1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

Pontiac produced 630 examples of the 1957 Star Chief Custom Bonneville (known simply as the Bonneville), one per dealer in the United States, plus two prototypes. They were offered solely as a convertible, and they proudly wore the 'Bonneville' name on the rear fenders, along with special trim on the lower quarter panels, and the 'Fuel Injection' badges on the front fenders and on the center of the trunk lid. Mounted underneath the hood was a Rochester fuel-injected 347-cubic-inch V-8 with 10.25:1 compression and delivering 315 horsepower. The transmission was a Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic.

While the standard Star Chief was priced at $3,105, the Bonneville listed at $5,782. Among the long list of standard amenities included power windows, top, antenna, seats, brakes, and steering. They had a Wonderbar radio, a padded dash, special wheel covers, automatic headlight dimmers, and leather upholstery.

This particular Bonneville was given a professional frame-off restoration by Don Felts, with the fuel injection unit rebuilt by noted early GM specialist, the late Gail Parsons. It is believed to be one of only eight cars finished in Charcoal Grey (of which three are known to exist) out of 630 total produced. Additionally, this Bonneville left the factory with the optional continental kit and a set of rear fender skirts.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024