1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
For the Bonneville moniker, the designers got it right just out of the gate. Bunkie Knudson's writing implement was magically guided by fate and his talent which was on loan from God when he penned this design. By 1959 this was dominating NASCAR, NHRA, and Pikes Peak with its perfect combination of style and power. This was also the introduction of the "wide track" era going on the theory that a wider stance offers up more stability, and it worked!
I think I've found my and hopefully your next obsession! One cool cat, or I would better be served by saying one cool bonne, gracing your eyes and our hallways with a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible for your viewing pleasure and up for consignment. This glitzy line topper is long and sleek and has the midcentury modern design to die for. Also one of the nicest asses available here at Classic Auto Mall.
Exterior
Pioneering a twin-grille theme that would serve the Pontiac division until its demise, this chrome-laden Bonneville toes a perfect line between lavish luxury and rigorous performance. At the front of the car, a thick chrome bumper props a "V" stainless grille behind a gold "Bonneville" emblem, two clear parking lamps and four headlights. Should we go as far to say the beginnings of the beak? Above that grille, a recessed hood spear rides between a bright arrowhead ornament and runs the shiny black painted hood to the stainless wipers and a correct chrome mirror. On the front quarters right at the forefront, are chromed "arrow feathers" which top flat rounded visors for the dual headlights. This line works its way back and parallels equally planar fins. At the edge of that trim, chrome "Bonneville" scripts and correct Pontiac emblems combine with traditional GM door handles to lend a finished look to a svelte profile. At the top of that profile, spotless stainless frames combine with a tight white canvas top to case dramatic greenhouse glass. And behind that top, tasteful stainless trim, which traces dual rocket tube tail lights, complements pointed marker lamps, a Bonneville badge in grandma's handwriting, and between elongated oval taillights perfectly spaced rectangles with 3 dimensional PONTIAC lettering and hiding the fuel filler nicely. On either side is a spectacular trim spear which starts in the middle of the front quarter dissecting the headlights, and then takes the ball and runs rearward gently curving downward until it reaches the crescendo just prior to the rear bumper where it takes a U turn to the front and ends at the fender skirt. Pontiac Motors wheel covers drip with more mid century modern design and cover wide whites on all 4 corners.
Interior
And I thought it could not get any better from the exterior, but the hits just keep on coming! Even the door panels sport Jetson-esqure futuristic design using 3 tone vinyl in a spaceship silver which intermixes with some off-white curves and more chrome trimmings, power windows and a pre 1960's star emblem. Inside we are screamed at by dual buckets and a bench in back which utilize the silver motif in vinyl tuck and roll inserts. White bolsters are on the sides, and as we move around the back of the buckets a chrome trim, and more smooth silver (Hi-OOOO). Just for kicks let's add a red stripe right up the center of each seat. All this menagerie floats in black carpet and is fronted by the black padded dash top which goes with the flow of the wrap around windshield. Dark gauges float in a shiny aluminum background and this curves around to house all the buttons and knobs. Directly below is an aftermarket trio of extra gauges just in case you get bored. A shout out to the steering wheel which is all original and takes the award for the best centerpiece. It's so good I cannot even come with a name for the shape of it!
Drivetrain
A pop of the hood and we see are greeted with a 389ci Pontiac V8 sporting a Tri-Power intake set up. The block is sporting its correct casting # (532000) and presents in traditional bluish turquoise. We note power steering and power brakes along with an upgraded wiring system that includes a mega fuse right off of the battery. A 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission sends power back to a 3.23 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
From head to toe, bow to stern symmetry abounds with the frame mirroring itself on either side. Also, the exhaust in stainless is mirrored on either side as well. A few repairs have been carried out for the floorpans and sections of the actual frame, however there are some areas of invasive rust that need attention to restore the frame to full structural soundness. Independent coil spring suspension provides a comfy ride from the front and a 4 link with coil springs brings up the rear. 4-wheel power drum brakes are noted to bring this mighty cruiser to a whoa.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, the car tested fine for the drive around the track. Nice smooth acceleration, good handling and braking, and you'll look like a million bucks doing it in this rolling sculpture dripping 1959 every step of the way.
A rare beautiful bird here with the bucket seats, and all that packed in design courtesy Bunkie Knudson (ain't that a great name!) Why not make it your next obsession
VIN DECODE
859K3608
8-Bonneville
59-1959
K-Kansas City, KS Assy Plant
3608-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 59 2867-1959 Bonneville Custom Convertible
BODY LA3323
TRIM 97-Ivory & Metallic Maroon Genuine Leather W/ Metallic Mahogany Imitation Leather
PAINT M1-Sunset Glow Poly
ACC QY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.