Vehicle Description
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.