3 On-The-Floor! 1968 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

Here’s an unusually equipped 1968 Pontiac Bonneville convertible – more on that to follow. It has an imposing presence brought about by its size and fire-truck red finish – hardly inconspicuous! And it appears to be in very sound condition, so let’s take a further look. Harrah, Oklahoma, is this Poncho’s home, and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,500, OBO. A tip of the hat goes to Zappenduster for this find!

This is a big car, and its lines accentuate its 223.5″ length. Tipping the scales at 4,100 lbs. is typical for a full-size convertible of this era, but is actually right on par with a typical 2026 SUV! Anyway, Bonnevilles were available as two-door convertibles and hardtops, and four-door hardtops and station wagons. Trim levels were two: Standard and Brougham. As the seller correctly states, this convertible is one of  7,358 assembled in ’68. The seller mentions, “She isn’t perfect; the driver’s interior door handle needs replaced, and the paint has some bubbles and some clear coat bubbling on rear! Originally Mayfair Maze (gold/tan metallic) — professionally repainted.”  Well, that answers my question about a respray; I thought the finish looked a little too good to be the original lacquer. Regardless of finish imperfections, this Bonneville makes for a beautiful presentation. The expansive body panels are straight, there’s no indication of rust, the chrome, especially on that unmistakable ’68 Pontiac log splitter beak, appears to be perfect, and the folding convertible top is said to be in “great shape“.

The unusual equipment is this Tin Indian’s three-speed manual transmission shifted via a Hurst floor shift. The seller adds, “3-speed manual on the floor probably converted, but makes it even more rare!” Well, according to period Pontiac promotional material, the three-speed gearbox was standard equipment on the Bonneville, and it was shifted via a three-on-the-tree column shifter. But that promotional material also states, “Floor shist available on most models at extra cost. All 3-speed floor shifts are equipped with Hurst linkage.” And I have to say, this car’s setup looks original, and I can’t find evidence of a removed column shifter.

That manual transmission is attached to a 400 CI V8 engine, and my primary observation there is the engine’s air cleaner decal, which reads “400-2,” meaning a 400 CI V8 engine fed by a two-barrel carburetor. Bonnie’s came standard with a 340 gross HP 400, designated as a “400-4.” There was a 265 HP 400-2 powerplant available as an option, but the previously quoted Pontiac disclosure clearly states that engine was only available with an automatic transmission, so there’s a mystery I cannot explain. Regardless, the seller claims, “Runs and drives excellent – smooth, comfortable, like driving a couch!”

Inside, we find a black vinyl upholstered “strato-bucket” seat interior, and the several included images present an environment that’s in fine shape. The seller, however, cautions, “The interior looks great, but carpet has bad areas, and the passenger seat has a tear! ” I have found from experience that the nylon-loop carpet GM used up through ’73 isn’t the hardiest stuff going, and it degrades even faster in a drop-top with adverse weather exposure. Ultimately, no big deal and easy enough to replace.

There you have it; yes, this is an odd one produced in the day when you could truly “have it your way.” I’m sorry those days are gone, but it’s not surprising either. A ’68 Bonneville isn’t rare, but not exactly commonplace either, but I can’t imagine there were many, if any others, produced the way this one’s equipped. It’s a neat curiosity item, wouldn’t you agree?