Vehicle Description
This 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is an absolute beauty and
loaded with fantastic options! Starting in the middle of 1956 and
continuing through September, the Pontiac Motor Division of General
Motors was undergoing a changing of the guard, so to speak, with
numerous soon-to-be influential leadership changes taking place
from the top on down. Famed automotive executive Semon "Buckie"
Knudson was appointed as Pontiac's General Manager in July 1956.
Then in September 1956, Elliott M. "Pete" Estes was named Pontiac's
Chief Engineer and John Z. Delorean (yes, that Delorean) was tapped
to lead Pontiac's Advanced Engineering department. With Knudson,
Estes, and Delorean at the reigns, Pontiac began to lean into a
performance-oriented tilt that would shape the GM marque for the
years to come. The first performance-oriented model was announced
on December 2, 1956-a fuel injected convertible known as the Star
Chief Custom Bonneville Convertible that was named for the famous
Bonneville Salt Flats raceway that was the site of numerous land
speed records. When the Bonneville made its eventual showroom debut
on January 11, 1957, it was released as a limited edition "dealer
use only" model. In addition to Pontiac's new performance-oriented
tilt in 1957, Buckie Knudson's influence extended to Pontiac's new
modern design and style. Known as "Star Flight" styling, Knudson's
new '57 Pontiacs were significantly influenced by America's
infatuation with the aerospace industry and the Space Race. Likely
the most identifiable Star Flight style change was the Knudson's
removal of "Silver Streak" hood bands which, adorned Pontiac hoods,
in some form, since 1935. In addition to the removal of the Silver
Streaks, the 1957 Pontiacs received all-new front end treatment
including a flatter, more modern-looking hood mounted above a new
massive chrome bumper and grille. New missile-shaped side trim was
added to all Pontiac lines in 1957 as well. In the rear, the '57
tail fin design was flatter but also longer, which gave a more
pronounced look. The new-look '57 Pontiac taillights were
completely restyled now sporting an immense amount of chrome and a
"V" shaped profile. When new, the 1957 Bonnevilles had a factory
MSRP of nearly $6,000 which was nearly double the price of the
standard Star Chief convertibles. In total, a mere 630 Bonneville
Convertibles were produced which makes this particular example
quite a rare piece of American automotive history. Powering this
'57 Bonneville is a Fuel Injected 347 Cubic Inch V8 engine that was
said to have created a whopping 315 horsepower when new. The 347
Fuelie V8 is backed by a Hydro-Flight Hydra-Matic Automatic
Transmission that makes this extremely rare 50s convertible an easy
car for anybody to take for a spin around the block. Exhaust exits
the Fuel Injected Pontiac powerplant via a dual through-bumper
exhaust system that generates a wonderful throaty sound out the
rear. Being that the Bonneville sat atop the Pontiac hierarchy in
1957, this car comes absolutely loaded with options! With power
steering, turning this 4,000+ pound performance beast is almost
effortless and you can squeeze into a tight space at the local car
show or drive-in with ease. Power brakes are another welcome
feature of this Bonneville since it makes stopping much easier
especially with all of that extra horsepower under the hood. The
white vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it
easily goes up and down with the simple pull or push of a button
mounted neatly under the dash. Riding on a set of wide whitewall
bias-ply tires, each paired with a deluxe Pontiac full wheelcover,
this '57 Bonneville Convertible exudes the high style of a
quintessential 50s cruiser. The chrome and brightwork around the
exterior of this Pontiac Bonneville is in excellent condition and
adds to the eye-catching look of this convertible. The exterior has
been correctly refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme
consisting of Kenya Ivory and Bonneville Red, just how this car
came when it rolled off the factory line back in 1957. The interior
on this 1957 Bonneville Convertible is outstanding! The front and
rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in Red and Ivory
two-tone leather. The interior on this Bonneville also comes loaded
with creature comforts! Power windows are a welcome addition on
this Bonneville so you don't have to work too hard cranking down
the windows on a gorgeous summer day. An 8-way power adjustable
front seat is also a wonderful addition so that you can ensure that
you'll be cruising in comfort. This Bonneville is also equipped
with a switch-operated power antenna which is another cool fifties
era novelty. The padded dash, upholstered door panels, carpeting
and steering wheel are all in great shape and appear to be in their
stock configuration. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 120
MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, battery gauge, oil pressure
gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished with the heater
controls, a clock, and a push-button Wonderbar AM radio. Whether
you're buying your first classic car or you're adding to your
existing collection of classic Pontiacs, this 1957 Pontiac
Bonneville Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give
Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*Fuel Injected 347 Cu. In. V8
*Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*White Vinyl Power Convertible Top
*Correct Kenya Ivory/Bonneville Red Exterior
*Correct Red/Ivory Leather Interior
*Power Windows
*Power Seat
*Power Antenna
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 219 Miles
