Sometimes, the term “survivor” manifests itself in the abstract sense, meaning an exotic or muscle car that’s never been modified. Sure, it’s a survivor, but that car or truck hasn’t exactly been battle tested. A survivor that’s been used as a daily driver and still manages to emerge in relatively good condition is far more impressive, and even more so when the car in question is entirely average in specification. This 1990 Pontiac Bonneville is such a car and one that wholly deserves the title of being a survivor. The Bonneville is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,300, and thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the tip.
We just recently featured a 1997 Bonneville SSEi on Barn Finds, which is a later example of Pontiac’s underappreciated performance sedan. The preceding generation shown here was the first toe in the water of Pontiac building a sporting four-door, and the SSE was that car. It had racy body cladding, color-matched wheels, and performance-oriented suspension. The SSE is a car that might show up from time to time in collector-grade form, but even that’s quite rare, making the LE shown here all the more surprising. The bodywork looks clean and the luggage rack and “landau-style” roof indicate this is total grandpa-spec.
The description in the listing doesn’t read like it belongs to a senior citizen, so if I had to guess, the seller picked this car up from a long-time owner. With 205,000 miles on the clock, seeing the interior in amazing condition with stain-free fabric, an uncracked dash, and faux woodgrain trim is nothing short of amazing. The Bonneville is nicely equipped, with power windows and locks, and what looks like an upgraded sound system based on the speakers mounted in the door panels. One detail that’s an improvement over the SSE is the clean, button-free steering wheel.
The seller is correct that the 3800-series V6 is easy to work on and somewhat “…indestructible.” In addition, the LE trim with the 3800 pushed out a respectable 165 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s a great Facebook group called “Mileage Impossible” and you can find a Bonneville like this one with over 350,000 miles recorded. Many GM cars from the 80s and 90s when properly maintained can rack up strong miles like this one, and between the condition on display and the cleanliness of the engine bay, I’d say this a survivor in every sense of the word that has plenty of good-running years ahead of it.
This Bonneville absolutely falls under the catagory of, “I don’t believe the mileage, and I mean that in a good way”. It really goes to show how proper care and maintenance can keep a car going for many years if the circumstances permit it, like, not living in the rust belt. The interior, carpets, everything looks fantastic. These were good cars. I always liked them. Unfortunately however, some folks ( such as my father) walked away from GM during these years because he wanted an old fashioned, full sized, full frame, rear wheel drive car. He went to Ford, and never looked back. These were packaged very well, and it was probably a little tight for 6 full sized adults, but could be done. I drove a similar Buick with the same 3.8 V6 and I remember walking away impressed. Hopefully it goes to a good new home and continues to receive the type of care its had so far.
Your father probably never sat in the back of these compared to his full frame Fords. I sold a ’91 LeSabre to a co-worker who drove to work 50 miles each way with 4 other adults – 3 in back, 2 in front. When another co-worker offered his elderly mom’s Mercury Marquis for a good price, they switched to that – much to the chagrin of the rear seat passengers. Rear seat legroom was only fractionally larger in the LeSabre, but with no driveshaft the floor was flatter.
We had various Olds and Buick versions of this car, and they were terrific. This would be a great driver. Except that roof, Yuck!!
That faux convertible look. I’ve seen this on some Cadillacs but never on a Pontiac. No matter what car wears it however, it’s still awful. Otherwise this car looks amazing for the miles it’s traveled. Probably a lot of highway miles too, and that 3800 is probably just broken in. I’d look at the transmission though, before splashing cash. It’s the weakest mechanical point on front drive GMs of this era.. If it hasn’t been replaced sometime in the car’s life, it’s probably due.
I really like this generation of all the senior series GM cars. This is a very good looking Pontiac except for that roof. I wonder if it can be taken off without destroying things? Interior looks beautiful. Nice car.
We had one back in the day. Was a good car. That 3.8 would move. Wife hated it when I would chirp the tires, but I had to have SOME fun!
Kept my Dads 89 Buick Park Avenue until 2015, with 380,000 miles. Always maintained, that 3800 us s gem. That said, everything attached to the engine got replaced at least twice. Water pumps and transmissions definitely weak points
Kept my Dads 89 Buick Park Avenue until 2015, with 380,000 miles. Always maintained, that 3800 is a gem. That said, everything attached to the engine got replaced at least twice. Water pumps and transmissions definitely weak points
i have 3 3800s with north of 235k and still running strong. would not buy a new car with the lame new engines. this car looks clean. the fake convert top is a big turn off for me. see too many of them laying on the side of the interstate. i prefer the next body style after this 1. less round looking. price seems a tad high.