Sold 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible 2146371426 Tweet

This 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is a beautifully restored rarity out of the Pontiac Motor Division. For decades, Pontiacs reputation revolved around the GM marques penchant for performance. While many attribute Pontiacs performance-oriented notoriety to the debut of the GTO in 1964, Pontiacs performance roots actually dated back into the late 50s when Semon Buckie Knudson took over as General Manager and appointed E.M. Pete Estes as Chief Engineer and John Delorean as Director of Advanced Engineering to head up Pontiacs engineering department. On December 2, 1956, Pontiac announced that it would be introducing a unique and limited-edition Bonneville Convertible as a sub-series of the top-of-the-line Star Chief Custom line. Of course, the Bonnevilles name originated from the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah known for its significant history in the world of motor sports and hosting numerous land speed records. What made the Bonneville Convertible so special was the fact that they were all equipped with a novel Rochester Fuel-Injection system. On January 11, 1957, the Bonneville made its official dealer debut and each Pontiac dealer received only a single Bonneville which capped total production at 630 units and made the 57 Bonneville one of the rarest and most collectible Pontiacs of the era and all time. In addition to Pontiacs new performance-oriented tilt in 1957, Buckie Knudsons influence extended to modernizing the design and styling of Pontiacs. The new 1957 design would be known as Star Flight styling, taking cues from Americans infatuation with aerospace and the Space Race. Perhaps the most identifiable Knudson-influenced change was the removal of Silver Streak hood bands in 1957 which, in some form, adorned Pontiac hoods since 1935. Moreover, the entire front end treatment was revised in 57 with the introduction of a flatter, more modern-looking hood on top of a new massive chrome bumper and grille. Down the sides, new missile-shaped side trim was added to all Pontiac lines, with the Star Chiefs adorned with an additional four chrome stars, furthering the aerospace-influence. At the rear, the tail fins were pronounced but flatter than the previous year since they were lengthened. The taillight design was also completely changed for 1957, now with an immense amount of chrome and a V shaped profile. When new, the 1957 Bonnevilles had a factory MSRP of nearly $6,000 which was nearly double the price of the standard Star Chief convertibles. Under the hood on this particular 57 Pontiac is a Strato-Streak 347 Cubic Inch V8 fitted with a single 4 barrel carburetor for improved drivability and reliability, and included with the sale of this 1957 Bonneville is the Rochester Fuel Injection unit should the next owner wish to return the 347 V8 back to stock. The Strato-Streak powerplant is backed by a Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission so that anybody can take this classic Pontiac for a spin around the block. Exhaust exits the 347 Strato-Streak V8 via a dual exhaust setup that gives this car a nice throaty sound out the back. Being that the Bonneville was the top-of-the-line Pontiac in 1957, they all came absolutely loaded with options! With power steering, manuvering this 1957 Pontiac Convertible in and out of tight parking spaces at car shows or at the local drive-in is a total breeze. With all that horsepower under the hood, power brakes are also a welcome addition to this Bonneville since they make bringing this early muscle car to a full stop much easier. The blue vinyl power convertible top goes up and down with ease all with the single flick of a switch. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this Pontiac Bonneville are in fantastic condition and add the overall luxury of this 50s cruiser. The exterior has been beautifully refinished in its correct two-tone color scheme consisting of Kenya Ivory and Fontaine Blue. A set of wide white wall tires each paired with a spe