I'm absolutely in love with the rocketship styling of this drop top Bonneville! And the consensus is shared amongst the museum employees. This is a beautiful and unique vehicle! The Bonneville was the highest trim level and the most expensive Pontiac for 1958 Even better, this one is equipped with the tri-power set up and extremely rare 4 bucket seats. Only 3,096 convertibles were made total, factor in the options on this one it is certainly a very rare car!
EXTERIOR: One year only .....
body, I think it's the best from the '50s. First year for quad headlights, it has a lower and longer silhouette, ribbed trunk lid and concave 1/4 panels. It also has optional fender skirts. This one is straight as an arrow with no rust. Repainted in its original colors. It's an older paint job that shows very well, it has a mirror reflection although there are some touch-ups and minor imperfections. All the chrome and trim, and there's plenty of it, is in great shape. It has some very cool features: check out the side moldings that represent a rocket, or the jets on top of the fenders! How about the exhaust coming through the bumper or the reverse light that swings open to access the fuel filler. I think they were trying to listen to the Martians because the power antenna seems to reach the stars. It has a white power top in very good shape. The deluxe hubcaps are wrapped in reproduction BF Goodrich white walls.
INTERIOR: Wow, 4 bucket seats? Yes, this was the first year for the buckets and I believe only Pontiac had them front and back. Each one was correctly reupholstered in genuine leather. They had the mindset that too much was not enough, I'm looking at the dash filled with chrome. Down on the floor it has silver sparkles woven through the carpet, even the brake and gas pedals are fancy. The door panels are so cool I would hang one in my office like artwork. It has reproduction mats; a speed minder and seatbelts were added. Overall, unabused and in very good condition.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: A 370 cubic inch power plant topped with the tri-power carb setup; how can you go wrong! This may be the smoothest and quietest idling car that we currently have at the museum, literally whisper quiet at idle. It is a very nice stock looking engine compartment with lots of little details from the factory included. How about the original glass windshield washer reservoir or the see through fuel filter; all these finite details are conversation starters at your local car shows. It also features power steering and brakes. The underside of the hood, fender wells, and firewall have all been neatly painted shiny black. Factory style insulation is applied under the hood. All the hoses and wires are neatly run, and the entire engine appears clean. This is a top-notch engine bay in all respects!
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Under the trunk lid and jamb are painted nicely. It is rock solid inside and has a correct plaid mat that has been cut to fit. It has a full-size rim and whitewall for a spare along with a jack and lug wrench. It has the trunk light that detaches and can be used all around the car.
UNDERSIDE: This car is solid and clean from top to bottom! Regular maintenance has been completed since the restoration. All the steering components seem to be in good condition and are currently working as they should. It has an independent front suspension and the coil over shocks have been replaced. It has a front sway bar with fresh looking links. All the other components including control arms have been painted black and look great. All the components in the rear suspension have also been neatly painted black. Trailing arms look good and the bushings look fresh. The springs and shocks also have been replaced. This has drum brakes at all four corners, and they have been painted black. They currently work great; it appears that all the lines have been replaced as well. The emergency brake is hooked up. It has a newer looking full dual exhaust system with mufflers and super cool exhaust tips that are integrated in the rear bumper. It looks like the gas tank has been replaced or repainted. Looking up at the motor I can see it has been repainted the factory blue color and looks fresh. There are no leaks visible. Same goes for the hydramatic transmission, it is nice and clean and free of any visible leaks. It is attached to a drive shaft that has been painted black and looks to have new u-joints as well. The rear end looks nice and clean and has been neatly painted black. All the floors look solid and free of any rust. They have been detailed in a satin black paint and look wonderful.
SERVICE: Our team of professional mechanics has thoroughly inspected this vehicle and repaired or replaced the following items: repaired the antenna switch, tightened the gauge cluster, rewired the dash and interior lights, repaired the wipers, and adjusted the turn signal switch.
So many cool features and designs! Every part has a cold design element, I can't pick my favorite! Each time I look at the car I see something else I like!
I, Jay Grams, take pride in personally writing the descriptions for virtually every car for about the last 30 years now. A significant amount of effort goes into fact checking. What I am offering is my professional impression of the vehicle. Our salesmen are happy to assist with descriptions and making sure your questions are answered. One great suggestion is letting us do a walk around video that explains the car's condition in detail. **These cars are displayed in a museum. If interested in a particular car, make an appointment with a salesman to see that car. Without an appointment there is an admission fee to enter the showroom. If you buy a car, your admission will be refunded, and you will be given a 1 year membership.
815 385 3644 9-5 central
[email protected] Answered ASAP
Tri-power carbs
Power brakes
Power steering
Power antenna
Power top
Leather upholstery
4 bucket seats
Seat belts
Speedminder
Dual mirrors
Fingernail guards
Fender skirts
Rocker moldings