As Yogi Berra famously said, “It’s deja vu all over again.” This ’63 Pontiac Bonneville drop top was featured on Barn Finds fourteen months ago in a no-reserve auction. I don’t know if that sale fell through or if the new owner is flipping it, but this highly original Poncho with a lot of potential has turned up again for sale here on craigslist for $12,000. Another thank you to super-spotter T.J. for sending this cool old Bonnie our way.

The Bonneville was Pontiac’s top-of-the line model and came in a 2-door hardtop, 4-door hardtop, a 4-door Safari station wagon, and a convertible. Of the 109,539 Bonnevilles built for the 1963 model year, 23,459 were drop tops. No history or details are given about the car other than it’s a California car and it’s been in storage since the mid-80’s. When compared to the January 2024 listing, I can’t see where anything has been done to the Pontiac. The original Yorktown Blue paint is still showing its patina and surface rust, and the tired black convertible top with no back glass needs replacing. In the ad, the seller shares that it is “Straight and rust free and has been in inside storage since the mid-80’s. Has a nice interior with no rips or tears, has factory bucket seats, rechromed bumpers, and nice glass.” The “New” List includes the gas tank, brakes, brake booster, and tires.

The photos aren’t the greatest but the Bonneville’s interior – especially its front bucket seats and rear bench seat – appear to be in remarkable condition for a convertible (and needing a cleaning).  Pontiacs of this era had some of the most attractive interiors and this two-toned blue cockpit tastefully compliments the Poncho’s exterior color. I can’t tell what shape the carpet is in, but the previous listing showed that the door panels were in very good condition but the dash pad is cracked as well as some places in the steering wheel.

Under the Bonneville’s patina hood is its original 389-cubic inch, four-barrel carb V8 that’s mated to a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. No details are shared as to how the engine runs or the transmission shifts. The previous listing claimed 73k were on the odometer and the current listing is saying 100k. I’m guessing it has not been driven 27,000 miles the past fourteen months. Overall, based on the limited photos, this ’63 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible looks solid, complete, and a great candidate for restoration. I would love to see it restored to its former glistening glory. What do you think?