Three years in, Pontiac was still singing the praises of its “Wide-Track” stance, and this 1961 Bonneville and its 62.5″ front track is an excellent representative of that design phenomenon. This Nashville, Arkansas, resident is the perfect embodiment of how Pontiac made a 217″ long, 3,800 lb. full-size hardtop appear light, breezy, and sporty. Curvette gets the nod for this discovery, and interested parties can find it here on eBay, where it’s available for a BIN price of $39,500. There is a make-an-offer option, too.
Pontiac’s full-size line-up for ’61 consisted of large cars (Catalina and Ventura) and even larger cars such as the Star Chief and Bonneville. In the case of the Bonneville, four body styles were offered, including four-door hardtops and station wagons, as well as two-door hardtops and convertibles, with the Bonneville two-door hardtop mustering about 17K copies. The listing stresses this car’s “original” interior but doesn’t label the exterior as such, so I imagine the finish may be a redo – regardless, it looks great. Besides the gleaming chrome and stainless trim, the eight lug alloy wheels/drums make this Tin Indian a standout! There are some underside images included in the listing, and soundness appears to be this Bonneville’s hallmark – no rust, rot, or deterioration spied. There’s a walk-around video embedded in the listing; be sure to check it out.
Powering this steed is a 303 gross HP 389, CI V8 engine connected to a Hydramatic automatic transmission. The odometer reads 4,059 miles, but there’s no claim or documentation of authenticity. The powertrain appears to be mostly original, with just a swap to an aluminum radiator with electric fans, as well as a conversion from a generator to an alternator, as the only deviation from stock. The seller adds, “Overall, it’s a great car that runs and shows well.”
The two-tone blue vinyl upholstery just screams 1960’s GM, and presents like new. There is some door panel wrinkle, but it’s minor, and the Morrokide upholstery shows as untouched. Ditto the carpet and headliner – no demerits to be issued. Of note is the inclusion of color-matched seatbelts. Also added are a trio of underdash engine gauges as well as an aftermarket A/C system driven by a Sanden-style compressor.
So, what does this Bonneville need? Other than a new owner, I doubt anything; buy, drive, and enjoy. That does leave one thought, however, and that’s the price. This one’s pushing 40 large on its ask, and it ain’t a GTO. It’s nice indeed, but without mileage documentation, is it $39,500 worth of nice?
Sigh,,,my late Uncle Marvin was a simple man. He went to HS, went in the ( peacetime) Army,( late 50s) got out and got a job at Briggs and Stratton, for 40+ years,,period. He never married and lived at home until he died in his 80s. He made good money at Briggs, and to celebrate, he bought a cream colored ’61 2 door Ventura bubble top, very similar to this. It didn’t have the Bonne gee-gaws, but rest assured, it was all Pontiac. Marv had a heavy foot, and was always fun to ride with him. It was left lane on Hy. 41, the only 4 lane at the time. Those 6 tail lights too, not quite the ’62, but neat none the less. Marvy wasn’t much of a car guy, but he knew what kind of car to buy, no help from his brother( my dad). Marv coughed up just over $3grand for the Ventura, this car about $300 more, I’m sure the old man talked him out of. Sadly, before he died, I mentioned the car to him, and he didn’t remember it. They were wonderful cars.
Howard, your Uncle’s car being a Ventura was a trim level on the Catalina chassis. It would’ve had the Catalina taillamps, not the Bonne’s 6 bullets. Just an FYI.
Never figure out why those trying to sell otherwise pristine cars can’t bother to clean the engine compartment… and maybe replace the duct taped hose!
What a beast. I like it, but yeah the ask is a lot steep. It would be interesting to see what this finally goes for.
Wonderful!
this has been for sale for a couple months. it looks clean and these don’t pop up too often. I see it at a strong 30k in the way things are happening, or he may have sit on it for the 40k.
My parents had one with the exact color combination when I was in high school – loved to take it out when they were out of town – It seemed to just jump up and go when I stepped on the gas, that is; after burning all the tread off the tires…
Always liked the ’61 full sized Pontiac. When I was a kid, a neighbor had the Catalina with the Ventura trim. Had a monster of an engine. She kept blowing transmissions though. She finally got rid of it and traded for a 1964 Bonneville. So much nicer than the Ventura. But I still can see that ’61 in Bahama Beige whenever I see any ’61.
Very cool poncho!!
What a sweetheart.
Dad had a ’61 Ventura ex-police car in the early ’60’s. He had to take it out to “blow out the cobwebs” once in a while to keep it running right. He just passed 2 weeks ago. RIP Dad.
Sorry for your loss bro.
This is a beautiful and desirable model but without true documented mileage is scary and so is the asking price, besides the other non stock items…. you can find Pontiacs just as noice at a cheaper price be smart and don’t spend the money on this one….. ?
Aluminum radiator and cooling fans added on… why would they use a crappy “one size fits all” hose? Obviously sprang a leak at some point too… if nothing else you’d think THAT would move them to replace it instead of duct taping it.
That being said, it’s a beautiful car. I’ve always loved the Bonneville’s tri-tone upholstery, and the fender-mounted mirror is cool too!