The Bonneville was the top-of-the-line offering at Pontiac in 1964, back in the good old days when many automakers offered a cool convertible model in the lineup. The droptop was a fairly popular choice here, selling more than 20,000 units during this one year alone, so while this 1964 Pontiac Bonneville convertible here on Facebook Marketplace isn’t particularly rare, it did come factory-equipped with one of the more desirable engine options. This one is located in Newcastle, Wyoming, with the asking price set at $11,000. T.J., thanks for yet another great tip here!
Pontiac’s 389 was available in 2 and 4-barrel varieties, but buyers who wanted maximum HP without stepping up to the 421 engine could also opt for adding tri-power on top of their 389. Choosing this configuration got you a trio of Rochester 2-barrels, upping the horsepower to 330, a whole one hundred more than the single 2-bbl base motor. The seller says this one is a factory tri-power example, and though it’s not confirmed that’s still the original born-with engine under the hood, he does state that the car is currently running and driving.
While the Pontiac does appear to be stored in a stable environment now, judging from the interior, that may not have always been the case. The canvas is almost entirely gone from the convertible frame rails, and the rear seat seems especially ripe with wear. However, the instrument panel appears to remain decent, plus the floors may not be beyond repair yet either. It’s also nice to see a mid-sixties GM equipped with power windows and a tilt-steering column inside.
The exterior color here is listed as grey, but the inside door jambs are red, so I’m assuming the panels have been sprayed with primer. For the most part, the body appears straight and complete, and I’m not spotting any obvious areas with corrosion. Thankfully, the seller has also included one photo from underneath, so there’s probably a reasonably solid platform if the rest of the bottom side looks this good. My gut feeling is that this 1964 Pontiac Bonneville could turn into a rewarding project for those looking to restore a full-size GM ragtop from this period. What do you think?
This 64 Pontiac is a little more promising project than the 62 Starfire convertible listed here earlier this week. Panels are straight and less rust on the rear qtrs. Asking price about the same. The fact that it runs and drives is also great news. The 389s were solid power plants, but I’d rather replace the tri power intake with one for a single 4bbl carb setup. What a great droptop.
I wonder if the wife will say anything if i got another project car?
Might in fact usher in a period of stone cold silence if experience is any teacher …
Is this starting price point realistic? When I look at a car like this, I think with my 30 year old brain, not the almost 72 reality. I think of how much for a pro upholstery with me installing? How much for a spray with my prep? How much will magnaflux for the engine/heads cost? Does anyone even do that anymore or is there some other way to see any cracks? The vertical headlight change really made 11 year old me want a triple black hardtop with 421 and a four speed. With a t-handle Hurst shifter. This appears to be the perfect starting place for a full restoration.
If it runs the way it is I’d leave that tri power alone. Price is a bit high, even if body and frame are solid that’s going to require a lot of interior work and does anyone make a replacement top? Same year as my high school Grand Prix. Like that year.
It’s hard enough to have one 2bbl rebuilt, much less 3 at one time. I’d prefer a single 4bbl setup. The Edelbrock intake and carb would turn it loose.
Replacement tops are on the market
Keep the Tri-Power, they suffer from many undeserved comments… “tough to synch” always comes to mind. Single carb setups are boring… between 3 cars I have 10 individual carbs! Runs and drives, great, but those fuel lines are a disaster. Keep a fire extinguisher in a very accessible place!
“Rode hard and put away wet”
‘Nuff said!