The Bonneville became an integral part of the Pontiac model lineup in 1958, but its introduction as a Convertible derivative of the Star Chief in 1957 left buyers breathless. The company brought every option to the table, including fuel injection for the V8 under the hood. That made the ’57 Bonneville the most potent and luxurious offering ever produced by Pontiac, and its stratospheric sticker price ensured that only 630 cars rolled off the showroom floor. It is unclear how many survive, but pristine examples command eye-watering prices. Our feature Bonneville has just come off a nut-and-bolt restoration, presenting in as-new condition. It needs nothing and is a guaranteed head-turner that should draw crowds wherever it goes. The next place it needs to go is to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Vero Beach, Florida. The seller’s price for this magnificent classic is $159,000, although they will entertain offers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this stunning beauty.
Before 1957, Pontiac had affixed the Bonneville badge to a pair of concept cars. It elected to push the boundaries of its Star Chief range by introducing its most powerful and luxurious model. The Bonneville remained part of the Star Chief range for one year before becoming a model in its own right. The concept seemed sound, but the fully-loaded nature of the ’57 model made it the company’s most expensive model, and sales results reflected this. Only 630 buyers handed over their cash but drove away in something genuinely special. Our feature car wears a combination of Kenya Ivory with Bonneville Red flashes. Its presentation is impossible to fault, which is understandable considering it has just come off a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration. No aspect of this classic escaped the owner’s attention, with the result breathtaking. The paint shines beautifully, cloaking laser straight panels with tight and consistent gaps. I can’t spot any evidence of rust and wouldn’t expect to in a vehicle of this caliber. The trim is immaculate, and the original spinner hubcaps and whitewall tires are in keeping with this car’s luxury pretensions. The Bonneville features a Black power top, although I probably would have chosen White if I had been the person walking into the dealership in 1957.
Apart from its luxury appointments, it was the powerhouse hiding under the hood that contributed significantly to the Bonneville’s price. The company slotted in its 347ci V8 but added a tweak that saw the power output soar. It was Pontiac’s first model featuring fuel injection, in this case, Rochester Ramjet mechanical. Buyers could order a Star Chief with 244hp, although a Tri-Power version producing 316hp for competition use was optional. This motor gave it a run for its money, and while Pontiac never quoted a specific output figure, conventional wisdom places its output at 315hp. Buyers received an automatic transmission as standard, along with power assistance for the steering and brakes. Outright performance figures are probably irrelevant in a vehicle of this type. However, its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 16.8 seconds before winding its way to 125mph was about as good as it got for a drop-top in 1957. The engine bay presentation is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, but we receive no information on how it runs or drives. Given its recent history, the news should be positive.
Pontiac’s aim with the Bonneville was to create the most luxurious production vehicle in its history. Therefore, this classic’s interior receives almost every option in the catalog. The buyer’s cash landed them leather upholstery, power windows, an 8-way power front seat, a power top, a Wonderbar radio with a power antenna, a clock, and lashings of bright trim. The only feature not included was air conditioning, but who needed it with the top down? This car’s interior complements the exterior in a combination of Red and White leather, and the White highlights would have led me to order this beauty with its top in the same shade. The interior is flawless and would undoubtedly receive its share of positive comments at a show or a Cars & Coffee.
Some people may feel that Pontiac had delusions of grandeur when releasing the 1957 Bonneville Convertible. Its sticker price of $5,782 made it significantly more expensive than Cadillac’s 62 Convertible, a market segment the company had never previously considered entering. That may account for the low production total because the Pontiac badge didn’t carry the cachet enjoyed by Cadillac. It is unclear how many of the original 630 remain in existence, but the rarity of them appearing in the classic market suggests a potentially low figure. The asking price isn’t cheap, but nor is it unprecedented. The sales record stands at $242,000, set in 2008. A better insight could be garnered from a sale in May 2021, when a pristine car changed owners for $203,500. Values have dropped by around 7% over the past year, but this car’s BIN remains competitive. I doubt the seller will be inundated with potential buyers, but its rarity virtually guarantees it will find a new owner.
At least 40 years ago I saw a twin to this car. It was completely original including paint. It belonged to the owner of an automotive junk yard and he kept it in his office, he had bought it new. I wonder where it is now.
The low sales figure was not limited by customer interest but by Pontiac corporate allocation to their favorite dealerships.
Bonneville was never intended to make sales, but to garner interest in the remaining A platform “Chiefs” while proving Pontiac could be the top GM dog. Luxury comparison to Cadillac and FI system nowhere else except corvette.
FYI, Many were later converted from FI to carburetor as most mechanics were unfamiliar with the new technology.
you are right plus the fact that the tri power ones where faster than the fueley back in 1957 neighbor bought a new one it was tri power I was 12 years old fell in love with that car
@Racer-X
I beg to make one small correction to your text.
“proving Pontiac could be the top GM dog. Luxury comparison to Cadillac and FI system nowhere else except corvette.”
Chevrolet offered Fuel Injection on their full-size cars as well as the Corvette from the Bel Air all the way to the meager 150 series.
I read an article a few years ago about someone restoring a 1957 Bonneville. It stated that the restorer researched the history of 1957 Bonneville’s and found out through checking registrations on record that his was one of only 3 that where registered.
I have seen 2 at car shows in SoCal in recent years. One had factory air and was the same color combo as this car. These are very impressive in person. A halo car for Pontiac dealers when new.
Sweet…….
This is not a Duesenberg , it is in a way 1950’s automotive art , there are buyers for this car, at this price, I know some of them , but that crowd is fading away. They would put up with it’s maintenance demands to take it out for a drive, but to them it is also a matter of future value. Like it or not that what “drives” the market for a car like this. I wonder what the future interest in this will turn out to be.
@V12MECH
“. I wonder what the future interest in this will turn out to be.”
Flat at best. The 50s cars have had their day. The only ones that still bear any interest are the limited production models as we have here, the cars of a rarely equipped variety and cars of such exceptional restoration caliber that they present a market of their own.
Sadly, the other 50s cars are on a gradual decline.
I had a White/blue tripower convertible about 30 years ago. Wish I would have kept it
@Gary
You had a ’57 Bonneville with Tri Power?
you from Lynn mass that’s the car in 1957 I fell in love with