Frame Off Restored Bonneville Convertible 389 V8

Like the Catalina before it, the Bonneville is one of those cars Pontiac aced right from the start. By 1960, GM's lowly 'companion marque' was experiencing a huge spike in popularity and prestige. Eventually the Bonneville, a glitzy line-topper that epitomized the division's style and performance, became one of the hottest names in the automotive landscape; and if you take one look at this classy 1960 model, you begin to understand why. The car's retractable roof optimizes sunny summer afternoons. Its powerful Tempest 425 V8 is tame enough to cruise on the highway, yet strong enough to own the stoplight. And its rich Coronado Red color combination is one of the best schemes to ever adorn old school Detroit steel. When you add those desirable traits to a professional, frame-off restoration, you get one incredible classic. And if you're in the market for a top notch example of one of the coolest ponchos ever produced, you're looking at your next car!

Although this slick convertible's cowl tag says it originally wore an attractive coat of Magic Mirror lacquer, there won't be many guys who argue its clean two-stage isn't a big improvement. And to their credit, the restorers did much more than just spray fresh paint; they straightened the car's body, made its gaps exact, and ensured its panels are flat and wave-free. Of course, one quick look tells us this Pontiac's 2006 restoration was much more than just a 'deal of the week' treatment. And in fact, careful examination reveals a frame-off rebuild during which no expense was spared to restore every square inch of the car's sculpted metal to better-than-new condition.

Pioneering a twin-grille theme that would serve the Pontiac division until its demise, this chrome-laden Bonneville toes a perfect line between lavish luxury and rigorous athletics. At the front of the car, a thick chrome bumper props a veed stainless grille behind a gold “Bonneville” emblem, two clear parking lamps and four T3 headlights. Above that grille, a recessed hood spear rides between a bright “PONTIAC” header, opposed, stainless wipers and a correct chrome mirror. At the sides of that script, straight stainless trim, which visually connects the car's front and rear fenders, parallels equally planar fins. At the edge of that trim, chrome “Bonneville” scripts and correct Pontiac emblems combine with traditional GM door handles to lend a finished look to a svelte profile. At the top of that profile, spotless stainless frames combine with a tight black top to case dramatic greenhouse glass. And behind that top, tasteful stainless trim, which traces four rocket tube tail lights, complements pointed marker lamps, an old school Pontiac emblem, a second chrome bumper and a wide-set 'BONNEVILLE” valence script.

When Bunkie Knudson began Pontiac's revival, circa 1956, he started building a performance powerhouse. By the time the division's 1960 models rolled down the line, it was literally dominating NASCAR, NHRA and Pike's Peak. And that stellar showing was no doubt thanks to engines like this car's storied Tempest 425. According to its correct “B1” assembly stamp, the impressive mill utilizes stout 10.25 to 1 compression to crank out a killer 303 horsepower and an eponymous 425 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the big blue block, air is forced through a black, single-snorkel air cleaner into a familiar 4-barrel carburetor and traditional cast iron intake. At the sides of that intake, stamped steel valve covers loom above restored exhaust manifolds and 7mm Standard Triple Silicone wires. At the ends of those wires, a fresh points distributor rides beside a new wiper motor, a fresh brake booster and a fully rebuilt master cylinder. Cooling is provided by a correct radiator that's adorned with a correctly decaled shroud. And spark is supplied by a tagged Delco Remy generator that's spliced into a modern AC Delco battery. The car's satin black engine bay is clean and ready for show, from its fresh hood insulation and Delco Remy voltage regulator all the way to its functional courtesy lamp and rebuilt horns. And all belts, hardware and stainless lines are in the kind of clean, road ready condition that ensures excellent performance.

Not only did this sweet Bonneville introduce Pontiac's lasting design language, it also gave birth to the phenomenon we call Wide Track. The brand's engineers logically reasoned that a wider footprint provided more stability. And both that philosophy and its subsequent marketing lingo would last well into the 90s. Behind the car's stout engine, a smooth-shifting Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission sends power to a familiar GM rear end that's equipped with easy driving gears. Holding that killer drivetrain off the ground is a fully rebuilt double A-arm front and coil spring rear suspension which features fresh shocks and a large rear sway bar. Providing greatly improved turns and modern car stops is factory-optioned power steering and correct, fully rebuilt power drum brakes. At the center of the car's floors, the aforementioned manifolds dump spent gases into aluminized, true-dual pipes that are complete with large, factory replacement mufflers. At the corners of that exhaust system, 8-lug Pontiac turbine wheels spin 215/75R14 Coker Classic whitewalls around pristine trim rings and Pontiac Motor Division center caps. And naturally, the bottom of this drop-top is pristine in every way with every square inch of its fully restored hardware completely detailed for both show and go!

As stylish as a Buick and decked like a Cadillac, this Bonneville's ornate interior features a perfect mix of fine detailing and traditional American luxury. The car's big front bucket and rear bench seats are covered in stylish Morrokide tri-tone. In front of those seats, a stunning dash props a crack-free pad over rebuilt telemetry, a correct Pontiac Super Deluxe radio, bright wood inlays and a rich combination of chrome and silver trim. Below that dash, like-new carpet glows against a small console, chrome-trimmed pedals and thick, color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, tri-tone door panels hang small power window switches between fresh chrome handles and straight stainless trim. In front of the driver, an elegant steering wheel spins a chrome horn ring between a translucent rim, a chrome gear selector and a detailed Pontiac centerpiece. Behind the passengers, an ornate, “Bonneville” branded speaker fronts a gigantic trunk that's complete with a correct mat, a functional courtesy lamp and a deceptively large spare. And overall, there isn't a worn, damaged or improper piece in this car's stunning interior as everything from its factory air conditioning to its fresh power top is fully sorted and ready to cruise.

The sale of this awesome poncho includes vintage marketing materials, a few shop manuals, a giant stack of restoration receipts and a 2007 appraisal.

This slick Bonneville is a high performance icon that wraps universal appeal in a first rate restoration. We've seen some really cool convertibles roll through our showroom, but nothing beats the experience of owning a drop-top that's as storied as it is rare! If you're looking for a fantastic cruiser that'll run laps around the rest of the show field, you've found your next obsession!