Featured here is a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible. The Pontiac Bonneville was produced by Pontiac over ten generations from 1957 until 2005.
The automobile first came out as a limited production performance convertible during the 1957 model year as part of the Star Fire line. It was said that only 630 of these 1957 models were built.
Pontiac Bonneville’s Early Years
Interesting enough the Pontiac Bonneville was first seen in 1954 at the GM Motorama as a bubble top concept car named the Bonneville Special. This was a two seat sport coupe designed by Harley Earl.
The Bonneville convertible began as a top of the line Pontiac model with fuel injection and ultimately became Pontiac’s fanciest and most luxurious offering. It was built to compete against the Chrysler 300C. For the 1958 model year the Bonneville was available as a coupe and convertible and also became its own distinct model.
The Pontiac Bonneville by 1959 was offered in a variety of models which included hardtop coupes, hardtop sedans and a convertible in addition to a pillared sedan and a station wagon.
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville was part of the models third generation which included models from 1961-1964. Squared lines and upward slanting tail lights stand out on the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville’s. Also prominent is the forward angled headlight bucket and the rearward pointing side spear. Chrome was used sparingly. Bucket seats were available as an option.
In 1963 GM banned factory competition so the 1963 models emphasized styling and luxury rather than those powerful V-8’s under the hood. Some might say that the Pontiac GTO was the first true muscle car but you could make an argument that the early 60’s Bonneville had the engines to make that same claim.
1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible Specifications
The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville was available with several different V-8 engines. These included both 389 cubic inch and 421 cubic inch V-8’s in a variety of configurations. Horsepower ranged all the way from 215 to 410. If you wanted a performance car the 1963 Bonneville had an engine to meet your requirement.
Transmissions included a three speed manual and a three speed Super Hydra-Matic automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums. New for Pontiac Unique to Pontiac were the Bonneville’s eight-lug wheels with eighteen small fins that scooped air and helped cool the car’s large drum brakes.
Front suspension included unequal length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and shocks. Rear included four link, coil springs, and shocks.
Dimensions include a 123.0 inch wheelbase, 218.9 inch overall outside length, width 78.7 inches. Curb weight 4,100 lbs.
Total Pontiac 1963 production totaled 590,068 vehicles. Out of that number 108,500 were Bonneville models. New car price for the 63 Convertible was around $3,600. The two door Hardtop sold new for about $3,350.
The Pontiac line was discontinued due to financial problems at General Motors and the line itself was not profitable for the last few years.
Related Auto Museum articles are found on the links below…
1963 Ford Falcon Sprint Convertible
References for this article includes…Pontiac’s Greatest Decade 1959-1969: The Wide Track Era by author Paul Zazarine…Muscle Cars: A Legacy of American Performance by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…Muscle Cars: Kings of the Street From the Golden Era by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
1963 Pontiac Bonneville Collector Cars
The full size Pontiac Bonneville’s from 1957 through the 1960’s are popular collector cars and in particular are the convertibles.
The early 1960’s Bonneville’s offered great styling along with very reliable and powerful V-8 engines.The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville was Pontiac’s costliest and most luxurious model throughout the decade of the 1960’s.
Current asking prices for the 1963 Bonneville convertible in excellent condition and highly original are found in a range of from $30,000 to $50,000. Some totally restored and original examples have higher asking prices.
(Articles and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)