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Introduced as a limited-production convertible in 1958, the Bonneville was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line model for more than three decades. In the ‘60s, Pontiac was the third-best selling brand on the market largely thanks to cars like this handsome 1964 Bonneville convertible, which offers a near ideal mixture of luxury and performance. If you were an upcoming executive in the ‘60s, you could afford a Buick or Cadillac, but those were old men’s cars. With a 389 cubic inch mill derived from the GTO, “wide track†suspension that supposedly improved handling, and a whole range of options so you could dress it any way you liked, the guy who could have anything he wanted could pretty much have anything he wanted. Today, the Bonneville is a great ‘60s cruiser with lots of power, great looks, and comfort for the whole family. Fortunately, this one runs and drives as good as it looks. Treated to a comprehensive restoration around 2010, this beautiful Starlight Black Bonneville convertible looks like a million bucks. The cowl tag says it was originally code Q, Gulfstream Aqua, but we can find no trace of it today so it was a comprehensive job that involved full disassembly. Along the way, it was straightened and smoothed to be worthy of the glossy black finish and we can find no obvious signs of rust repair or previous accident damage so it was likely a very nice car to begin with. Check out the laser-sharp crease that runs the length of the quarter panels, the excellent panel gaps, and the deep gloss of the finish itself. That kind of work doesn’t come easy or cheap, especially on a color change job. 1964 styling was restrained but sporting, with Pontiac’s traditional split grille flanked by stacked headlights forecasting the following year’s GTO look. There was plenty of chrome—after all, this was the Pontiac flagship—and it appears to be a combination of excellent original and restored components. Note that the especially difficult pieces like the finned insert below the trunk and the rocker moldings are in excellent condition. It has been driven a bit since it was finished, but the overall presentation is still quite good. The interior was also aqua, so you know that everything that’s maroon today is new: seat covers, carpets, dash pad, door panels, and all the little details that make these cars so special inside. The two-tone Morrokide upholstery was unique to Pontiac and looks spectacular and virtually new with negligivle wear since it was finished. Buckets and a console are relatively rare in a full-sized luxury car and the two-tone steering wheel is still just as gorgeous as it was 55 years ago. It includes a fairly comprehensive array of instruments, with a wide speedometer ahead of the driver and a trio of dials to his right and angled towards his line of sight. You’ll note that the original clock has been replaced by a tiny tachometer, which is an awesome addition that looks so right most folks will think the factory built it that way. There’s also the traditional GM vacuum gauge down on the center console, ostensibly designed to help save fuel but in a car like this, did anyone even care? There’s also a functional AM radio with working power antenna, power windows all around, and a remote mirror out there on the front fender. Everything works properly, including the white power convertible top, which powers itself down with the touch of a button and stows under a matching maroon boot. The trunk is also beautifully finished with correct maroon mats and an ultra-rare 8-lug spare wheel. The Bonneville was available with Pontiac’s biggest and most powerful engine, the 389 cubic inch V8 that would become legendary under the hood of the GTO. In 1964 Bonneville guise, it makes 303 horsepower inhaling through a 4-barrel carburetor, and its reliability is legendary. Rebuilt to stock specs, it starts easily and idles smoothly, offering just a modest V8 burble from the new dual exhaust system. It was also detailed with Pontiac Turquoise paint, a correct air cleaner assembly, and lots of new components throughout. On the road, it pulls easily at almost any speed and provides the kind of smooth torque that you’d expect from the Excitement Division’s most expensive model. The undercarriage is also tidy and clean, showing some modest signs of use but also offering proof that it’s led an easy life. Check out the ultra-clean floors, rebuilt front suspension, new brake components, fresh shocks, and the exhaust system that uses two mufflers per side for just the right sound. The 4-speed Jetaway automatic transmission was rebuilt just last year at a cost of nearly $4000 and with 2.69 gears in back it’s just a fantastic long-distance cruiser. There’s a new gas tank hanging in back, so no hassles there, and Pontiac’s legendary 8-lug wheels included some of the best brakes of the period, giving the full-sized Bonneville the moves of a much lighter vehicle. Of course, the 8-lug wheels are also beautiful and these are fitted with 215/75/14 whitewall radials for a correct period look. Documentation is excellent, including the original build sheet, reproduction window sticker, owner’s manual, and receipts for all the recent work. Full-sized Pontiacs remain at the top of many collectors’ wish lists, and the Bonneville represents one of the best all-around choices. Gorgeous, fun to drive, surprisingly quick, and luxurious enough to drive every day. It’s the kind of car that you’ll look forward to driving and that you’ll always be proud to have sitting in your garage. Call today! Harwood Motors welcomes and encourages personal or professional inspections of any vehicle prior to purchase.
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