Using a classic car as a daily driver is fraught with danger, but it can be impossible to resist. The seller purchased this 1964 Pontiac Bonneville around a year ago, intending to follow their usual practice of driving it on special occasions before moving on to a new toy. However, they have become addicted to the driving experience, using this Bonneville as a daily driver and for extended road trips. They have decided to part with it before their attachment grows too strong, listing it here on eBay in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. They set their auction to open at $20,000, but there are no bids. Barn Finder T.J. continues to spot some excellent classics, so thank you so much for referring this one, T.J.
The seller’s classic car routine would leave some enthusiasts envious. They generally buy a vehicle around this time of year, using it sparingly for twelve months before selling and purchasing a new toy. It has allowed them to park desirable cars in their garage, but none had the impact of this Starlight Black Pontiac. They found the experience so addictive they abandoned their usual practice and used it as a daily driver. Common sense suggests they’ve found a classic they’ve bonded with and should keep it. They claim they aren’t ready for that commitment, which is why it is on the market. Its overall presentation is impressive, with no significant paint or panel issues. A previous owner treated the car to a complete restoration, and it has clocked 45,000 miles since. The White power top is slightly wrinkled, but a few hours in the sun with the top raised should address those problems. Most of the trim looks excellent, although the seller notes some developing corrosion on the rear bumper. The glass seems perfect, but I am constantly drawn to the spotless 8-lug wheels. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it; I rate these as one of the best-looking wheels to grace an American car from any era.
For those seeking an effortless driving experience, this Bonneville delivers. It features a 389ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power steering. Pontiac offered buyers several versions of the 389, but this one produces 303hp. It may tip the scales at 4,200 lbs, but this Convertible should romp through the ¼-mile in 17.2 seconds. The seller identifies a few faults, but they intend to address them before the car finds its way to a new home. The worst is weeping valve cover gaskets, but that should be a memory by the time the buyer takes delivery. Otherwise, this classic is in excellent mechanical health and will happily cruise at 80mh all day while returning a claimed 18mpg on premium. The seller states they recently completed a trouble-free 3,000-mile road trip in this Bonneville, which seems to confirm all is well under the skin.
This Bonneville’s interior features Red upholstery, bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio. There are no aftermarket additions, but a few faults are worth considering. The speed readout for the heater blower isn’t working, but the seller is installing a replacement heater that should address that problem. The battery gauge is inoperative, but they will investigate this during the heater replacement. The radio and power antenna both work, although they say the radio sounds pretty awful. That is why we see the enormous Bluetooth speaker on the back seat. The car features a factory tach, but it isn’t original to this classic. The only other issue of note is a split on the driver’s seat. This may be repairable, but the new owner should probably budget around $600 for a replacement set of front covers.
This 1964 Bonneville Convertible is a tidy classic with only a few minor needs. It has proven its abilities in the hands of its current owner and must have made an eye-catching daily driver. The buyer could continue that trend, although squirreling it away for special occasions would be justified. I’m surprised there have been no bids, but it is early days in this auction. When the action kicks off, I expect the bidding to pass $30,000 before hitting the reserve. If you found it in your garage, would you continue down the daily driver path, or would this Convertible be used for weekend cruising?
Ah the nice weather MUST be just around the corner, the drop tops are popping up! And a nice ’64, would look good next to my ’63 …
But alas =[ more space …
As far as wheel designs go, I would argue that Pontiac has the top four: 8-lug, Rally II, Honeycomb, and Snowflake, not necessarily in that order.
I realize this is a driver quality Poncho so some corners may have been cut – still something appears to be very off with those door panels. The ’64 Bonnie’s panels should have distinctly slanted ribs with 3 chrome strips
https://www.collectorcargallery.com/vehicle-details/1964-pontiac-bonneville-convertible-convertible-bbc935450c87bb40a38e48d656fd86ec#images-10
I should do something environmental and get this 2 door for my daily driver instead of that 4dr Golf I drive around in. I’m just one guy — Why do I need four doors?
This car is not a 64 – A 65 or 66 for sure
Wrong. Definitely not a 65
or a 66
Clearly, this is a 1997 ! You can tell by the curve of the cupholder base.
you are wrong it is a 64 I hada a 63 long time ago and I know what the 64 looks like
you are wrong it is a 64 I hada a 63 long time ago and I know what the 64 looks like i also hada 65 years later. this is a 64
Hey Dave, as an owner of a 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible I assure you this is a 1964.
Wrong…it is a ’64. The caps on the 8-lugs are incorrect, later year. The ’64 caps were brushed cone style while the ’63 caps were bright cone style. Later caps may indicate later 8-lugs and perhaps the black painted drums are retouched to make them appear to be ’64 8-Lugs. Fin edges are bright, not polished. Would have been a Vacuum gauge on the console. Tachometer location was on the extreme left of the instrument cluster.
The ’64 Bonneville used the proven four-speed Super Hydramatic and not the trouble-prone three-speed, four-range Roto-Hydramatic aka; “Slim Jim”
Owning a 63 GP 4 speed and a 64 gp parts car i have to say the 63 has a better looking front end. I’m not a fan of the 64 rounded headlights.
I own a 64 Bonneville Convertible with the 4 spd hydramatic “jet away”, roto-hydramatic “slim Jim” I believe was put in the Catalina and Star Chief. The later turbo 400 has been retrofitted by later mechanics I have been told.
The Star Chief and Bonnie had a Super Hydramatic. Catalina and GP used the Slim Jim.
It’s a ’38, you can tell by the color what year it is
Why not drive it daily. I have one. I paid virtually nothing for ions ago. A dark blue with white and silver insides. The body is solid the mechanics are good, the chrome is crap. Fun car 3 seasons of the year. I switch between this and a 72 Impala convertible. Drive it, the world is full of mint concourse examples. They churned out many of these and they were well liked and had a good survival rate. Many are nicely optioned like this one and mine. Much more fun to ride than the 23k pacer….