Posed like an impending graduate full of popping-fresh optimism, displayed in a setting anyone from the Eisenhower years would recognize, this 1960 Pontiac Bonneville two-door hardtop embodies a simpler time when exploring America was never easier. This Lakeville, Connecticut cruiser may not be ideal for hot laps at Lime Rock, but this Wide Track beauty looks perfect for drawing a crowd at your local show ‘n’ shine. The handsome coupe comes to market here on Craigslist where $34,500 seals the deal. Thanks to reader T.J. for spotting this shiny interstate trawler.
Tri-color interiors classed up many Pontiacs of this era, this trio more subdued than many. Wood grain elevates the dash on this top-line Bonneville, which could be equipped with sporty bucket seats.
Recoiling from its bold lines of 1959, this ’60 model shows flair and style with less polarizing drama. The elongated trunk offers plenty of room for that family vacation to the Grand Canyon. You won’t miss a thing crossing the nation in this Bonneville as thin pillars, front and rear glass edging into the roof line, and a wraparound windshield expand visibility in all directions.
The gargantuan width of this Pontiac makes the nondescript “8 cylinder” engine look small. That should be the 303 HP “Tempest 425,” V8, a 389 cid (6.4L) mill named for its 425 lb-ft of torque, according to original brochures at lov2xlr8. It may also be the 283 HP version. Either way it looks stock and well-presented.
The split grille from 1959 vanished in ’60, only to re-appear for 1961, making this face a one-year affair. A “bare metal re-spray” and the extensive chrome look show-ready, and the seller graciously includes a close-up of at least one imperfection. Wider was better for Pontiac, which took full marketing advantage after pushing its track and tires further outboard than other General Motors cars of the day, inspiring sure-footed handling during an era where car design left accommodations for rutted unpaved roads in the horse-and-buggy past. What epic road trip would you check off the list in this Wide Track Pontiac?
Too cool 😎
Lime Rock Park is a great way to spend a Saturday watching racing. No races on Sunday due to town noise regulations. Who would build or buy a house near a racetrack and expect peace and quiet? SMH. Sundays I go to the car shows. At any rate, this car is a beauty. The tail lights fading into the trunklid always amazed me.
And God created Pontiac.
Interesting, then who killed it?
My father had a new 60 Pontiac Star Chief I remember how smooth it rode and how quick it was when my father punched it.
For a big car it moved pretty good.
This car really takes me down memory lane, what a beauty.
Another great styled car.
Absolutely gorgeous. I think I preffer the tailights and rear design on the ’60 over the ’59 Pontiac . Beautiful car.
Beautiful car to take a cross country trip smooth comfortable You just need a big bucket of money to pay for gas
Beautiful Poncho!
Very nice car.
I bought one of these off the local dealer’s showroom turnstile in 1970 – yes it was that nice! Loaded with EVERY option including tri-power, 8-lugs, and power everything, plus cruise control! Drove it trouble-free for 2 yrs!
I bought one of these off the local dealer’s showroom turnstile in 1970 – yes it was that nice! Loaded with EVERY option including tri-power, 8-lugs, and power everything, plus cruise control! Drove it trouble-free for 2 yrs!
My second car was a ’60 Catalina. I hit my knee getting in many times!
No mention of that type or functionality of the transmission. I had a well used 1960 Pontiac that had a “Slim Jim” 4speed hydramatic that was problematic. I had P N low and second; no third or fourth. I don’t know if these were the transmission available for these Pontiacs. Just curious.
Wasn’t the “Slim Jim” the 3 speed Roto Hydramatic used from 1961 thru 1964?
I heard that was the trouble prone one.
My ’60 Catalina had a 4 speed Hydramatic. Never had a problem with it.
I have a real nice one but this sob is even nicer! Beautiful car.
I’ll never understand WHY Pontiac decided to put their remote outside mirror out on the left fender!
An overwhelming no. of ’61-’64 big Pontiacs are so-equipped.
A practically useless location…..belongs ON THE DOOR!
Amen…Tripower
Well, I need more proof that God actually created Pontiacs, the late great Tom Petty sang, “you believe what you want to believe”, but if that is any standard of measure, it’s not far off. I read, the “Wide-Track”, always overstated in ads, was 5 inches wider in front and 4.5 wider in back. It allowed different steering geometry, and really made a difference, to a 8 year old kid, anyway. My uncle had a ’61 “Wide -Track” Ventura, that rode entirely different than the old mans DeSoto, even on old bias-ply tires, don’t forget. These Pontiacs were designed by a man named Jack Humbert, and put his pants on just like us. Beautiful car.
This is the era that put America’s cars on top. Large, comfort, power and style. Nobody in the world could do it better. But alas here we are decades later and automobiles are white, silver and all look alike. Don’t get me started on touch screens and so many other useless features. Doubt someone will be the caretaker of a 2025 anything. But this is one good looking Poncho! Hope the new caretaker gets some miles on it and plenty on smiles per mile.
Now they all look pretty much the same like multi colored jellybeans.