Restored Bonneville Convertible 389 Tri-Power V8 PS PB Leather

SUMMARY

* 389 cubic inch Tempest 425 V8
* Strato-Flight Turbo-Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission
* Correct Persian Black paint
* Correct Gray & Silver interior
* Factory power steering
* Factory power drum brakes
* Sale includes restoration photos
* 1 of only 3,096 Bonneville convertibles produced for the 1958 model year

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By the late '50s GM's lowly Pontiac 'companion marque' was experiencing a huge spike in prestige and popularity. Eventually, the Bonneville, an ostentatious line-topper that epitomized the division's newfound style and performance, became one of the hottest names in the automotive landscape. And when you take one look at a classic like this incredible convertible, it's not hard to understand why. The car's retractable roof optimizes glitzy Main Street jaunts. Its powerful Tempest 425 V8 is tame enough to cruise on the highway, yet strong enough to own the stoplight. And its rich black, silver and gray color combination is one of the best schemes to ever adorn old school Detroit metal. If you're in the market for a tailored classic that wraps exoteric style in limitless appeal, welcome to “The Boldest Advance in Fifty Years!”

BODYWORK/TRIM

Much more impressive than when it originally rolled down GM's storied Wilmington assembly line, this well-done Poncho has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners weekender that consistently headlines cruise nights. Its solid, '58-exclusive body is covered in correct and very fitting Persian Black 2-stage. There are no obvious signs of wholesale panel replacement, suggesting this has been a straight, rust-free shell its entire life. Not surprisingly, the car's clean fit and finish is almost good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately, it all adds up to one super cool cruiser that, thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely magnetic presence!

Speaking of trim, Pontiac's first generation Bonneville certainly did its fair share to promote the sale of sunglasses. And, as with its sculpted body, all of this drop-top's ornate jewelry has, at one point, been restored to excellent condition. At the front of the car, a deep chrome bumper seats correct Star Chief parking lamps at the base of a correct die-cast chrome grille. Above that grille, mirrored hood trim frames a canted “B O N N E V I L L E” script and intricate T3 headlights. At the sides of those lights, rocket-themed profile spears dissect polished rocker plates, guarded door handles, small wheel skirts and correct fender-mount mirrors. At the edges of those spears, classy “Bonneville” scripts and red, white and blue Tri-power emblems perfectly complement aeronautical fender toppers and Bonneville-exclusive louvers. At the top of the car, polished frames seal factory-tint glass under a pliable white top. That top flows into a massive, Silver Streak-esque decklid, which hangs a second “B O N N E V I L L E” script between simple trim, rocket-inspired taillights and a small, power operated antenna. And those taillights reflect a familiar continental kit, which is propped on a correct faux sport bumper and subtle, polished exhaust tips.

ENGINE

When Bunkie Knudson began Pontiac's revival, circa 1956, he started building a performance powerhouse. By the time the division's 1960 models rolled down the line, it was literally dominating NASCAR, NHRA and Pike's Peak. That stellar showing was no doubt thanks to engines like this Bonneville's retrofitted Tempest 425 V8. At the top of the spry mill, wind whips through a black, single-snorkel air cleaner in to a trio of familiar Rochester carburetors, which cap a traditional iron intake. At the sides of that intake, stamped steel valve covers split the difference between factory exhaust manifolds and 7mm Hi-Temp Radio Suppression Cables. At the ends of those cables, an old school points distributor aligns with factory wiper components and a correct master cylinder. A correct radiator utilizes pliable hoses, simple squeeze clamps and a correct shroud to provide ample cooling. A reproduction Delco battery jolts a tagged Delco-Remy generator. And overall, this Poncho's glossy engine compartment is fully sorted and ready to roll!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The beneficiary of a high quality, frame-up restoration, this clean full-size is certainly no stranger to good times and weekend road trips. The car's solid floorpans are coated in thick black paint, which, complete with factory drips, perfectly complements a sturdy Aero Frame X-frame. A proven Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic 4-speed spins a correct GM axle that literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that capable drivetrain, a factory-spec suspension is equipped with factory power steering. Power-assisted drum brakes provide adequate stopping prowess. At the center of the floors, a correct exhaust system utilizes correct turbo mufflers to weave an aggressive, full throttle rumble into a subdued and classy idle. And, at the corners of the suspension, great looking 8.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls frame stylish Pontiac wheel covers.

INTERIOR

In the '50s, GM was the king of design. Period. And this Bonneville's correct Gray and Silver interior is one of the most beautiful cockpits ever mounted behind a motor. Broad and fastidiously crafted, the car's rare hardback bucket seats feature standard leather hides. There's a stylish dash that's based in gray, trimmed in brushed aluminum and equipped with chrome-rimmed gauges, a deluxe radio and a correct factory clock. Note the car's spectacular door panels, which carry their combination of chrome, aluminum and two-tone vinyl to a body-matched convertible cowl. Below the seats, heavy-duty floor mats protect chrome-flecked carpet. The centerpiece of this tailored environment is an expertly restored steering wheel, which is cinched between a polished shifter, a bright horn ring and a classy Pontiac emblem. And behind the cockpit, a positively massive trunk sandwiches a second spare tire between a small light and a thick mat.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A vintage marketing brochure
* An original Owner's Guide
* A few restoration photos

This slick Poncho is a first class full-size that's ready for years of endless cruising. We've seen some really cool convertibles roll through our showroom, but nothing beats the experience of owning a quintessential '50s drop-top that's as storied as it is rare! If you're looking for a fantastic classic that'll run laps around the rest of the show field, you've found your next obsession!