I have previously raised the subject of automotive perfection and questioned whether such a thing exists. This 1964 Pontiac Bonneville tests that theory, with its owner describing it as being in showroom condition. It undeniably presents beautifully, but the changes made throughout its life will bring their claim into question with some enthusiasts. If you crave a car guaranteed to turn heads but aren’t concerned about it being factory original to the last nut and bolt, this Bonneville deserves a closer look. It is listed here on Craigslist in Arlington Heights, Illinois. You could drive it away by handing the owner $28,900. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beautiful classic.
When you examine its overall presentation, it is easy to understand why the seller describes this Pontiac as being in showroom condition. Its Aquamarine paint is stunning, with a beautiful shine and no signs of chips or other problems. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and while the gaps aren’t the tightest I’ve seen, they remain consistent across the entire vehicle. The best news for potential buyers is its rust-free status. The exterior is free from bubbles and other nasties, while the brief glimpse we receive of the floors tells a similar story. The tinted glass is crystal clear, the trim is spotless, and the bumpers recently returned from a trip to the platers. However, this Pontiac sports one of my favorite options offered by the company during the 1960s. It rolls on a set of their beautiful 8-lug wheels that manage to look muscular but elegant. None of the wheel options fitted to current models hold a candle to the 8-lugs.
When I questioned the seller’s “showroom condition” claim, it is based on what we find under the hood. The engine bay houses the car’s original 389ci V8 that would have produced 303hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque when it rolled off the production line. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with the Bonneville also featuring power assistance for the steering and four-wheel drum brakes. At 4,130lbs, this Pontiac isn’t the lightest kid on the block. That means that while its ¼-mile ET of 17.1 seconds may not look impressive by today’s standards, it was considered respectable in a 1964 context. However, this Bonneville should be able to match or better that figure. The engine is numbers-matching, but the seller rebuilt it with a 0.030″ overbore. They added an updated camshaft, an Edelbrock 650 carburetor, and a 2½” dual exhaust. The transmission received similar attention, while they replaced the brakes, all the front-end components, and the tires. Therefore, it is no surprise that this classic runs and drives perfectly. The engine bay presents as nicely as the rest of the car, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. Potential buyers need to view this as a turnkey proposition where they could fly in and drive home.
If this Bonneville’s exterior presents superbly, its interior serves up more of the same. The upholstered surfaces wear two-tone Blue vinyl, and the Dark Blue carpet offers the perfect complement. The front seat is immaculate, with no wear or other problems. The back seat looks like it has rarely seen use, while the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet are pristine. Apart from a wrap on the wheel, there are no aftermarket additions. If the condition is impressive, the list of optional extras is no less so. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, a six-way power front seat, a wonderful factory tachometer, and a pushbutton radio.
Whenever I look at cars like this 1964 Bonneville, I find it incredible that a company capable of producing such stunning, potent, and iconic cars could cease to exist. However, that is the harsh reality of automotive manufacturing, and Pontiac won’t be the last company to suffer that fate. General Motors shows no indication that they will revive the brand, although I have learned in life never to say never. Stranger things have happened, but I’m unwilling to hold my breath waiting. The current generation remembers Pontiac and appreciates the cars that made the company great. Future generations won’t be so fortunate and will be poorer for the experience. However, vehicles like this Bonneville will allow them to glimpse the glorious past. That is why although it isn’t 100% original, this classic needs to go to a new home and an owner who will preserve it but enjoy it as its creators intended.
Stunning is a perfect word, Adam! This model has one of the best door panel designs from any GM in the mid-60’s. The color, amount of bright work, 8 lugs and blackwall tires give it a nice balance.
I see the rear frame rails and top of fuel tank are very dusty. First task is to take care of that. Second step? Go find a nice stretch of smooth road to thoroughly dry those areas. Who’s with me?
Smelling salts anyone? In the early 60s, a kid down the block, his dad worked for GM in some capacity, and would bring home “bootleg” pictures of the new Pontiacs. The rear of the ’64 Bonne was gawked at like it was a centerfold. We think of Semon Knudson or John DeLorean, but I read, a relatively unknown man named Jack Humbert designed these cars, and was considered the most beautiful design in modern cars. They were MTs Car of the Year in ’65. Quite an example here, someone sure loved their Chief. I wonder if anyone buying a new car today, would keep it 50 years, and in this condition. Needless to say, I’m impressed. Going out on a limb, I dare say, the nicest cars of the 60s.
Now, in keeping with my tradition, $30grand? By golly, I just don’t know anymore. I suppose as far as auctions go, it’s in the ball park. For the average you and me person, they will never be able to come up with $30grand these days, and consequently, will never be able to experience what a fantastic car this really was, AS IS. Again, only the rich have the option here, and quite frankly, that sucks. For a car that new cost 10% of what they want, even my late Uncle Marv could have one.
working hard and doing overtime you can earn 30.000 I did it, you don’t have to be rich, you just have to really want it. Now asking 30.000 for this car is a different story
Yes Howard, the rear end of these full-size ’64 Pontiacs was genius, they really stood out. One year only, and not across all the models.
