Land Yacht Project: 1968 Pontiac Bonneville

Throughout the 1960s, the Bonneville held the top spot in Pontiac’s broad lineup. It shared the big B-body platform with the likes of the Oldsmobile 98 and Buick Electra. Styling was updated in 1968, switching back to side-by-side headlights rather than stacked. Convertibles like this one were still popular at 7,358 units, surprisingly outselling the 4-door sedan. Located in Keller, Texas, this Pontiac has a replacement engine and a rebuilt transmission, though those updates were made some 15 years ago. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500.

The late 1960s Bonneys were big cars. The wheelbase was 124 inches, the length was nearly 19 feet, and the weight exceeded 4,000 lbs. A big engine was needed to get the job done, and the cars used a 400 cubic inch V8 for the second year in a row (a 428 was optional). Though the nose of the vehicles was pronounced, the Bonneville was still a year away from getting the Enduro treatment like the GTO.

This convertible listed for about $6,000 when new, with options like the TH-400 automatic transmission and factory air conditioning (not always found in drop-tops). This machine is probably original when it comes to the body, paint, top, and interior. The seller tells us the engine was replaced in 2012 (with another 400?), and the transmission was swapped in 2000, then rebuilt in 2011. The car has 99,000 miles but looks rougher.

The carburetor leaks, so that should be addressed before considering this Pontiac a driver. The white convertible top is also worn out, and the buyer needs to factor replacing that into the budget. We’re told the paint and interior are green, but the colors look more like blue to me. This Bonney is a project that will require a fair amount of work. But when was the last time you saw one? Tip finder “Zappenduster” sought this one out!