There’s nothing subtle about American full-sized cars from the late ’50s and early ’60s. Long, wide, and heavy, with imposing grilles and (in some cases) giant fins, these monsters exude the confidence of post-war optimism. Driving a car like this 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Hardtop in Hilton, New York says “Don’t mess with me or I’ll tuck my tie into my shirt, roll up my white sleeves, and give you a knuckle sandwich.” The big Pontiac’s powerful black paint shows off its plentiful shiny trim as well. Seeking a new owner here on eBay, the Bonneville’s listing includes a trunk-load of pictures showing a remarkably clean classic, but a specimen that’s still far from perfect. More than 25 bids have driven the market value above $6000. The high bidder wins in this No Reserve auction.
Mount a net and that trunk is all set for a ping-pong match. Don’t worry if there’s bullet holes in the trunk. Those are for drainage. (Just kidding; a little gangster humor there.) Pontiac built this Bonneville for the highways of the Eisenhower era, touting the stability and other benefits of their Wide Track design.
The 389 cid (6.4L) V8 looks thoroughly refreshed and the engine compartment shows well. The engine paint may be a later Pontiac color, and chrome accessories deviate from stock, but at least it’s a Pontiac motor. Check out this snappy convertible for a look at a nearly-perfect ’60 Bonneville.
The white upholstery likely differs from original equipment as well, and the dash is in cleaned but never-restored condition. When it comes to style, these cars deliver it inside and out. By the mid-’60s it became hard to tell one Detroit dashboard from another unless you were sitting in a Corvette. Look closely at the many pictures and you’ll realize this car can’t bring full price for a ’60 Bonneville, but it’s in fine shape for a driver. What’s your top dollar on this Wide-Track cruiser?
Sweet!
What’s up with the hole in the intake? Oil filler tube?
Cool car ! It Kind of reminds me of Fast Times At Ridge mount High Buick Lesabre
Beast 👀
It has even been fitted with an alternator, HUGE plus. Now, how about a dual chamber master cylinder and front disc brakes. This would be one heavy beast to stop quickly.
“Don’t mess with me or I’ll tuck my tie into my shirt, roll up my white sleeves, and give you a knuckle sandwich.” Love it :)
I absolutely love this body style of the Pontiac Bonneville. 1960 was a great year and Pontiac promoted the “Wide Track” campaign as stated. There is a picture somewhere of one on a high banked curve. It looks like it is getting ready to take off. These pillarless hardtops almost look like they are a convertible. I love the black exterior of this one with the white parchment. However, I am not a fan of the blue kick panels and dash. If it were black, I might have to pull my 401k and sell my 69 Coronet 440. Super cool nevertheless.
I think the “Wide Track” began in ’59. The drawings always made the car seem wider than it really was. It was 5 inches wider than the ’58’s, however.
Yup, Wide Track introduced in ’59 however the icing on the cake to complement the added width – 8lug wheels – wasn’t around until the next year.
Drawings were created by Art Fitzpatrick & Van Kaufmann and IMHO represent the very best of automotive artwork EVER. They give the impression that every Poncho of the day came from the factory with a Ride Tech kit …!
Three days to go, but it looks like someone is going to get a really good deal on a fantastic car.
Gotta love these eBay listings that proclaim “NO RESERVE” and then in the fine print you find seller “reserves the right to end the auction early”. As in, if it looks like bidding is not going to make it over the minimum price they will accept? Aka “reserve”?
It matters not. This is a very nice ride. These cars were hot in their day. I would set my high bid at 7K. I think it’s worth that much but no more.
God bless America
I love the car but I can’t understand a luxury car such as this would not have air conditioning! I would have to add an aftermarket A/C unit for the hot Florida summers.
Early in 1960, the Bonneville script on the rear changed from silver letters to gold, as depicted here. The front should have gold Bonneville script on the driver’s side grill, not the passenger side.
Every time I have to parallel park I am grateful I took my driving test in a four-door version of this car. My girlfriend taught me how to park like an ace and I aced it for the test.