1962 Pontiac Bonneville Headed To Mecum Summer Special

The 1954 GM Motorama featured a number of concept cars, among them the Chevy Corvette-based Pontiac Bonneville Special. The two-seat Bonneville Special was one conceived as a high performance luxury coupe. It was one of famed designer Harley J. Earl’s creations, with split frameless doors and gull-wing Plexiglas top halves, and a Plexiglas bubble roof. The name came from a trip Earl had taken to see the speed trials at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Two Bonneville Specials were produced for exhibition, one finished in Emerald Green, the other in Metallic Bronze.

The Pontiac Bonneville would appear as part of the 1957 Pontiac lineup as the top trim level for the 1957 Pontiac Star Chief convertible. The Bonneville featured mechanical Rochester fuel injection and nearly every available option save air conditioning and the continental kit.

For the 1958 model year, the Pontiac Bonneville became its own model, and was available in either convertible or two-door hardtop configuration. The 1958 Pontiac Bonneville paced the Indianapolis 500, quite an achievement for a first-year model. The 1958 Bonneville was not so heavily equipped as the previous year, and as such had a more affordable list price. The Bonneville was powered by a standard 255-horsepower 370 cubic-inch V8 fed by a four-barrel carb. Spent gasses exited through true dual exhaust. Fuel injection was optional, but few chose to shell out the additional $500. Tri-Power carburetion (three two-barrel Rochester carbs) was far more reliable and much more affordable at just $93.50. The Tri-Power equipped 370 was good for 300 horsepower, while fuel injection offered 310.

The Pontiac Bonneville continued to evolve along with the rest of its GM B-Body brethren. 1962 marked the second year of Bonneville’s third generation. The previous-generation Bonneville had cemented the split-grille front fascia, and the Wide Track design pushed the wheels toward the edge of the fenders, resulting in better handling. Four body styles were available, including a convertible, pillarless four-door Vistas, Safari wagons, and two-door Sports Coupes. More luxurious interior trim and upscale Morrokide vinyl seat covering was available. Instrument panels and door panels featured walnut veneer trim. Door panels also had carpet on the lower portion. There was a passenger-side grab bar, rear arm rests, and courtesy lights. Options included air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, power seats, radio, and cruise control. Powering the 1962 Pontiac Bonneville was the standard 389 cubic-inch V8 or an optional 400 cube mill, both backed by the three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

Our feature 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Sports Coupe is finished in Cameo White over a tri-color red cloth and Morrokide vinyl interior. It is powered by a 389 cubic-inch engine that feeds power to the rear wheels through a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. It features the original Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio, chrome and stainless trim, fender skirts (not pictured), trunk liner, and spare tire cover.

This 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kissimmee Summer Special event taking place July 6^th  through the 8^th.

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