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Original 455: 1970 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

There are times in life where we are forced to make compromises, and the classic car scene is no exception. It isn’t uncommon for enthusiasts to bypass the convertible option because a growing family can mean that there isn’t sufficient seating for everyone. That is not a problem with this 1970 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible because not only does it seat six people, but the rear seat has enough legroom for even the tallest teenager. The owner has decided to part with the Pontiac just as the warmer weather is approaching, so he has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Henderson, Nevada, the owner has set the sale price at $20,000. It seems that Barn Finder MattR has an excellent eye for a classic Pontiac, so thank you so much for referring this beauty to us.

With a total length of 19-feet, the Cardinal Red Pontiac has an undeniable presence. This is by no means a subtle classic, but if you’re going to spend money on a car like this, I see nothing wrong with making a statement. Scrutinizing the photos reveals little to be critical of with this Convertible. The paint holds an impressive depth of shine, but it isn’t clear whether the vehicle has received any cosmetic work in the past. There are no flaws worth noting, with no significant marks or patchy areas. The panels are as straight as you could hope to find, while the gaps are tight and consistent. The owner doesn’t mention any rust issues, and there is nothing visible in any of the supplied photos. If the Bonneville has spent its life in Nevada, it is possible that it has managed to remain rust-free. The Black soft-top is in excellent order, as are the chrome and glass. Overall, this is a classic convertible that makes a positive impression.

The interior looks wonderfully inviting, and thanks to a full complement of seatbelts, this is a Convertible that will happily and comfortably swallow six occupants. The rear legroom could almost be measured in acres, so tall people can sit in the back in complete comfort. The upholstered surfaces are in excellent condition, with no signs of any rips or issues with the seats, door trims, or dash. The Black carpet is in excellent order, and the owner has had the good sense to protect this with some large mats. It isn’t clear whether there have been any significant changes performed during its life, but the speakers mounted in the door trims suggest that there might be an aftermarket stereo of some kind. I can’t say that I like the look of the work, but that is something that potential buyers might need to examine to see if they can devise a better solution. Equipment levels are relatively basic for a vehicle of this type. There’s no air conditioning, while the windows, locks, and seats are all manual items. Still, with the wind in your hair, who needs A/C anyway?

You begin to appreciate how large the Bonneville is when you lift the hood and see how much free space there is around the engine. The 455ci V8 is not a small unit, but there’s plenty of room for an owner or mechanic to undertake some serious tinkering. And there has been some recent tinkering with this beauty. The owner sent the Bonneville to his mechanic 3-years-ago to have that monster V8 rebuilt. It should now be pumping out somewhere around its original 360hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission. In keeping with its luxury leanings, the Bonneville also features power steering and power brakes. At 4,347lbs, the word “light” wouldn’t feature in the description of this classic. However, that 455 still possesses enough power to fire the Bonneville through the ¼ mile in 15.3 seconds. You can’t help but be impressed by that. The owner says that the Pontiac runs and drives exceptionally well, and he openly invites serious potential buyers to go and slip behind the wheel. That’s an invitation that I would struggle to turn down.

So, have you been putting off buying a classic convertible due to a growing family? If you have, maybe this 1970 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible offers the type of compromise that could turn a dream into a reality. It presents well, and with warmer weather so close, it has come onto the market at the right time. Is it enough to tempt you to take this one further?

Comments

  1. Avatar Matt in L.A.

    What’s with the one snorkel air cleaner on a 455? It makes it look like the 350, especially since Pontiac doesn’t do the small block/big block thing. Hmmm….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steve

      Most of the 455’s had single snorkels but larger than the 350 ones. Only the special performance versions had dual snorkels.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar karl

    Definitely been repainted as there is overspray . Ditch the chrome trim on the rear wheel arches ;they would have been there if the car has no skirts but not with them. Other than that ,put the top down and cruise !

    Like 15
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      How about ditch the skirts? Disgusting.

      Like 7
      • Avatar karl

        Being the top of the heap for Pontiac, Bonnevilles would have had the skirts ; it may have been a standard feature. The Executive and Catalina would have been optional

        Like 3
  3. Avatar Johnmloghry

    Who needs air conditioning anyway? Me. When you’re sitting at a red light with the top down on a hot summer day, yeah, I like the cold air blowing on me. Beautiful car though.
    Resale red always helps in selling these beauties.
    God bless America

    Like 9
  4. Avatar Angel Cadillac Diva Member

    Who needs air conditioning in a convertible? If you live in Vegas, you need a/c in everything, including a convertible.
    I always said, drive during the day with the top up and a/c on, then at night, put the top down and drive with the a/c on!
    Is it me or shouldn’t the top cover match the interior? Where did the black cover come from?

    Like 6
    • Avatar Chuck Dickinson

      The boot ALWAYS matched the interior, NOT the top color. This one looks way out of place. Ditto the chrome around the skirts. Skirts were standard on a Bonneville, so if you want the chrome molding like the non-skirted cars had, then ditch the skirts. Decent looking car, but quite basic for a Bonneville.

      Like 3
  5. Avatar Will Fox

    A cold beer says this Bonne was either beige or some gold color originally; not “resale red”.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar Angel Cadillac Diva Member

    Will Fox……..

    How did you come to that conclusion?

    Like 0
    • Avatar bone

      I’m assuming because few full size Pontiacs were ever bright red . Most were more subtle shades like gold , dark green ,light blue or light green. Sad to say I derbied a few of this car’s sister sedans !

      Like 3
  7. Avatar JOHN Member

    This brings back memories of my 70 Bonneville 455 convert, gold exterior, same interior, white top but with power everything and Rally ll wheels. I finally sold it to a kid who had pestered me for years to sell it, it became the local parade car and homecoming car for the local high school. He still had the car when I moved out of the area in 2011, he had it for at least 30 years. It was a beautiful cruiser.

    Like 5
  8. Avatar Johnmloghry

    I guess it’s a matter of like or don’t like; for me I like the chrome over the skirts.
    God bless America

    Like 2
  9. Avatar John Oliveri

    Bonneville, being top of the heap for 70, along with the Grand Prix, should have at least had a/c and power windows, it’s not a Catalina, so I have no interest, go one yr back to 69, w a 428, loaded ,now you got me

    Like 1
    • Avatar Steve

      Many convertibles of the era did not have AC, the thinking being you wouldn’t need it top down. My 69 Delta 88 convert or 74 Corvette convert did not have AC. Both expensive cars.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Anthony D

    No air? Crank windows? $20k? Uuh…no thanks.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Charles Sawka

    There was mention of 1/4 mile time. Would anyone really care ?

    Like 1
  12. Avatar martinsane

    Sweet car.

    1k dollars a foot, with 5 feet free with purchase.

    I love this land air craft carrier and in the immortal words of the living legend Sir Mix A Lot “cut that AC girl, this is a drop top”.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar martinsane

    Sweet ride.

    1k per foot with 5 feet free with purchase.

    Love these land air craft carriers and in the immortal words of the living legend Sir Mix A Lot “cut that AC girl, this is a drop top”.

    Like 0

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