We should all strive to care less about what others think and worry about what makes us happy, but on the other hand, can you imagine the unadulterated envy felt by the neighbors when you pulled into the driveway for the first time in this Bonneville? If you have any classic car lovers living in your neighborhood, the feeling will be the same today, 63 years later, because this Bonneville is being presented as a 61,849-mile car with, of all things, a three-speed on the column. What? A plush Bonneville with a standard stick? It’s sitting right in front of us, so we have to believe it, and Barn Finder Curvette spotted it here on eBay in Tallahassee, Florida, with an asking price of $27,500 or best offer.
The manual-transmission-equipped Bonnevilles had an interesting engine, a low-compression (8.6:1) 389 four-barrel, which produced 235 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Pontiac almost begged Bonneville buyers to upgrade to the Hydra-Matic, as the standard engine with that transmission was the high-compression (10.25:1) 303-horsepower 389, which also had a hotter camshaft than the synchromesh engine. This car has power steering and power brakes, and the seller says that it’s in “excellent running condition.”
When buying any early 1960s GM full-size car, it’s important that the interior is in good condition, because upholstery is not only hard to find but also very expensive. And it would be a shame to upholster a Pontiac in anything but its original fabric, because they were as stylish inside as they were outside. The interior goes very well with the car’s “Saddle Bronze” paint. Some paint work has been done; the seller doesn’t mention if it’s had a complete new paint job or just some judicial blending, but it looks good in pictures.
For the extra price over a Catalina, the Bonneville buyer didn’t just get a more luxurious interior and fancier exterior trim, but they also got a three-inch-longer wheelbase and seven extra inches of overall length, which was all focused in the rear. The trunk is cavernous.
Finally, you may have noticed the eight-lug wheels, one of the most distinctive and beautiful wheels of not only the 1960s, but of all time. The tires are in good shape, the miles are low, and the styling is gorgeous. The only thing to debate at this point is the price, since the “make offer” button leaves some room for negotiation. What would be a fair price for this high-point in Pontiac styling?
Wow, Dad wanted to shift and keep the big bench seat. This a very cool ride, have to agree with the author 8 lug wheels. They were a poncho only and such a distinct feature. Worked in a service station in 71 and we had the adapter to change tires on the tire machine for these wheels. Don’t know what you do if you need new brake drums today but they were and are a distinct feature.
Wow. Its beautiful. And has to be the only 389 4 barrel Bonneville equipped with a 3 soeed on the column I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know Pontiac had a low compression 389 4 barrel but I’m guessing the HP was limited with what this trans could take. I’m wondering the same thing rhat Cadmanls said above, what do you do about the drums? This is a gem, and I’m telling you if things change for me I’m seriously going to take Curvette car shopping!!! You sure can pick them!! Great write up too Aaron thanks for writing up this rare Bonneville!!!
That torque output sure ain’t low. What a cool Poncho. Wow. 😎 👍 🏁
Base 4 bbl was 303 hp, the higher compression was 313 and the 3 deuce was 333 as I remember. Please weigh in if Im not correct.
You’re correct if the car was equipped with the Hydra-Matic (aside from the 33-horse engine, which wasn’t an option in ’63). The three-speed cars got the engine I mentioned.
I’ve attached the engine lineup from the brochure. It’s a little confusing, but no 389 aside from the 235-horsepower version appears to be available on the Bonneville with a three-speed, unless you stepped up to a Tri-Power car with a “Heavy-Duty” three-speed.