Bonne by name, Bonne by nature

The Bonneville name played a big part in Pontiac’s success over almost half a century, with this stylish third-generation B-body model being offered to the public from 1961 to 1964. At the time it was Pontiac’s costliest and most luxurious model with a higher specification than its Catalina and Star Chief sisters. Instrument and door panels featured walnut trim, while the lower door panels were carpeted too.

Power windows, power brakes, power seats, cruise control and air conditioning were all popular options at the time, along with power steering. By 1964, the Brougham package was made available, which introduced an even more luxurious interior. The third-gen Bonneville also benefited from Pontiac’s distinctive protruding grille, harking back to their models from the Thirties and Forties, such as the Torpedo. The dramatically restyled fourth generation arrived in 1965 complete with its swooping rooflines, rakish fender lines and contemporary Coke bottle styling.