1957 Pontiac Bonneville

This 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is an absolute beauty and loaded with fantastic options! Starting in the middle of 1956 and continuing through September, the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors was undergoing a changing of the guard, so to speak, with numerous soon-to-be influential leadership changes taking place from the top on down. Famed automotive executive Semon Buckie Knudson was appointed as Pontiacs General Manager in July 1956. Then in September 1956, Elliott M. Pete Estes was named Pontiacs Chief Engineer and John Z. Delorean (yes, that Delorean) was tapped to lead Pontiacs Advanced Engineering department. With Knudson, Estes, and Delorean at the reigns, Pontiac began to lean into a performance-oriented tilt that would shape the GM marque for the years to come. The first performance-oriented model was announced on December 2, 1956 a fuel injected convertible known as the Star Chief Custom Bonneville Convertible that was named for the famous Bonneville Salt Flats raceway that was the site of numerous land speed records. When the Bonneville made its eventual showroom debut on January 11, 1957, it was released as a limited edition dealer use only model. In addition to Pontiacs new performance-oriented tilt in 1957, Buckie Knudsons influence extended to Pontiacs new modern design and style. Known as Star Flight styling, Knudsons new 57 Pontiacs were significantly influenced by Americas infatuation with the aerospace industry and the Space Race. Likely the most identifiable Star Flight style change was the Knudsons removal of Silver Streak hood bands which, adorned Pontiac hoods, in some form, since 1935. In addition to the removal of the Silver Streaks, the 1957 Pontiacs received all-new front end treatment including a flatter, more modern-looking hood mounted above a new massive chrome bumper and grille. New missile-shaped side trim was added to all Pontiac lines in 1957 as well. In the rear, the 57 tail fin design was flatter but also longer, which gave a more pronounced look. The new-look 57 Pontiac taillights were completely restyled now sporting 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. In total, a mere 630 Bonneville Convertibles were produced which makes this particular example quite a rare piece of American automotive history. Powering this 57 Bonneville is a Fuel Injected 347 Cubic Inch V8 engine that was said to have created a whopping 315 horsepower when new. The 347 Fuelie V8 is backed by a Hydro-Flight Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission that makes this extremely rare 50s convertible an easy car for anybody to take for a spin around the block. Exhaust exits the Fuel Injected Pontiac powerplant via a dual through-bumper exhaust system that generates a wonderful throaty sound out the rear. Being that the Bonneville sat atop the Pontiac hierarchy in 1957, this car comes absolutely loaded with options! With power steering, turning this 4,000+ pound performance beast is almost effortless and you can squeeze into a tight space at the local car show or drive-in with ease. Power brakes are another welcome feature of this Bonneville since it makes stopping much easier especially with all of that extra horsepower under the hood. The white vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition and it easily goes up and down with the simple pull or push of a button mounted neatly under the dash. Riding on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires, each paired with a deluxe Pontiac full wheelcover, this 57 Bonneville Convertible exudes the high style of a quintessential 50s cruiser. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this Pontiac Bonneville is in excellent condition and adds to the eye-catching look of this convertible. The exterior has been correctly refinished in a beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting of Kenya Ivory and Bonneville Red, just how this car came when it rolled off the factory line back in 1957. The interior on this 1957 Bonneville Convertible is outstanding! The front and rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in Red and Ivory two-tone leather. The interior on this Bonneville also comes loaded with creature comforts! Power windows are a welcome addition on this Bonneville so you dont have to work too hard cranking down the windows on a gorgeous summer day. An 8-way power adjustable front seat is also a wonderful addition so that you can ensure that youll be cruising in comfort. This Bonneville is also equipped with a switch-operated power antenna which is another cool fifties era novelty. The padded dash, upholstered door panels, carpeting and steering wheel are all in great shape and appear to be in their stock configuration. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, battery gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished with the heater controls, a clock, and a push-button Wonderbar AM radio. Whether youre buying your first classic car or youre adding to your existing collection of classic Pontiacs, this 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!