- 1 of just 8 examples with factory air-conditioning
- Factory 347-cubic-inch V-8 engine paired with Rochester fuel injection
- Loaded with options, including power steering and power brakes
- Meticulously restored and finished in iconic colors
LOT 387
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.
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 over a matching white and red interior, this rare Pontiac has been meticulously restored and has an outstanding presentation. A stylish '50s automobile with a fair amount of strategically placed chrome, it turns heads at every corner. Just as impressive as the body and interior, the underside has been maintained to a high standard and shows very well. Loaded with options, in addition to its uber rare factory air-conditioning, include power steering, power brakes, power seats, power windows, a white power convertible top, radio, and a clock.
Under the hood lies a mechanically sorted and exceptionally clean 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, it is also a limited production 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. As one of just eight 'Fuelies' equipped with air-conditioning for 1957 it is truly a rare find for discerning collectors.
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