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Most Wanted Classic Cars: Pontiac Bonneville (Part 1)

The Pontiac Bonneville was introduced in 1957 as a convertible, and it remains one of the largest Pontiac models ever produced. Only 630 cars were built in the first year, and these first cars are considered some of the most desirable Pontiacs among classic car collectors today.

The first Bonnevilles were fuel-injected luxury vehicles that had a full range of standard equipment, with air-conditioning being offered as an option. A coupe was added in the year 1958, and it featured a 370 cid 4-barrel carbureted V8 engine that could deliver 300 hp. In the following year, a hardtop sedan and a station wagon were introduced, and this made the Bonneville a full topline series. The new cars had a “wide track” slogan that provided better handling around corners as well as a split grille that became part of the new image of the Bonneville. Until 1966, the Bonneville had the most powerful standard engines among full-size Pontiacs, with 389 to 400 cid V8 engines that were rated at 303 hp to 340 hp. Tri Power, or three double-barrel carbureted, options were available for the 389 cid and 421 cid V8s, and they raised output to 376 hp.

The performance of Pontiac full-size cars reached a peak in the year 1966. The standard Bonneville engine was a 389 cid V8 with 283 hp, and optional engines included two 421 cid V8s, namely, a 4-barrel carbureted engine with 353 hp and the Trophy High Output with 370 hp. The Pontiac Bonneville received larger engines in the next few years, culminating in a 455 cid V8 engine with 370 hp in the year 1970.