For most of the second half of the 20th century, the Bonneville was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line automobile. It was on par with other big, luxurious General Motors cars like the Oldsmobile 98 and Buick Electra. The seller has a 1968 “Bonney” convertible, which comprised just eight percent of production that year. Riding on a longer wheelbase than the more pedestrian Catalina, this one-previous-owner Pontiac is in Torrington, Connecticut, and is available here on eBay, where the bidding has a long way to go (unmet reserve) at $2,569.68.
GM’s B-bodied vehicles got a redesign in 1965 that would carry cars like the Bonneville through 1970 (with facelifts every other year). So, 1968 reflected mild changes over 1967, and buyers collected 7,358 Bonney convertibles off showroom floors in ’68. These cars were no slouches when it came to performance (a Pontiac mantra) with a 340 hp, 400 cubic inch V8 living under the hood. With just 49,000 miles to its credit, this 400 is flanked by a beefy TH-400 automatic transmission.
As the story goes, the seller bought this Bonneville recently off the original owner, who had moved into a rest home. We’re told you’ll find nary a hint of rust, and the white paint is original (though we wonder about touch-up in places like the door jambs). The car may never have ventured out in the Winter, thus preventing rock salt from being a factor. This vehicle’s matching top and blue interior also present quite well (though the canvas may be a bit dirty).
While the Pontiac originated in New England, where air conditioning was less common in those days, the dealer installed an under-the-dash unit early on. Michelin tires are present all around, and the Poncho comes with two sets of wheel covers, of which one set is factory wires. A fair amount of original and maintenance paperwork has also survived after 57 years, and a cadre of spare parts occupies the trunk area. From what we can tell, this bold Pontiac is turn-key all the way.
I love the opening shot. It looks like its parked in front of a house built in the same time period in the mid 60’s. Kind of reminds me of when Dad would bring a new car home and park it on the lawn and take a picture. Definitely looks like a nice low mile survivor in the photos. Its a sad thing that the original owner can no longer druve, this must’ve been his pride and joy. You can just tell by the care its received over the decades. Hopefully it gets a new caretaker and continues to get preserved.
One more thing to add. If you look at the Ebay add photos. You’ll see one with the ignition key in the ignition. Remember those key holders? I always assumed it was to keep the keys from scratching the dash board while driving. I actually still have my Grandpas brown key holder with his ’66 Impala SS keys in it. That key holder probably goes back to when it was new. It’s those little things you can’t replace. Great to see they still have it.
IIRC the key holder was also so that the owner wouldn’t poke a hole in his trouser pocket with a loose key. Or hers.
Remember those miniature versions of your license plate for your key ring that (I believe) were sent out by a veterans organization to fund raise? They are available on eBay if you’ve never seen one.
I have that too!!! Miniature NJ plate with his number on it. Another good memory.
In my wood shop class in 8th grade, we also learned how to use Tandy Leather kits. One of mine was a key holder! I still have the walnut magazine rack doing its duty downstairs as I post, too. Thanks for the memories driveinstile!
What kind of car do they carry in the trunk in the event of a flat tire?
A purchase consideration…..Who would buy this when you could have a Deuce and a Quarter?
Oh IDK. Someone who likes Pontiacs? Personally I like the Grand Prix better but if I were in the market for a big convertible this would need a closer look.
Despite Pontiac being the first step up from Chevrolet in GM’s marketing hierarchy, the top-of-the-line Bonneville was always finished just a bit nicer than the top Oldsmobile 88 or Buick LeSabre. This was allowed because Pontiac was the only one of the BOP divisions not given a version of the C-body (Ninety-Eight/Electra/DeVille) platform, so a deluxe B-body was their flagship model..
In terms of 1968 priorities, the Bonneville was not on par with the Ninety-Eight, and the Electra. Those who could afford a car like this were usually older and had had some financial success. It was the era of bigger is better for that demographic and this was a noticeably smaller car than the Ninety-Eight, the Electra 225, and the DeVille Cadillacs, which Phil D pointed out had the General Motors C body.
The engines in those cars were built by their divisions and were not shared with others. The Ninety-Eight had a 425, The Electra 225 had a 430, and the Cadillac had a 472 (on its way to 500). The Pontiac with the available 428 was some quicker as it pulled less weight with a similar sized engine. The Pontiac was well into its performance era and was strong with the younger demographic.
While I don’t agree with its being on par with the C body cars, I do think the 1965 Oldsmobile Starfire, the 1963 Buick Riviera, and the 1965 Pontiac Bonneville and Grand Prix are the most beautiful American cars ever produced, with the Pontiacs having the slight edge. I love convertibles having owned 11 of them, but the convertible versions of the ’65 Starfire and ’65 Bonneville don’t seem to have as much eye-appeal as the coupe versions. I hate the thought of the gentleman who owned this convertible not being able to drive anymore.
This was a nice thoughtful writeup.
My 1st car was a 4 year old ’68 Bonnie coupe when I joined the USAF.
Dad had a 72 New Yorker and thought an 18yo would be “safer” in a big car.
Had ~ 50K miles when the timing chain slipped.
Traded it for a 69 Charger.
Good Lord! What size Outboard did they use to power that Boat!
At $8500 with 3 days to go, I’m gonna put in a prediction/guess high bidding will be in the $13-$14K range but won’t meet the reserve. anyone else care to venture a high bid guess? It would have been nice to include a picture with the top down. Does the new exhaust head pipe in the trunk indicate a trip to the muffler shop is in this car’s future?
How long has this car been sitting on the grass???. That’s one of the worst thing to do to a car!!!
Ended at $11,400
Reserve Not Met.
52 Bids.