Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

White Star Lines: 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

No, it’s not the Titanic, although the side view of this car along with the squashed greenhouse styling makes it look very, very long! This 1959 Pontiac Bonneville is resplendent in its original white paint, star-shaped rear fins and acres of shiny trim. It’s located in (surprise) Los Angeles, California and is up for auction here on eBay. Bidding is approaching $5,000 as I write.

This car is LONG! It also looks to have, as the seller puts it, “its fair share of nicks and scratches” in the original paint. I’m not sure if I see a little bit of rust bubbling right in front of that rear wheel opening or not; what do you think? Regardless, it’s a darned solid car for an original 1959 model.

My favorite feature on the 1959 Bonnevilles is the star shapes at the rear of the tail fins. So late 1950’s, so cool! It appears the chrome is good enough for a driver if you are going to leave it alone, as I would, but bear in mind the chroming bill will be very high if you are planning on a restoration.

The interior looks quite presentable as it’s been reupholstered in the original pattern. I found this picture on Hemmings that seems very similar apart from some of the vinyl being metallic? What do you think? The rest of the interior is okay by me (as are these seats).

I was surprised to see the air conditioning compressor on here, and the seller does tell us it’s an aftermarket unit. That makes sense considering the belt drive, idler and general non factory appearance of the bracket. That being said, it doesn’t matter to me as long as I can make it work! This is the original 389 V8 and looks to be largely original. Not only that, but the whole car is said to run and drive well. So what do you think? Would you rock this Titanic of a car?

Comments

  1. Avatar Bmac Member

    You don’t steer a car like this you aim it. It would take up to much room for me, but if I had unlimited garage space, forget it, my wife already thinks that I have a problem.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar BronzeGiant

    Oh I’d rock this car but if the paint has enough nicks and scratches I would paint it. This car deserves to SHINE!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Anthony R in RI

    Nice collector car. First year of the 389 V8, first year of the famous Pontiac split grille, first year of the Wide Track Pontiac. Looking at this car you can see how they came up with that line!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar David Zornig

    GM had panicked when they got a sneak peek at the `57 Chrysler Corporation full line-up, and scrapped their original `59 designs across the board.
    `58 would essentially be a one year body style for GM.
    The `59’s were all lower, wider & sleeker, with some of the most unique fins per make that there were.
    I was never a Pontiac person, but this is just beautiful.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Big Al

    It’s a great Pontiac, my favorite is the 62 Bonnie or GP

    Like 0
    • Avatar boxdin

      1961 Ventura bubble top is the best it gets.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Rocco

        This one is almost a bubble top. Check out the rear glass.

        Like 0
  6. Avatar 86 Vette Convertible

    They had names for cars like this one – land yachts!
    You sail down the road in something like this.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Dave Montanbeau SR

    64 GP using it as a tow car. Taken in 1964.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Sam

    Very cool….worth a quality two tone paint job! I think the fin treatment on the 59 Pontiac, Buick and Chevy were the most tasteful of the 5 brands. 8 lug Pontiac wheels would look great eventhough incorrect.

    Original metallic carpet and upholstery are the bomb!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar John C Cargill

    One of the first years Pontiac got into performance. Decent driver, throw some wide whites on it. (few 1959 Bonnevilles were Blackwalls for sure. At least as I remember, but then I was only 12 but already building models and reading Car Craft.
    )

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Loco Mikado

    The best looking GM car of ’59. And all the “Pontiac Only” features like wide track ride and others make it even better.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Rustytech Member

    What a land barge! You don’t see many of these around anymore, and this one looks great! Wish I had room for it.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Steve R

    This car was bid to $14,600 last week and $15,100 the week before, neither time meeting the reserve.

    This seller always has interesting car for sale on eBay. He doesn’t let things go cheap, but why should he. I’d be surprised if a fair number didn’t find their way overseas based on his location. One things for sure, he has a nose for finding good cars.

    Steve R

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Joe Kapinus

    I have a 1965 pontiac Catalina Ventura. I am having a heck of a time finding parts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Rudy

    My first car was a pontiac Catalina 389 with factory tri power,3 speed manual floor shift (after market).paint was Gulf Stream Blue.I did early tint trick to the window..remember spray tint?.Fire Hall Roberts Drove one on The NASCAR circuit..Loved that car!

    Like 0
  15. HoA Howard A Member

    While cruising through the UP of Michigan, I came across someone that took a nice ’59 Pontiac convertible,,,,and bastardized it into their rendition of a Batmobile. They ruined a nice ragtop ’59 Poncho and made a lousy Batmobile. Tsk, tsk, for shame. These were great cars,,,WIDE TRACKIN’. ( I Love how the ads portrayed this as being extra wide) http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/6f/59/f2/6f59f2ac8aead259acbaa39ab2d16bfe.jpg

    Like 0
    • Avatar Otto Nobedder

      Now that is W I D E ! ! !

      Like 0
  16. Avatar Bob C.

    I remember in a Flipper tv episode, the kids were messing around with a red car like this on its side in the water that was used in a robbery.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Nicki Bratz

    Hey everyone I bought this 59 Bonneville for $15k on eBay! I am in PA so car is staying here and receiving a restoration back to 1959! Two tone matching paint wide whites skirts etc. Ill try to post pics

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Howard A Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.