There are plenty of people out in the big, wide world who would love nothing more than to get their hands on a classic Pontiac project car. If you are one of those individuals, then this really solid and complete 1960 Bonneville might be worth a serious look. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for spotting this one for us because it is a car that shows a lot of promise. Located in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, you will find the Pontiac listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $8,900, but the option is available to make an offer.
Don’t be fooled by the tired look of the Coronado Red paint, because below the surface the Bonneville is extremely solid. The only rust in the floors is some very small spots in the front floor on the driver’s side, and these could be addressed with patches rather than total replacement. There is also some minor rust in the trunk floor, but it seems that this could also be repaired with little effort. The panels look quite decent, although the photos don’t really paint the clearest of pictures. The deck lid is one area that does have rust, but a good replacement is included in the sale. The lower rear quarter panels, rockers, bottom corners of the doors, and the bottoms of the fenders seem to be solid, and the only real external rust appears to be little more than surface corrosion. The tinted glass also looks like it might be in pretty decent condition. One really nice feature is the 8-lug wheels, and these come with new center caps.
Powering the Pontiac is its original 389ci V8, backed by a Super Hydramatic transmission. The vehicle also features power steering and power brakes. This engine would originally have produced around 300hp, but it has now been fitted with a Tri-Power setup of 1959 vintage. That should provide something of a boost, but it isn’t clear whether this would lift it to 318hp, or whether there might be a few more horses on tap. Regardless of this, the Pontiac has received now wheel bearings, a full service of the brakes, and the fuel system has been given a clean and service. The car has been parked for a while, and whilst it does run and drive, the owner suggests that the old fuel should be flushed from the system before any extended trips are undertaken. The owner isn’t specific about how the vehicle runs and drives, but the impression that he provides is very positive.
The Pontiac’s interior must have been a striking looking sight when it was new, and there’s no reason why it couldn’t be once again. The door trims are said to be good, but they do look like they need a clean. The dash is extremely good, but the car will require new carpet and new covers on the seats. These are the beautiful tri-tone covers, and when they are in good condition they look absolutely stunning. Another item that will require attention is the wheel because it sports plenty of cracks. One good thing is that there have been no aftermarket additions or changes to the interior, meaning that it should be easy to protect the car’s originality in that respect.
There seems to be little doubt that this 1960 Pontiac Bonneville is a solid project car that shows a lot of promise. It has been fitted with a number of desirable optional extras, and all it now needs is an enthusiast to return it to its best. Could that person be you?
Now THIS is a find!! Extremely solid from what I can see, and complete with all its trim and even 8-lugs!! Bonnevilles of this vintage and shape don’t come along every day; I hope it goes to a good home that appreciates what this is, and gets fully restored. It’s too rare not to!!
’60 Poncho’s have always been one of my favorites. Too bad I live in a crowded suburb townhouse in an (ugh) HOA :(> . I would certainly love to have this one. Of course, I’d have to move out of here into some acreage and have a big barn for all my finds!!:)….And much deeper pockets.
This would be a stunning car when restored and the BIN seems reasonable for a complete and fairly solid car. The restoration won’t be cheap but lots of potential here.
FordGuy and Will, great comments. I agree. Great and rare car. Fair price based upon what it is, decent condition and what is under the hood. Still going to be 2x value to restore once done but for the person that this is #1 car on their want list, either buy one done or do it “your way” on this one.
I think it is a Trans Am though! See the floor mats !!!! Super Rare Prototype !! Ok I’m done.
College roommate of mine worked in an auto center and a customer came in with his “Ford Nova” because of the big PRISM Ford Sticker in the rear window!
Oh man. As I am just finishing rust repair on my truck, this looks so doable. What a great return for the effort here. Especially at that price. Wrong coast for me but I am notifying my cousins now.
Always liked the styling on the 60 Pontiacs. There is nothing about this one I do not like including the price. Be surprised if it’s not gone soon.
Three air cleaners? That’s awesome!
Stunning and desirable car, very fair price and the seller is willing to dicker. It wouldn’t take much to square this beauty away. Tri-power and 8 lugs, wow, the only thing that would make this better would be a 4 speed stick.
Nice find! Wish I could bring it home.
This is the first year for the über sexy 8lug wheels. People interested in 8lugs should notice these wheels are of the ‘short fin’ version utilized for the ’60-’62 years only
Those wheels are sharp, the fins you see on the front, are cooling fins, on the drums, but you knew that. Closest things to disc brakes, you could get, on an american car back then. Make sure you rebuild those carburetors, a tri power setting up, gets varnish in the secondary carbs, and can give you a full throttle lean out. Not good, for the old 389.
I love those old Ponchos. Learned to drive in a 1960 Catalina Safari. Step on the loud pedal, and the rear view mirror, filled with smoke.
I like seeing all these cars, like this one. Not rusted to the ground. But # matching people are kinda wierd…kill it cause engine went boom? Relax, just a car. Good day all
Good looking now and will be beautiful when done. This one is made of the right stuff. Nice lines and a wide track. Too bad there aren’t more finds like this.
Actually I disagree with you here – early 60s non-Chev GM cars can indeed be found if you care to snoop around, and they usually don’t sell for hilarious $ if don’t mind some work. When I see cars like this Poncho I oftentimes wonder why the heck so many people are willing to pay so much more for similar condition Chevs or A-bodies
They don’t pop on the radar as much because aftermarket parts support is really weak. The Chevy if far easier to restore and maintain, as well as being more recognizable. What’s easier to find, a quarter panel for a 62 Chevy, or one for a 62 Buick?
Owning both a ’64 Impala SS (185.325 produced) and a ’64 Bonneville Safari (5.844 produced) I can verify there’s a massive difference in aftermarket support. While an Impala more or less can be built out of reproductions one have to show a bit more initiative to locate parts for a BOP fullsizer.
With that said a Bonnie like the one above shouldn’t scare people off. There are companies that specialize in parts for these less common fullsizers. I think we – the modern car guys – have become somewhat spoilt; back in the day there were no such thing as repops available only a couple clicks away. You either restored any pieces that needed attention or you’d locate donor parts.
If more enthusiasts took upon alternative (IMHO more unique) models you can be sure the aftermarket would follow up
local_sheriff, I agree with you 100%. I have a penchant for the “not as popular as” models, and, yes, they are harder to do but I really feel they are the more rewarding to do. Also true is that they are all worth having.