In an uncharacteristic move, General Motors introduced new bodies and chassis for all 1958 cars. In this shuffle, Pontiac made the Bonneville—previously a limited-production convertible—its own separate, top-of-the-line series, still limited to a ragtop and a new hardtop coupe. The car was lavished with chrome and gadgetry, typical of the period, and was most distinguished from what lay under its hood: a 370–cubic inch V-8 that came standard with 285 horsepower. Several performance upgrades were available, with the most potent being Rochester fuel injection, combined with 10.5:1 compression heads and good for an output of 310 horsepower.

Fuel injection was still in its infancy and was the height of automotive engineering in the late 1950s; it was racing technology that GM just happened to offer on its street cars. It was relatively unfamiliar to all but the most performance-minded of buyers, and it was prohibitively expensive ($500) even for many of those. Accordingly, the number of 1958 Bonnevilles fitted with the fuel-injected engine is known to have been very low; it is estimated around 200 cars. Fewer still remain extant and fitted with the system today.

The Bonneville convertible offered here is fitted with the fuel-injected engine and is equipped with front and rear bucket seats; power steering, brakes, and windows; and dual spotlights. The dashboard contains the desirable Trans-Portable radio, a transistorized unit that can be removed from the car and toted with its owner on a picnic.

Acquired by its current owner, a well-known connoisseur of 1950s convertibles, out of Tennessee several years ago, the car was previously the recipient of a concours-quality restoration, correct down to primered floor pans. The Rangoon Red and Graystone White paint scheme matches the trim tag. Today, its overall finishes are still utterly beautiful, and it would be suitable for display at the most exclusive Pontiac show or perhaps the ultimate conversation piece for any local cruise-in this summer. Accompanying it are a pair of brochures, a correct spare wheel and tire, and a top boot.

The 1958 Bonnevilles are rarities unto themselves, few more so than this fuel-injected beauty.