Vehicle Description
1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE
The Bonneville name first appeared in 1954 on a pair of
bubble-topped GM Motorama concept cars called the Bonneville
Special, sharing an appearance with the Chevrolet Corvette. It
entered the production lineup as a high-performance, fuel-injected
luxury convertible version of the Star Chief in 1957, and was
loaded with every available option as standard equipment with the
exception of air conditioning and a continental kit. This put the
Bonneville in a Cadillac-like price range of US $5,782.00 ($53,278
in 2020 dollars) - more than double the base price of the Chieftain
on which it was built, with the result being a fully equipped
Bonneville could cost more than a larger, entry-level Cadillac.
Only 630 units were produced that first year, making it one of the
most collectible Pontiacs of all time. The following year it became
a separate model, and it would endure until 2005 as the division's
top-of-the-line model. The name was taken from the Bonneville Salt
Flats in Utah, the site of much early auto racing and most of the
world's land speed record runs, which was named in turn after U.S.
Army officer Benjamin Bonneville.
For consignment, GM took the Bonneville and mixed gold with plastic
to create the SSE editor seen for this consignment from 1988. An
SSE sport package features a quicker gear ratio, sportier
suspension and more standard features, as the Bonneville was
intended to have a more sporty, European flavor than the LeSabre
and 88. People ask what does the SSE stand for, basically get outta
my way!
Exterior
No rust panels are all bathed in gray. Also, plenty of extra
plastic molded parts are added on, particularly on the bottom end
with a chin spoiler, rocker flares, a rear spoiler and another aero
flare below the rear bumper. A black trimming encircles the entire
car at the mid section and this presents in black. This continues
on the body matching bumpers at the same level and shows up as a
rubber protector for the bumper. A thin gold stripe is also making
its orbit just below and gold badging is reserved for the grille
badge and rear SSE nameplate on the passenger's side of the trunk
lid. Black trimmings surround all the passenger glass and black
side view mirrors and door handles are attached. This car has a
sunroof on top, and 15-inch body colored "euro" styled wheel
coverings all around.
Interior
Sumptuous wide gray leather buckets with tuck and roll inserts and
smooth bolsters are the chairs of the day for the front passengers.
In the back is just a comfy bench in the same pattern stretched
from door to door. A central fold down armrest is neatly tucked
into the back of the bench. Between the front buckets a
console/armrest is installed which has plenty of wood applique
inlay around the gear shift lever. The tuck and roll gray leather,
more wood applique and power amenities in button form within the
wood panel. Looking at the dash we see black clean line dash front
housing analog gauges along with a panel for the odometer and some
warning lights. There is also a small screen which displays various
states and a car graphic (door ajar etc.). Within a thin wood panel
stretching across the lower portion of the dash are more controls,
a power seat graphic and toggles and climate controls. Just below
this the wood widens and within this section is a digital display
sound system which has a cassette player and a built-in equalizer.
The remainder of the dash, mostly the top, is molded padded gray
vinyl which shows no cracks. Gray carpeting is flooding the floors
and shows some smudging from use. Above is a gray fuzzy broadcloth
headliner which is in the beginnings of pulling away with some sag
folds. A note to the seat leather which has aged nicely with a few
folds due to usage, but no rips or tears.
Drivetrain
A 3.8 liter V6 is within the unrestored original engine bay. It is
fed by EFI and has a 4T60 4-speed automatic on with a 2.73 rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Spotty areas of surface rust are on the framing, areas of floor
pans, exhaust piping, mufflers and some wire protectors. The car
remains structurally sound just the aforementioned parts have
developed rust over time. Independent suspension is all around, and
power disc braking is upfront, and power drum braking on the
rear.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and on the test track performed well on all
fronts. The left rear door jammed due to rust forming on the latch,
the A/C has a slow leak, the antilock warning light is on although
the consignor states he had the system checked out and it is all
fine. Also, of note the car has new tires, new front brakes and
newer brake lines, along with a new A/C compressor.
A sportier version of the Bonneville, bringing it back to its
original roots as a faster car, hence the name. Out first SSE in
house and this one is a fine rust-free body example that runs
nicely.
VIN DECODE
1G2HY54C6JW225586
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
HY-Bonneville SSE
5-4 Door Sedan
4-Automatic Belts
C-3.8L V8 165hp
6-Check Digit
J-1988
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
225586-Sequential Unit Number
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.
