Dear departed Pontiac, GM’s “Excitement Division” did build some exciting things in the sixties, with the 1964 GTO rising to the top of the mentionable list. But they had an excitement streak before that, as evidenced by this 1963 Bonneville. I’d call this one a “twofer” as not only is it a convertible, but it has a four-speed manual transmission too – sporty! Kinda like a GTO, just bigger (OK, a whole lot bigger). Anyway, this big drop-top has a lot going for it, so let’s take a closer look. You’ll find it in Arlington, Nebraska, and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,000. Thanks are due to Zappenduster for this tip!
Bonneville was Pontiac’s range-topping model in ’63 and was available as a two-door hardtop and convertible, as well as a four-door hardtop and “Safari” station wagon. First appearing as a trim level in ’57, Bonneville was on its own in ’58 and by ’63 rode on a 123″ wheelbase, stretching out to a length of 219″ – yes, a big car! Volume-wise, Pontiac assembled 109K Bonnnevilles in ’63, and 23K of that total provided the air-through-the-hair experience.
The seller states, “Car is overall very solid and straight. Nice frame. Floors are nearly rust-free. Trunk pan has pinholes and has been worked on. Little rust in the quarters and door corners. Convertible top operates nicely but needs replaced.” The body appears to be solid, though the Nocturne Blue finish is showing its age in places. That noted, the chrome and stainless trim look fine, and the iconic eight-lug wheels show as perfect. The images that illustrate the top in the up position do reveal fabric that has seen better days.
The seller states that the bench seats have been reupholstered and they, along with the carpet, look good. The door and upholstery panels aren’t half bad either, though the lower edge of the driver’s door panel may be unraveling. The dash pad is new too, though the steering wheel has been reduced to chunks on a steel rim. This is a non A/C equipped car, and apparently both the heater and the radio are on the fritz.
Powering this rig is a 303 gross HP 389 CI V8 engine, married to the aforementioned four-speed manual transmission. The engine compartment shows as stock and original, and despite its 133K miles of experience, the seller claims, “Runs and drives good. Recent ignition tune-up, carb rebuild, and fuel pump. Good tires. Cruises down the highway well. Went on an hour-long drive and it did great.”
OK, so maybe not a GTO, but this convertible is an excellent representative of Pontiac’s sixties sporting intentions, especially when rolled together with the full and mid-sized Grand Prix, the Firebird/Trans Am and, of course, the Goat. These were Pontiacs – not Chevrolets or Oldsmobiles! One last parting thought: this Bonneville is being offered by a dealership; I’d suggest a human inspection before taking the plunge – you know, that trust-but-verify business. OK, that’s all I got; what do you think?
Good looking Bonneville. It looks like it has good bones. If rust isn’t an issue, a new top and a paint job in dark blue would really make this one stunning. I’d definitely look into restoring that see through steering wheel. It won’t be cheap for any of it. But how many drop top Bonnevilles do you see with a factory 4 speed?
I will take this over the “Bat-Prix” listed earlier and not have to answer all the questions!
Nice fair weather car. Fix up as you enjoy.
This is owned by a semi-local Pontiac collector who also happens to own, among others, a 1965 Bonneville Safari 421 tri-power 4 speed station wagon.
That Safari 🏄♂️ wagon sounds incredible 🏁
WOW! 1963, what a year. I got my first drivers license. I was a Junior in High School, I couldn’t keep my mind off the girls and cars. A 63 Bonnie convertible with 389 and 4 speed, nice cars but the split window Corvette was all the rage. The 409 Chevy was king as all the kids and songs gave homage to them. Fords were tearing up NASCAR races with the lightweight body, 427 engine.
I just love this Poncho, a new top, a/c and heat/defroster working and cruise on warm Texas days with the top down, rowing through that 4 speed gear box. Listen to the music of the engine and the beautiful notes of the exhaust pipes. Forget about the radio, they were just am in most cars in 63.
Get that paint shining bright and the chrome glistening in the sun, that steering wheel right in front of your face that you can actually see through. The dash layout is a pure work of art. Fasten your seat belts and hit the roads at full speed ahead.
Life just don’t get much better.
God Bless America
Not sure, but those pedals don’t look original for a b body car! They look like an a body set of pedals. Look at the big gas pedal, then look at those other pedals. They don’t match! I had a 65 delta 4 speed car and it had bigger pedals! Not sure but seems that a little closer inspection may need to be done! Still cool car!
I pulled up a few photos of full size ’63 Pontiacs and those pedals look correct to me. Many of them had chrome trim on the gas pedal but none on the brake or clutch. Just like this one is.
rather have this than a GTO. seems like square deal for what’s presented. at least you can drive it.
Wow, this is a real sweet ride and the price appears fair. Would also be a great driver until funds allow for restoration. The the 4-speed with 8-lugs puts it over the top!!