Introduced in the midst of the 1957 model year, Pontiac’s Bonneville emerged as a meticulously crafted limited edition flagship model. A true testament to exclusivity, dealers were limited to offering only one, resulting in a mere 630 of these exceptional vehicles being manufactured.
The nomenclature “Convertible” in its title proved redundant, as during 1957, Bonneville exclusively denoted the convertible variant within the Custom Star Chief Series. Distinguished by the bold BONNEVILLE lettering on the rear fenders and adorned with seven slanted chrome louvers behind the front wheel opening, these cars were instant eye-catchers.
Beyond their luxurious appeal, what set these Bonnevilles apart was their incorporation of fuel injection—an innovative feature at the time. The unmistakable front fenders and trunk lid proudly displayed the FUEL INJECTION lettering, signifying the presence of a potent 347 cubic inch Strato-Streak, Rochester fuel-injected V8 engine generating an impressive 315 horsepower. This powerhouse was seamlessly coupled with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
Renowned for their scarcity, a particular Bonneville, resplendent in Kenya Ivory and Bonneville Red, has undergone a meticulous restoration befitting its esteemed status. The interior boasts opulent leather upholstery in Red and Ivory, featuring an 8-way power-adjustable front bench seat, power windows, and a Wonderbar signal-seeking radio with a power antenna.
In addition to these lavish amenities, the Bonneville boasted an array of “luxury” features such as power steering and brakes, tinted glass, and a heater and defroster. Notably, in an era where heaters were considered optional luxuries, the Bonneville included them as standard, contrasting sharply with other models in the line-up. The only remaining optional extra for buyers was air conditioning.
While desiring a Bonneville in its heyday required a stroke of luck due to limited production, prospective owners also needed deep pockets, as the price tag of $5,782 was nearly double that of the Star Chief Convertible—an investment that reflected the unparalleled status and sophistication of this iconic 1957 Pontiac model.
This 57 Pontiac Bonneville is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)