Admittedly, the average person likely doesn’t have $30K just hanging around waiting to scratch that GTO itch. However, that may not mean the price of this car is out of line. If we use a roughly $3000 price in 1964 (a reasonable estimate for this well-optioned car), that translates to just under $29K in today’s dollars—just what the seller is asking. That means the value of this very nice (although not perfect) example of a 1964 Pontiac GTO, broadly viewed as a beginning chapter in the muscle car story and generally held in high esteem by enthusiasts, has simply kept pace with inflation. In that context, the price would seem to be pretty reasonable.
Hi Dave, well, I’m the biggest naysayer of this “adjusted for inflation” crap. I still say, it was easier coming up with $3,000 dollars then, than $30,000 now. I think I speak for most of us here, “armchair” buyers, that couldn’t possibly justify spending $30grand on a mere automobile like this, especially with our teeth falling out and minivan getting on in years. I do think whoever buys this car, will no doubt realize what a nice car it is, but to pay 10 times what Uncle Marv paid, just isn’t fair. This is America, and in 1964, even “Uncle Marvs” deserved a chance at a car like this.
So, what is fair, you might ask me? Well, agreed, it’s an unusual find, I just can’t understand why that has to command such a price, almost like a false idol of yore. I’d think maybe $10grand could be realistic, I mean, why $30,,why not $50? One has $30, they probably have $50, let’s turn the greed machine up a notch. I think this era we are in now, will be the last of the big dollar (to me) classics, and the fun will stop here.
“isn’t fair” to the seller to give something away for less than its value.
I could have bought the same car back in the 80’s for maybe $2-3000, and if I did, I too would be selling it for what it is worth.
There are still great deals out there on cheap barn finds, you just have to look and get lucky.
I’m with you on this one Howard. I graduated high school in 1971 and I wish I would have taken a Polaroid of the Williamsville North student parking lot any day of the week. Any muscle car, pony car or “foreign” car you could name from Hemi Roadrunners to MGs were sitting there. Many of the owners worked at grocery stores or gas stations part time and somehow managed to make the down payments. I have no idea how the paid for the cars AND the insurance, but they did.
Howard A…I been through many up and downs of the collector car market. Be patient. Right now, we are on a very high upswing of these cars, probably due to everyone being grateful that Covid is lessoning. I’m sure this will change when reality sinks in and the bills/debts have to be paid.
Great write up Adam. Luckily I am fast approaching 67th birthday and grew up in a Pontiac family. How GM could let thus division die a slow death is beyond me. If you ask me, these responsible should never received a penny of their precious pensions. Dad had a new Pontiac every two years and Aunt Barbara had a 64 Bomneville convertible. I vividly remember her driving ne to the family lake house in weekends in that beauty. Thankfully, I grew up when cars were cars.
This is one gorgeous car inside and out!
Maybe $29,800 is a lot, but you’d spend that or more to restore a well used and worn out example.
Car’s like this are going up in price because the avg person cant afford a new 46,000.00 car or a 65,000.00 truck anymore. So they are turning to auto’s like this. Ask the avg person or someone close to retirement if they could buy a new auto to last the rest of their life, and I bet the answer is NO!
First of all, back in the day, no one drove a nice 64 Pontiac Bonneville with black walls. Secondly, I would question that price on a convertible much less a ht. It’s a nice car, but I suppose you have to be a Pontiac fanatic to swallow that price.
Back in the early 80’s, I bought a ’64 Bonneville for just $900. It was tucked away in the back row of some fly by night used car dealership in San Mateo, CA. Equipped with the 6 way power front seat, tilt wheel, reverb rear speaker and it ran great with just over 100k miles. I threw on a set of original ’64 spinner hubcaps and drove it as my daily driver for years. LOVED that car, the highway ride was amazing. It was huge, but it drove fantastic. Always intended to change over to the 8 lugs wheels, but kind of glad I stayed with the spinners which gave it a real unique look.
You can’t buy a new “Wide Track” any more. Great drivers
Shouldn’t the Bonneville have a strip of rippled chrome on each side from behind the headlights to behind the front wheels? A little added decoration with the letters spelled out below?
Judy Johnson
If this car is Aquamarine (and it appears to be), then the interior is NOT blue. It’s lt/dk aqua/turq vinyl and dark aqua (turq) carpet. There’s a blue interior (which this is NOT), AND an aqua/turq interior which this IS.
Pretty car. My dad bought new Pontiacs ‘60-‘65 except for ‘62, climbed the model ladder to GP and Star Chief. Used to see the Bonnevilles at the dealer. This was a pricey ride back in the day, stickered for $4800-$5k new. I like the black walls…
Well I’ll toss in my two cents worth. First this is a stunning automobile at least in my view. It’s in what I’d call mint condition. Very well optioned. The engine upgrades are a nice touch. I love the color and the interior is the epitome of mid sixties design. Is it overpriced? Until recently I’d say it was. But based on today’s market I’d say it’s priced well. I can tell you that from my own personal perspective I would pony up the 30K for this rather than the overpriced new vehicles available today. And this is coming from someone who generally snivels about asking prices. GLWTS!
