The Pontiac Bonneville began as a special edition of the Star Chief in 1957, then it became a series of its own in 1958, and finally expanded its offering to all body styles in 1959. All are riding on different platforms because of competitive pressures. The Bonneville was a big, heavy car in ’58, only sold as a hardtop or convertible, with separate sheet metal from the windshield back. This Bonneville looks to have been sitting for a long time in a barn in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and it has the desirable “Tri-Power” V8 engine. It’s available for $21,000 here on Facebook Marketplace, though the seller will consider serious offers. Here’s another cool tip from “Zappenduster.”
General Motors went all out in 1958 to celebrate its 50th year in the car business, with each division offering a “special” model. Those included the Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Limited Riviera, Oldsmobile Starfire 98, Chevrolet Bel Air Impala, and the Pontiac Bonneville Catalina (its full name). Like the Impala, the Bonneville had an extended rear deck. And it offered a 370 cubic inch V8 that produced 255 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor. Optional was the expensive fuel-injection package (310 horses) or the cheaper Tri-Power with triple deuces at 300 hp.
Bonneville production in 1958 was limited to 9,144 coupes and 3,096 drop-tops for 12,240 units in total. Sales figures for the Tri-Power aren’t known, but probably not as rare as the roughly 400 fuel-injected 370s thought to have been built. We assume this big Poncho has a story, but the seller either doesn’t know it or shares it. It seems to be in original condition with perhaps 100,000 miles to its credit. An automatic transmission is part of the package. With the Tri-Power being a big selling point, the seller neglects to pop the hood for a pic or two.
The exterior color may be Reefshell Pink, but the lighting isn’t so good (the paint seems darker than that). We don’t see any obvious rust, but given the surroundings, it could be there. The grey interior is intact but in rough shape. Yet, the drivetrain is said to be original to the car, which adds up to a pretty rare machine that’s likely worthy of a costly restoration. How many could be left?
Hagerty shows a #4 car at $17,000. Their definition of a #4 car is “Has visible flaws to the naked eye. Runs fine, but could use mechanical or cosmetic attention”.
I wonder how much time and money it would take to get the subject car to that #4 threshold.
Probably 9 pockets full of money to complete this baby…lol
Deep deep pockets
Great history lesson on Pontiacs in 1958 Russ. One of the things that caught my eye is that close up of the “Tripower ” badge. I like that. We talk about Tripower GTOs and 2+2’s etc, but here we see the term going back to at least 1958. This one definitely would need a lot just to get it to #4 Condition like Rex said above. But can you just imagine what a sight this Bonneville was when it was brand new in ’58? I don’t know if this one will get restored, but I sure hope it does. I enjoyed your write up Russ, thank you.
Looking at the picture and thinking of what it could be, I find that I prefer the look of the left side w/. the fender skirts. I found an example of what it would have looked liked new…GLWTS!! :-)
Wow. That is even nicer than I imagined. Great picture Moparman. And I like the skirts too. On a car thats long like this it just works.
I know, it’s frustrating, but I’m trying to be more tolerant a), because it’s winter, b) I probably am a buzz kill for those that actually accept our society today as normal, and c) the site and it’s eclectic followers are still fun to “kibbitz” with.
You can’t blame “Isaac”, doesn’t know much about the car, and that’s okay, he’s willing to present it to someone that might be interested. This car hits home, in that, the guy across the street from my folks when I was a kid, had this car, only blue, and “Fuel Injection” script on the fender where the Tri-Power is. He was an older fella, never drove it, but washed it constantly. When he did have it out of the garage, word got out fast, “Louie has the Pontiac out”, and we’d ride past it on our bikes, gazing at it’s beauty, and not a clue what the Fuel Injection meant, but we knew it was rarely seen. He passed away in the 70s, and somebody got his sweetheart.
I think tri-power was more popular than you’d think. Not many cars had tri-power in the 50s, everything was dual quad. If you wanted a bit more than a single quad, but not a dual , the tri-power was just right. I look at Moparmans picture, and, and,,like looking at your favorite actress of the 60s, and seeing her now. How does that, turn into this? Regardless, I hope someone saves it,,,not bloody likely,, that’s right, since money is no object, just go get the one above,,Harwood Motors I’m sure is struggling,,
That’s a great memory Howard. I firmly believe for many of us here, different old cars just bring us back to a better time for us when we were young. As far as excepting how society is today, I don’t either. I think more or less I’m just numb at this point. Thats why I come on here, when I can, I just need to wrap my brain around something different to get it off of what I’m dealing with. And I definitely enjoy the comments too. And like being part of the “Peanut Gallery “.
