements with modern technology. The dashboard remains stock but has been modified to accommodate a Dakota Digital custom gauge cluster. A Billet Specialties steering wheel adds a refined touch, while Sony’s XAV-AX8500 gimbal mount screen takes center stage in the console. Audiophiles will appreciate the high-end Sony sound system, featuring two XM-GS100 amplifiers, two XM-GS4 four-channel amplifiers, XS-160GS 6.5-inch speakers, XS-162 6.5-inch component speakers, and a pair of XS-W124GS 12-inch subwoofers.

The seats, console, and door panels have been reupholstered in Apex Fusion Blue leather, CNC-stitched with custom Pontiac logos. Laser-cut speaker grilles and an illuminated Lexan subwoofer enclosure add an extra touch of customization. Additional features include Nu Relics power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping Ididit steering column, and a 30% tint from Auto City Glass.

The Future of Big Cat

For Danny Mientka, Big Cat isn’t just a showpiece—it’s meant to be driven and enjoyed. He plans to showcase the vehicle at a new weekend car show he’s organizing at Creekwalk Shopping Center before passing it down to his family. Looking ahead, his next build might take shape in the form of a ‘70s-‘80s pickup or a 1965 GTO—only time will tell.

Special Thanks

A project of this magnitude doesn’t come together without the efforts of an incredible team. Danny and Becky Mientka extend their gratitude to John, Kim, and the entire crew at The Custom Shop, as well as all the companies that provided high-quality products for this build. Special thanks to:

• John Wargo, Kim Wargo, Brianna Wargo, Dennis “Twinkie” Sullivan, Justin Rambo, Mario Viette, Josiah Chya, and Ryan Ohmes of The Custom Shop
• North Star Plating
• Eddie Motorsports
• Ringbrothers
• Vintage Air
• Painless Wiring
• Dakota Digital
• Toyo Tires
• Seat Belt Planet
• Nu Relics Power Windows
• Odyssey Batteries
• C Tek Charger
• DEI Sound Deadener
• Car-Rep 2K Paints
• California Car Covers

Final Thoughts of this immaculate 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2

Big Cat represents more than just a meticulously built classic—it’s a symbol of passion, perseverance, and the love of American muscle cars. From its rich history to its cutting-edge upgrades, this 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 is a roaring testament to what’s possible when the right vision meets the right team.

Be sure to check out more stunning builds and automotive features at Gauge Magazine.