Low-cost survivors seem to be coming out of the woodwork around here, but that’s only because Pat L. seems to know where to look! Once again, another wonderful submission. This 1977 Pontiac Bonneville only has 83,202 miles on it and while the odometer looks suspiciously like it may have rolled over, the condition of the car says it hasn’t. 83,202 may not sound like low miles, but when you factor in how old this car is that’s only just over 2,000 miles per year since new. This clean example can be found here on Craigslist in dry Nevada for $3,500 or best offer which seems quite fair given how nice this 40 year old car is.
I liked this car from the outside, but after seeing the interior I love it! To some this may be too much red, but to others this is just enough to make this car fun. It looks like anything that could be red on this car, is indeed red. Remarkably, the dash and interior show no signs of fading or other sun damage. This is likely due to the car having been garaged since apparently always, according to the ad. The only defect in the interior is that the electric driver’s seat is currently non-functional.
The seller states that this car is powered by a V8 engine, but does not state which engine it is. Most likely, it is the then-new Pontiac 301 V8, but if anyone can clearly tell what it is please let us know in the comments! The seller says “Engine runs smooth, always serviced,” and despite the dust it looks like a clean engine bay.
The most noticeable defect on the whole car is this large dent in the hood. The seller states that there are two small dents on the driver’s side, but they are nowhere near as apparent as this. If I had to guess, and I do, I would say somebody shut the hood very confidently after performing service without realizing some tools were still in the engine bay! This dent aside, it is a very clean car wearing its original paint. For $3,500, this would be a really great cruiser and even a fun road trip vehicle! Four doors have never received as much love as their two-door counterparts, but for hauling people they simply can’t be beat.
Absolutely hands down one of the of best riding cars I’ve ever rode in, smooth and comfortable only begins to describe the ride of this car, like floating on air…….
Sherriff Buford T. Justice! All this car needs is a Trans Am to be in hot pursuit of.
More red cars. Gross.
“Survivor” is the new “patina”
Survivor is true though, most 70s US cars were rusted out by year five.
Very clean, it seems to me that these were the most seldom seen of the starting in ’77 downsized GM, full-size cars, at least from where I’m from, anyhow. They’re definitely near the top, though, styling wise. I would bet that a couple of good coats of McGuiars Cleaner Wax, would make that dulling paint, really pop!
The hoods on these large GM cars were prone to bending. The hinge mechanisms would rust and then when the hood was pulled down the hood would bend.
Another government innovation! When the government stepped into auto design in the late 60s, one of the requirements was that hood framework have “weak spots” built in, so that in the event of a collision, the hood would fold, rather than knifing back through the windshield….and the passengers. Problem was, when the hinges were not kept lubricated, there was enough force required to close the hood that those “weak spots” would collapse , destroying the hood. For quite a while, there was a good market for a little plate and screw kit sold at parts stores. These were attached over the built in weak spot to stiffen it up.
Absolutely one of the better drivers. Jump on this one. Hoods available at most Yards.
Nothing beats these cars. In any form from Chevy to Buick. A hands down reliable barge
Yup. And when they decided to go to hood prop’s, us forgetfull type’s yanked the hood down without removing the prop causing the same buckle’s.😎
Yep. The hood hinges would get stiff. Then all it took was one hard pull down to bend the hood. Once bent, it was easily bent again.
I’m glad to see the unmolested air cleaner. Young men back then were bad to take the lid off the breather assembly, and turn it upside down to create an air gap around the edge. All the better to hear the 4-barrel moan when they put their foot in it. Or so I’ve heard…
Being a 77 it is probably the corporate ( Chevrolet ) 305 ci engine, it was the standard V8 on all full size GM’s. I ordered a new Old’s 88 and had to special order the 403 to get an Old’s engine. This thing will make the perfect family cruiser for someone.
based on the location of the alternator, and the fact that the upper hose goes around the back of it, this is a Pontiac… that said, with as close as the A/C compressor and alternator appear to be together, it is most likely an “all new for 77” 301 Pontiac.