The Hydramatic is a 4spd unit, not 3spd as mentioned in this write-up. As for its value discussed above I agree it’s a bit on the high side for an auto hardtop Bonnie – on the other hand it’s fairly well equipped even for a Bonnie not to mention its condition. There are many pot metal pieces that – unless the specimen you buy/own are already in good nick – will cost a fortune to refurbish or buy elsewhere. Unlike an Impala of same vintage repops aren’t available in the same extent. There are indeed cheaper Bonnies around, I paid 9k for my ’64 longroof 3years back (identically optioned less the 8lugs) however in that price range there must be expected to be many,many smaller imperfections that will cost a little fortune to remedy later on.
I’m willing to bet that steering wheel cover hides a cracked wheel. Of the Pontiacs of this vintage I’ve seen only one (yes, 1) did not have yellowed and/or cracked wheel. Also note the upper rad hose is padded to avoid rubbing against alternator – the ’64 hose is a one year only part so careful selection of a replacement is necessary to avoid this issue
This Poncho seems very sweet. Lingering question is why posters want to “chince out” and list stuff on Craigslist or other free sites, rather than stepping up to get the money these cars deserve in a legitimate forum. Kind of like selling a 1.2 million dollar house in the Penny Saver (after all, gotta save money)!
That’s a good question, and all I can figure, is these auctions are really Hollywood glitz, and while it seems on TV the bidding goes into frantic mode, phone bidder, mm-hmm, more like a shill( owner on a cell phone in the can) driving the price up. I’ve been to auctions that are pretty boring, and the cars rarely sell for what they say on TV. Be that as it may be, I feel it sends a false message as to what these cars should actually sell for, and I bet those “auction cars” just get traded around by the rich anyway. I think sites like this or CL or FB are the only ways to target “real” buyers. Again, we never see the final selling price on this stuff, I’m kind of a fan of Pawn Stars( also highly scripted), these people come asking $20grand for something, and walk out with $50 bucks. Since this is still available at $30gs, tells me, people aren’t jumping over each other to get this( although they should) and maybe it will sell for half what they are asking. It’s the American way,,,apparently.
To be truly showroom new, it would have to ride on whitewalls.
Now there is a thing of beauty.
I was nine years old when I accompanied my mom and dad to Townsend Pontiac on West 5th Avenue in Gary Indiana in February 1964.
Dad ordered a 1964 Gulf stream Aqua, four door hardtop Bonneville with the four barrel 389, four speed automatic, power windows, A/C, power steering and power brakes. The interior was the same colors as this example.It was delivered four weeks later on a sunny and unusually warm March afternoon.
Dad taught me tune-up and maintenance on that car.
Six years later dad taught me how to drive in that Bonneville. Later that same year, dad cut me loose in it for my first solo drive at my grandparent’s farm in the middle of nowhere Southern Illinois. He apparently figured it was safer than 45 miles southeast of Chicago. He told me “Drive carefully. We have to go home in it.”
I remember cleaning and waxing every curve, crease, panel and chrome bit.
Dad felt that the ‘64 full size Wide Track Pontiacs were the best looking GM car of that year….
The sticker price was $3850.00.
I still have that sticker and owner’s manual.
There’s been quite a bit of debate on this cars value…
I’ve bought, transported and flipped more than a few cars and trucks over the last 30 years. I’m only doing that with motorcycles these days…
Like banks, loan companies and insurance companies I’ve utilized NADA Values over the last 23 years.
Here ya go….
Original MSRP
Base Price
$3,358
Low Retail
Base Price
$11,850
Options
10%
5%
$13,627
Average Retail
Base Price
$24,600
Options
10%
5%
$28,290
High Retail
Base Price
$39,200
Options
10%
5%
$45,080
I thought that the width of the brake pedal was an optical illusion due to the angle, but it isn’t.
Oh, my!!!!
The large Bonneville ‘flying saucer’ emblems from ahead of the front wheel openings are missing. While I’m not a fan of those emblems, they would go a long way in making this car appear original from the exterior.
Not trying to be picky and actually just asking if anyone else sees it, but doesn’t this car look like it has big time paint mismatch in passenger side view picture number 2?
Yes the front passenger side fender looks darker. The gap at the front of the passenger door is curvy if you blow up the pic.
Thanks. I thought so, and you are right about that curve in the door panel. I guess the definition of “showroom condition” has changed over the years. Me getting old.
Nice Pontiac > Roy Rogers ( King of the Cowboys ) Parade car was a 63 421 Bonneville Conv. silver dollar saddle for a console – six guns on the fenders etc. – Talked to Val Kilmer ( Tombstone ) Fame – he mentioned when he was a kid he and his Friends got to sit in it – Roy Rogers was his neighbor :)