An outstanding, multiple award-winning example

315 bhp, 389.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 124.0 in.

Despite the fact that General Motors redesigned the full line of 1959 cars, in response to Chrysler’s bold 1957s, each division individualized its cars in different ways. Cadillac went for tall fins, while Chevrolet opted for a gull-wing tail. Buick had slanting, diagonal fins. Pontiac, however, made their most significant improvement out of sight and under the skin.

They called it “Wide Track.” Both front and rear tread dimensions were increased by more than four inches, putting the wheels closer to the corners of the car. This was accomplished by reducing side overhang, so that the 1959 Pontiacs, although not as narrow as the ’58s, were no wider overall than the 1959 Cadillacs, Buicks, or Oldsmobiles. The common interpretation is that Wide Track was intended to improve handling, but those who worked on the design have a different story. Historians Jan Norbye and Jim Dunne have quoted Pontiac stylist Jack Humbert as saying that Wide Track was “to make it look right…it was a combination of having to put the wheels farther apart in order to give the car the right proportions.” The widely-advertised Wide Track name is attributed to Milt Colson, a copywriter at MacManus, John, and Adams, Pontiac’s ad agency.

Wide Track did improve handling, but that wasn’t the whole story. Other factors were the cruciform chassis frame and the trailing-link coil spring rear suspension. The cruciform had been introduced in 1958, but for ’59, it was strengthened to accommodate the greater loads of the wide body.

The styling harkened back to simpler themes than 1958’s gaudy cars. In common with other GM makes, the roofs were thinner and flatter and a panoramic windshield curved upwards into the roof. The front was characterized by a split grille, the first incarnation of an iconic theme seen, with few exceptions, until the make’s 2009 demise. The beltline was strictly horizontal, from front to rear.

This 1959 Bonneville Convertible Coupe occupied a coveted niche at the top of the company catalogue. At $3,478, only the Custom Safari Station Wagon cost more. Unmistakable in Mandalay Red, it has eye-opening leather upholstery in red, silver, and white, with silver starbursts on each seat. The dashboard has grey padding, and the charcoal-hued carpets are sprinkled with glitter that matches the extensive interior brightwork. A white vinyl top with a silvery boot cover sedately completes the motif.

All contours are excellent, as is the paint. The doors shut exceptionally well and are well aligned and have nice, even gaps. The engine compartment is correctly detailed while not overdone. Underneath, the car is very clean, with the cruciform frame painted black and the floor pans in body color. Correct BFG Silvertown medium whitewall tires are mounted to steel wheel, with Pontiac full wheel covers.

The engine is the 315 brake horsepower Tri-Power version of Pontiac’s venerable and sturdy 389-cubic inch V-8. With 10.0:1 compression and three Rochester carburetors, it offers up an amazing 425 foot-pounds of torque, and it is coupled to a four-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission. Accessories include the very rare bucket seats, a power top, power steering, power brakes, power windows, factory air conditioning, tri-color leather interior, a day/night mirror, dual side view mirrors, windshield washers, and a Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio with power antenna and rear seat speaker. With AACA National First Honors in 1995 and an Old Dominion award the same year, this Bonneville convertible has a proud history.

This is quite possibly the best 1959 Pontiac to be found anywhere. A striking 1959 ad shows a red Bonneville just like this one. “Trim…Tailored…Terrific” reads the headline. The driver has a broad smile. The new owner of this Bonneville will, too.