Pontiac Bonneville Convertible 1960

History and background

The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible belongs to the second-generation Bonneville, a model series that Pontiac positioned in the second half of the 1950s as a more luxurious and richly dressed version within the American GM lineup. The Bonneville initially appeared as a special edition and then evolved into a stand-alone model aimed at the upper end of the Pontiac market. Within the GM brands, Pontiac thus followed a course in which style, equipment and a character of its own were central, without fully stepping up to the absolute top end.

The 1960 model year fell at a time when American manufacturers were focusing heavily on styling, chrome application and a low, wide silhouette. The Pontiac Bonneville Convertible fit right in with that, with a body designed as an open two-door convertible. In those years, the Bonneville was a recognizable presence within Pontiac's lineup, due in part to its combination of luxury presentation and technical variety. Moreover, the Bonneville was known as a model on which several engine and equipment variants were available, which underscored its placement in the higher end of the Pontiac catalog.

Within Pontiac's history, the Bonneville occupies an important position as a model that marks the transition from exclusive execution to a permanent model name. For many collectors, this makes a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible representative of the American automobile industry of the period, in which convertibles featured prominently in the lineup.


Characteristics and features

This Pontiac Bonneville Convertible features a recently completely repainted body. The interior has been updated and the transmission has undergone an overhaul. According to the available appraisal report, the bodywork is done in steel and is described as tight and flawless, free of rust and other blemishes. It also lists the sheet metal fits as optically sound, while trim and trim parts are in clean condition. Furthermore, tinted glass has been applied.

The interior of this Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is listed in the report as very well maintained, neat and fresh. The dashboard looks neat, the instruments are clearly readable and the upholstery is done in tri-color red leather with red piping. In addition, the carpet and mat set are said to be in very good condition, with red fabric and a black cloth removable mat set. The headliner is tight and without stains. In 2018, the Tri-Power package was fitted and carefully tuned by a USA car specialist. It also states that regular maintenance work was performed.

The appraisal report lists a replacement value of €65,000. In addition, it states that the Pontiac Bonneville Convertible has been on Dutch registration since March 2017 and that it is an older restoration of American origin.


Summary

The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is an American convertible from the period in which Pontiac continued to expand its position at the upper end of the mid-range and luxury segment. The available documentation mentions a recently painted body, updated interior, a rebuilt transmission and a 2018 Tri-Power package installed. The appraisal report gives a replacement value of €65,000. To get a good idea of the lot, we advise you to come to the viewing day.