Lot 6148

Auburn Fall 2021

1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

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$137,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Chassis No.
P857H29883
Documents
US Title
  • One of the first high-performance Pontiacs
  • One of only 630 examples built; one of eight finished in Charcoal Grey
  • Astounding concours-quality restoration
  • 315 hp, 347 cu. in. fuel-injected V-8; three-speed automatic transmission
  • Top-of-the-line example equipped with power steering, brakes, windows, antenna, and top; 8-way power seat; Wonderbar radio

Of all the great American cars produced during the 1950s, it would be difficult to find a more rare or more desirable example than the 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Bonneville—better known simply as the Bonneville. Just 630 production examples of these cars were ever made: one per dealer in the United States, plus two prototypes.

Available only as a convertible in 1957, Bonneville models in this year can be identified by the Bonneville name on the rear fenders, special trim on the lower quarter panels, and the “Fuel Injection” badges on the front fenders and on the center of the trunk lid. The engine in the Bonneville is a Rochester fuel-injected 347-cubic-inch V-8 at a 10.25:1 compression ratio, which yielded an astonishing 315 horsepower. This amazing engine was mated to a Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.

Bonnevilles featured a long list of features, most included as standard equipment, and sold at a price up in the Cadillac range—$5,782 compared to $3,105 for an ordinary Star Chief convertible. Bonnevilles included power everything: steering, brakes, windows, top, antenna, and seats. Buyers also got Pontiac’s best Wonderbar radio, leather upholstery, a padded dash, automatic headlight dimmers, and special wheel covers.

This stunning 1957 Bonneville has received a professional frame-off restoration by Don Felts, with the fuel injection unit rebuilt by noted early GM specialist, the late Gail Parsons. It is believed to be one of only eight cars finished in Charcoal Grey (of which three are known to exist) out of 630 total produced. Additionally, this car is also equipped with the optional continental kit and a set of rear fender skirts.

Offered from a museum collection, this Bonneville Convertible is offered with a copy of the book Fuelies by Robert Genat (in which this car is featured) as well as show awards.