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Here is a real treat for Pontiac collectors. Yes, it is a top-of-the-line 1964 Bonneville convertible. While you might have seen such a car before, you probably haven’t seen one factory equipped with a 421 HO tri-power engine and a 4-speed! All PHS documentation is included. This engine was the biggest gun in Pontiac’s arsenal for 1964 and takes the Bonneville in a different direction than you might expect from such a big ragtop.
This California car has been with the same family since new. Not surprisingly, the underside is solid and original without any rust problems. The body has been refinished in its original Aquamarine color, and the white power convertible top has been replaced as well. A black boot is also included. All the chrome, lettering, and lower body trim helps give the car some pop, while the 421 fender badges let people know the score. This Bonneville also has the optional 8-lug wheels with correct 1964 center caps and brand new white stripe tires.
The real highlight of this car has to be the 421 cubic inch HO tri-power engine. This setup was factory rated at 370 hp and an amazing 460 foot-pounds of torque! The engine was replaced under warranty when new with the same 9773157 casting and 45B application code. The heads have since been replaced with desirable 6X-4 castings for even more performance and unleaded fuel compatibility. An electronic distributor has also been installed. It’s fun just starting this car with its dual exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers; people don’t expect that such a classy looking automobile could have such a muscular sound.
Next up in the drivetrain is the 4-speed manual transmission has been fully rebuilt. Note this is a Muncie M20 as called out on the PHS documentation. The 9.3” rear end has just been serviced as well with a new pinion bearing. While this car is enormous, the factory power brakes and power steering make it very manageable. Both of these systems have also had recent maintenance and work great.
The black interior features recovered bucket seats on either side of the factory center console. The dash is well laid out with attractive trim and woodgrain accents. There is a factory U16 tachometer on the left that matches nicely with the vacuum gauge at the front of the console. Given the effective power steering, a smaller 15” steering wheel has been fitted for easier ingress / egress. A modern digital radio has also been installed (the original unit is included). Everything works properly including the gauges, lights, turn signals, horn, and the optional 2-speed windshield wipers.
When contemplating the rarity of this Bonneville, here are some numbers to think about. In 1964 Pontiac built 479,490 full size cars. Of those, just 833 had the 421 HO 4-speed package. That’s a scant 0.17% of production! If you apply that figure to the 22,016 Bonneville convertibles made that year, it suggests 37 such cars might have been built. Further, given this drivetrain was likely far more popular with drag racers in hardtop Catalinas, the number is likely even smaller – perhaps fewer than 10.
The Bonneville has always represented Pontiac’s finest, and it certainly makes for a spacious and comfortable drop-top. But when mated with this rare and desirable drivetrain it becomes something else entirely. After all, how much fun can you have with three friends, 470 foot-pounds of torque, and a 4-speed? Throw in this car’s turn-key condition and west coast heritage and you’ve got a Pontiac to get excited about.
