When you look at this beautiful 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, it is hard to believe that almost sixteen years have passed since the company that created it ceased to exist. With no signs of a revival, preserving classics like this has become crucially important, and someone has done a sterling job in this case. It doesn’t just look stunning; the 389ci Tri-Power V8 under the hood gives it some muscle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Bonneville listed here on Craigslist in Maple Valley, Washington. Handing the seller $28,000 could allow you to drive this turnkey classic home.
Pontiac first attached the Bonneville badge to a Convertible version of the Star Chief in 1957. By the time our featured car rolled off the line in 1963, the Bonneville was reaching the end of its Third Generation. It looks stunning in Marimba Red with a power top in contrasting White. The paint shines deeply, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The top fits as tight as a drum, with no visible marks or stains. There is no mention of rust in the seller’s listing, and I see nothing suggesting any issues below the surface. The trim and glass are excellent, and this Bonneville scores extra points from me for its eight-lug wheels. There were plenty of extremely nice factory wheels available in the 1960s, but I rate these as the best to grace any production car during that decade. They are immaculate and are wrapped in new narrow whitewalls.
Lifting the hood reveals that this Bonneville is more than a pretty face. The first owner equipped it with a 389ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. They didn’t mess about, ticking the box beside the Tri-Power setup on their Order Form. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 313hp and 430 ft/lbs for this motor, and although the Convertible weighed almost 4,200 lbs, it still provided impressive performance for a vehicle of this type. The seller indicates that they recently replaced the brakes and will include comprehensive documentation tracing the Bonneville’s history over the past seventeen years. It appears to be a turnkey proposition with no identified mechanical issues.
The first owner didn’t restrict their cash splash to beneath the hood, equipping this Bonneville’s interior with air conditioning, a factory tachometer, a tilt wheel, a console, a pushbutton radio, and Pontiac’s version of the Autronic Eye, dubbed the Guide-Matic system. The seller indicates that the A/C doesn’t blow cold, but doesn’t mention any other functional issues. The presentation is extremely tidy, with the Red vinyl in good condition and no evidence of wear. The wheel hasn’t cracked, while the faux woodgrain and plated components look remarkably good.
I am a great believer in preserving our motoring heritage, especially if the marque in question has disappeared. This 1963 Bonneville Convertible will provide future generations of enthusiasts with an insight into what the world lost when Pontiac ceased to exist. Seeing cars like this “in the metal” is far better than gazing at photos in books, because it provides an opportunity to examine and appreciate every square inch, an experience that no book can match. This Bonneville has survived for over six decades, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t double that figure if treated respectfully. With values climbing, it could be an appreciating asset and an excellent family heirloom. Are you tempted?
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