- 1 of just 630 fuel-injected Bonneville Convertibles built in 1957
- Documented multi-year restoration
- 347/310-HP V-8 engine with Rochester fuel injection
- Equipped with power steering, power brakes, power convertible top, power windows, power seat, power antenna, Wonder Bar AM radio
LOT 236
Selling on Saturday
1957 Pontiac Bonneville ‘Fuelie’ Convertible
During the 1950s, everyone wanted the latest and the greatest, and auto manufacturers were working hard to quench this unquenchable thirst for new. In 1955, Pontiac introduced its first overhead valve V-8 engine and, by 1957, it was already regarded as a potent performer. But Pontiac had a reputation for designing cars for grandparents to drive. Pontiac was a step up from Chevrolet, but not quite to Oldsmobile "Rocket 88" territory or as prestigious as a Buick or luxurious as a Cadillac. Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudson who took over the reins at Pontiac in the fall of 1957 wanted to change the brand's image, often quoted as saying, "You can sell a young man's car to an old man, you can't sell an old man's car to a young man!" Thus, work on a new showpiece was created. Initially, it was announced that only one Bonneville convertible would be offered to each dealer, a number around 1,500 at the time. In the end, just 630 of these superior Pontiacs came off the assembly line. Standard features on each car were power steering, power brakes, power windows and power front seat, and as all Bonnevilles were to be convertibles, a power top. Fine materials would be used such as hand-buffed leather seats, plush carpets, deluxe wheel covers and special badging. Under the hood, however, was the big news, as this was the first fuel-injection system offered on a Pontiac from the factory. Developed by Rochester, a GM subsidiary, this unit bore no resemblance to the injection unit they were producing for Chevrolet. Bonneville was to be limited in numbers built and in colors available. According to a 2012 Authenticity Manual for these cars, a little more than 100 examples of these highly sought-after Bonneville cars were known to exist at that time.
Finished in Kenya Ivory with Bonneville Red side spears, this is one of the finer examples of the few remaining Bonneville convertibles. Benefiting from a multi-year comprehensive restoration performed by Reno Rod & Custom Supply, Inc., the fit and finish are impressive and snug all around and a binder filled with invoices documenting the restoration is included in the sale. Matching the exterior color scheme, the hand-buffed leather seats are also red with white accents and are complemented by a white convertible top. In addition to the desirable power equipment, such as windows, seat, steering, brakes, and convertible top, this example is also fitted with the Wonder Bar radio.
Under the hood lies a mechanically sorted Rochester fuel-injected 347-cubic-inch V-8 engine backed by a Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and producing an impressive 310 horsepower. Bunkie's plan worked well as the '57 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible became that of legend and helped change the old-school perception of Pontiac.
Mechanically sound and a recipient of a thorough restoration, this 1 of just 630 fuel-injected Pontiac Bonneville Convertibles is a limited production and rare American-made, dare we say early muscle car, that impresses onlookers due to its rarity, performance and power - not to mention its striking good looks.
