The redesigned ’65’s still had the Pontiac’s trademark split grille and the stacked headlights started in 1963, but the profile now had a “Coke-bottle” shape. Overall, it was more curvy and fluid looking, and these new lines helped give the car a look of motion. The Bonneville was the flagship at Pontiac, and this is one fine example that the seller calls “a turn-key cruiser. No stories, no rust, no issues.” It had a quality repaint about 15 years ago, and the Montero Red paint still shines superbly. It looks laser straight and rust free and the seller says the white convertible top and boot fit great, there’s only two tiny marks at the corners from folding. The car’s chrome and stainless have been redone and looks great and it has a clean trunk and undercarriage. It also has those cool 8-lug wheels and period-correct whitewalls.
This Pontiac’s original interior is as impressive as the car’s exterior. The bench black leather seat looks very good as does the instrument panel and dash. It was ordered with factory air conditioning and power windows and the seller says everything works including the A/C, clock, AM/FM radio, and the power top. This Poncho has obviously been babied over the years. That does not look like a 61-year-old interior.
For some reason, there are no photos of the Bonneville’s engine and engine bay. The seller claims the engine bay is clean and correct and that the 389-cubic-inch V8 runs and drives perfect (and the dual exhausts sound amazing). The 389 is paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission. There are 39,694 original miles on this Bonnie (hopefully the seller has documentation). You don’t see too many red full-sized Pontiacs from this era, but if I had to choose one for my garage, this one would be it. As Mr. Griswold said to his son, “It’s a beaut, Clark! It’s a beaut!”
In one word, BEAUTIFUL! I owned one back in 1974/5 and it was not in anywhere near as good condition as this Poncho’s!
Stunning!
is craigslist trustworthy
Its like anything else, you have to do your due diligence, there are honest people who use Craigslist and there are scumbags too.
how do you suggest we do due diligence
Go look at it in person if you know what you’re looking for or take mechanic/friend you trust to check if everything is as advertised….
I really don’t think it could get much better than this. It’s just absolutely stunning. This is one of those cars you wash and wax on a Sunday and just sit on a lawn chair outside and stare at it. ( at least I would) absolutely beautiful Bonneville.
And its soooo beautiful its gone!!! 🙄
it’s so nice its already gone! great looking drop top. 65 is 1 of the best years.
I was only 10 years old when this automotive work of art was new. Who in their right mind in 1965 would have purchased a 65 Mercury or 65 Chrysler when this was available??? Stunning automobile!
This was Pontiac’s pinnacle “coke-bottle” styled car. One of the FEW cars that looks better with fender skirts.
Already sold…at $36K that was a BARGAIN!!
Withdrawn from CL
Post deleted by seller.
Bill Mitchell’s finest.
Kinetic sculpture … It’s no surprise that Motor Trend awarded the entire Pontiac line “Car Of The Year” for 1965. This was the golden age of GM styling. (in my humble opinion, anyway)
It’s beautiful; but a convertible is not for my old self. And it’s sold, so no further comment necessary.
then why did you comment
Better question is why are you, Bill?
because we thought Harrison’s comment was ridiculous
Are you the free speech police?????
Beautiful as any full size ‘60s Pontiac. No surprise it is gone already.
I doubt that one of these could be restored for the price.
Edsel: who are you talking too
you!!! Harrison was speaking his mind..last time I checked you could do that on this forum!!!
we all can; however he said “no further comment necessary” and still made a comment, why are you and Jason upset and Harrison doesn’t seem to be
This is one gorgeous car and no surprise that it is sold already. It’s worth every penny and best wishes to its new owner.
The event: 1970 Indy 500.
Transportation to/from the Dayton area: A RED Bonneville convertible, so close to this example, I think a ’66? One of the other guy’s parent’s family car.
The protagonists: Three high school buddies, a year after graduation.
We got into the area early Saturday evening, prepared to spend the night in the car, one across the front seats, one in the back seat, and one in the extra-spacious trunk.
Parking in the areas near the track was scarce. We went ahead and left the car in a residential area tagged with many “No Parking by Order of Indianapolis Police” signs, (There were hundreds of cars in spots just like the one we chose), and set off on foot in search of food.
When we came back a couple of hours later, the whole multi-blocks area had been cleared!
Finding a phone booth, we began making calls to locate the Pontiac. Ultimately, we found it had been taken to a huge impound field. Police information told us we could not retrieve the car until Tuesday! We got a cab and went there anyway. The man at the desk had mercy on us; he let us pay $50 and Take The Car. We had been only begging for access, our tickets to the race were in it!
We did find a proper place to park, and had a great time at the race, seated in the turn 3 grandstand.
After dropping two of us off, the driver took the Bonneville back to his folks’ house. He pulled into the driveway, shut off the motor, and the water pump shaft sheared, sending the fan into the radiator.
Youth and good luck, a remarkable pairing.
True story from the wayback machine, not a Day Dream.
I grew up and generally am a Ford guy. At 71 with some reflection, I have to give the 65 Bonneville top nod for 1960s design and beyond. A beautiful car in any configuration.
The 65 being a throwback to the 1963 stacked headlights, I still don’t understand the thought process of the 64’s headlight treatment, which frankly I find a bit odd and not nearly as attractive.