-Dave
Chevy had tri power also in 1958 on the 348 ci
Howard, count me among those who do NOT accept our society today as normal!
Thanks, it’s true misery DOES love company, and what is normal? We tend to think of the good memories of the “old” days and forget the bad, and maybe that’s a good thing. I “accept” todays society more than I care to admit, or know, and do we really want to go back to adjusting points with a matchbook, straight front axles, drum brakes, traction issues, and gas dripping carburetors? Why yes, yes I do, but that’s not going to happen and probably just as well.
What is unsettling, is how far out of kilter people are in this very situation. Typically, I read, cars like Moparman posted hover at about $45grand and are for sale for months, so it has to be just the right person, and dwindling fast. To restore this car is out of the question today.
Being a farm setting, I’d like to know the story behind this car. Some uncle/dad/grandfather bought the coolest Pontiac they could in 1958. Contrary to some thinking, farmers can be cool too. Just ask Jim R. :)
Jim Randall is a,very cool guy. (Just helped me out a lot.) And Howard, we all.have to accept that the only thing normal is the setting on the dryer. We are all unique and have had different experiences that mold us into what we are today. (Happy go lucky, curmudgeon, etc.) BUT, what all of us here have, is that together we can relate and appreciate each other’s history and experiences and values. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to communicate with similar “life forms/styles” . And be able to disagree on some points and still remain objective. Where so many others in the world can not accept that others have different opinions. I appreciate all of you that understand, teach, commiserate and help brighten my day.
Neat older car, nice info. I have a Pontiac tri power set up manifold and carbs. I was hoping to throw it on a 78 Trans Am… But it didn’t want to fit.
Depending on the year. The manifold is going to fit a range on cars. What year? Look up on google and it will tell u
Please don’t use Wikipedia as a source. It was never called a Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, it wasn’t even on the same platform technically in 58.
Before Catalina became its own series, Pontiac used Catalina to identify its hardtop models. Buick used Riviera for that purpose and Oldsmobile referred to their hardtop models as Holiday.
The Bonneville was never labeled a Bonneville Catalina, it was a Bonneville Custom Sport Coupe and Custom convertible
They’re beautiful cars. I’ve got it’s Canadian little brother, although its got a big block and 700R4 in it.
Is it pink or just a faded red? It would look pretty amazing in pink and white but it would be a labor of love for sure. As long as we’re commenting on society I’ll put forth my two cents. My problem with the way things are is different than others here. The Internet has leveled the playing feel so to speak, so that now even the most ignorant and uneducated can have their say. No reflection on any of the Barn Finders, they are a knowledgeable bunch and I learn something new every day. I’m talking about some of the other web sites I frequent. Remember ignorance in action is truly frightening.
Looks like Canyon copper
Rosewood copper
Redwood copper sorry my bad.
Nice car. Second to the ’58 Impala which I’ve never understood. Price? a little high but that’s a subject for the buyer and seller. At 68 I’m to old for a 2-5 year project. GLWTS.
Looks like the Salmon color used on the 61 Oldsmobile (not sure what it was called) but was a nice color when it was new.
Does the bird crap come with it?
Wow! Actually found in a barn!
Horrendous photos. Wide angle lens distorts everything.
cool barneville. shame it was left to rot away. rare car w/ tri power for sure. worth redoing but you need to be dedicated to doing and have endless amounts of cash
5 grand if the frame isn’t rotted.
My 59 and 60’s are night and day difference over this thing. Much better looking cars and wide track to boot.
My 59 Has tri-power and it sucks. Tuned today-not tomorrow
I paid 2700 for mine in 2011 and the resto was a @%$%^.
Might take a while to sell this thing unless the owner is willing to deal…………
Another VASTLY OVERPRICED Project Car.
Come on sellers buyers are not that stupid.
The stupid one is the seller as many who might be interested in this car will not waste their time calling do to being VASTLY OVERPRICED given the condition.
The price needs to match the condition. That is certainly not the case here!
Poster is fishing and most likely not the owner.
Price has been reduced to 16K, if that makes a difference to anyone.