The Bonneville was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line automobile in the 1960s, more opulent than and riding on a longer wheelbase than the Catalina. The seller’s beautiful example has two things going for it besides its stellar condition. First, it’s a convertible, which was only about 20% of Bonneville’s production in 1963. And, it has its original 389 cubic inch V8 with “Tri-Power” aka triple 2-barrel carburetors (unknown but low production numbers). So if you like your performance cars wrapped in a big package, this Pontiac can be found in Phoenix, Arizona, and it’s available here on craigslist for $49,500 OBO.
Pontiac’s portfolio included a Bonneville every year between 1957 and 2005. It was usually the top dog, though the company did shovel nameplates around in the 1980s. The GM division had a good sales year in 1963, with more than 590,000 automobiles. That included 109,500 Bonnevilles of which 23,500 had a canvas top like this car. Most came with a 389 V8 although buyers could opt for a 421. But the 389 with multi-carburetion was one powerful luxury car.
This 61-year-old Bonney is being offered by its third owner, who bought the vehicle from its second caretaker of 30 years. The indicated mileage is 44,000 and documentation and prior owner statements indicate that’s a real number. The seller says this is a one-of-a-kind automobile, which might be true when you consider how many of them were built this way and how many may survive (the sale includes PHS documents which may help shed some light). The interior is original and immaculate and the body is sold with no known issue and one repaint of the original turquoise finish. The top has also been replaced.
The original 389 Tri-Power is paired with an automatic transmission. The list of options on this car is quite extensive and not surprising for a Bonneville (such as power windows). Adding to the cool factors in the optional 8-lug wheels that looked soooo good on these automobiles. The car was ordered with factory chrome fender skirts which are in bags, but the Pontiac looks too nice to me for them to be installed. From what we can see here, it might be hard to find a nicer ’63 Bonney than this one, so it won’t come cheap. Thanks for this great tip, Mike F.!
What a looker wow.
I’m in love!
Sweet! You know, one of the few upsides to old age and dying, if any, is the really beautiful cars they kept hidden, now finally available for someone else to enjoy. Take this car for example. It’s not something a younger person may have much experience with, but will find out what all the hub-bub was about 60s Ponchos. When cars were cars!
Going with “Wow”.
Maybe a 4 barrel but doesn’t look like 3 two barrels set underneath that air cleaner. Nice car though!
The large round air cleaner is correct… You are likely thinking of the Tri-Power GTO individual air cleaners.
The hold down stud only goes to the center carburetor. The twin snorkel air cleaner is correct.
Hubba Hubba!
What a neat car! This was manufactured when men were men, women were women, and cars were cool. It may be a little pricey, but if I were in the market for a true classic, I would be all over this thing. I sincerely hope that this car goes to a good home. Absolutely a great example of days gone by.
I always wondered what Pontiacs reason for the 8lug rims were besides looking sharper than a tack.
Better cooling and more braking surface
Which is it, a “drop-top” or a “convertible”?
It’s a beautiful car for sure, but no A/C in Arizona? Must be the reason for the sale.
God Bless America
Love the color. Code P Aquamarine.
This is something both Bill Mitchell and Harley Earl would agree to it’s outstanding styling. 1966 was peak Bonneville for me, as I owned a hardtop. That car made me a believer. All this needs is a Muncey close ratio four speed to be perfect. You can believe it has been well cared for by every owner as there is no mention of a transmission replacement. My memory is that engine capable of overwhelming the internals. They will easily get their asking.
Those dual side mirrors are factory mounted on the fender, not the door?
Remote mirrors are mounted on the fenders.
That was a strong transmission. I didn’t know it was used in the 60’s. I thought all Pontiacs used that Powerglide clone.
I have a ’66 Bonneville convertible. Second one. The first one had a remote door mirror, but it was mounted right on the door. It worked fine, but I could reach out & adjust it…so no idea what the point of it was.
The 8-lugs aren’t rims; they *are* the brake drums. Eight-lug wheels are open rims so you need a special adapter (& someone older than the car, anymore) to mount/demount tires.
This is a beautiful car and, in my extremely biased opinion, worth the money.
Stunning, just stunning! I don’t think you’ll find a finer ’63 Bonneville convertible ever!.
Don’t you sleep? Oh, right, the Vegas thing. I tried the email I had, but must have been an old one. Uhp, uhp, don’t you dare put anything here. I think I got a members email from the staff once. It’s the one thing I’d improve on the site, is a personal message dealybob of some sort. We share a distinct liking in cars. I’d love to shake your dads hand, if possible, for showing a “girl” the ropes. Made a difference in my daughters life, for sure.
@Howard A
What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?
It was only 1 a.m. when I posted. What you doing up at 4 a.m.? 😄
You’re right, we need a forum on Barnfinds where we can talk “privately ” and exchange personal info.
Are you listening, Jesse?
He never listens to me.
I think I’m a thorn in his side.
I’m still trying to figure out how Ken’s email addy got past security. He and I have been talking up a storm. You should see his paintings. They’re good.
you’all are talking about how nice he car is but nobody has mentioned that gap in the trunk lid.it has had a repaint but I am wondering if it had an accident as well and that is why the repaint.the gap does not match on both sides and my guess is that she had a bit of an accident.if it did too much moolah in my oppinion