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1959 Pontiac Bonneville

The '59 Pontiac Bonneville: a big, bold beauty! A classic muscle car precursor, it showed off fins galore and represented post-war optimism. Its powerful engine and sleek design made it a head-turner, solidifying its place in automotive history and pop culture. Think iconic American style.

Discover the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville: A Classic Icon in Automotive History

The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville is more than just a classic car; it's a cultural symbol and a piece of automotive history. It blends the aesthetics of the late '50s with performance capabilities that made it stand out in its time. But what really makes the Bonneville special? Is it the celebrities who owned it or the roaring engine that defined its era?

Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

1959 Pontiac Bonneville Models:

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How Much is Pontiac Bonneville Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,175.00

Outstanding

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$105,000

Clean

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$75,500

Average

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$49,600*

Rough

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$36,300

1959 Pontiac Bonneville Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 2867
Length: 220.7 inches
Width: 80.7 inches
Height: 54 inches
Wheelbase: 124 inches
Weight: 4,060lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Unknown at time of publication
Displacement: 388.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.6 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: 10.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 260@4200
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 400@2800
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Alloy cast iron
Engine Number Location: On pad at front of right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
2.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.21 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.32
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.51
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Pivoted control arms
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Tire Size: 8 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 21.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 5.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 859-1001
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-9:Production number
Two Tone Colors Available, Cameo Ivory, Sunset Glow Metallic, Canyon Copper Metallic, Gulfstream Blue Metallic, Mandalay Red, Dundee Green Metallic, Silvermist Gray Metallic, Shoreline Gold Metallic, Royal Amethyst Metallic, Castle Blue, Vanguard Blue Metallic, Jademist Green, Seaspray Green, Concord Blue Metallic, Silver Satin Metallic
Convertible Coupe: Opt
Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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History of 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

The journey of the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville began in a period of change and innovation. The model was developed under the vision of Dave Mitchell and designer John Folden, reflecting the cultural and technological shifts of its time. This car was designed not just to function, but to make a statement. Its development spanned several years, filled with design and engineering tweaks that aimed to capture the spirit of a bolder, more performance-driven automotive industry.

Specifications You Didn't Know About

Underneath its elegant exterior, the Bonneville featured some serious machinery. The supercharged 3800 engine and Tri-Power induction system were not just about speed—they were about character and ambition. This powerhouse spoke to an age when cars were symbols of freedom and boundless potential.

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

Tom Cruise

You can't talk about the Bonneville without mentioning Tom Cruise. Yes, the same guy who raced jets in "Top Gun" appreciates the classic allure of this car. Cruise's affinity for speed and style finds a perfect match in the 1959 Bonneville, cementing its status as a vehicle made of stories and stardust.

Chris Evans

Who would've thought the man who played Captain America also cruised around in such a symbol of Americana? Chris Evans is another celebrity who chose the Bonneville, aligning his preference for classic, timeless elegance with his public image.

Steve Coogan

On the other side of the pond, Steve Coogan's ownership further showcases the Bonneville's transatlantic appeal. While Coogan's humor is distinctly British, his choice in cars speaks a universal language of style and class.

James Mason

And let's not forget the legendary actor James Mason. His ownership of a Bonneville only further underscores the car's presence amongst Hollywood royalty.

A Cultural Icon

Back in the day, the Bonneville wasn't just a mode of transport but a canvas of individual expression. Its "Wide Track" design was not only an engineering feature but also a bold styling statement. The car appeared in popular films and TV series like "American Graffiti" and "Happy Days," solidifying its place in pop culture.

For those interested in understanding how can tell more about this rich legacy, a detailed report could reveal intriguing tidbits about past owners and the car's journey over the decades.

1959 Pontiac Bonneville Gallery

Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

Fun Facts About the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville

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    Pop Culture Star: It wasn't just a background piece; the Bonneville played roles in movies that defined decades.

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    Record Setter: It was the official pace car at the inaugural Daytona 500. Talk about starting strong!

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    High Value: The car has fetched over $100,000 in auctions, showcasing its enduring appeal.

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Check out details—much like a blueprint for your dream ride. can further ensure the car you're eyeing has a clear and fascinating history. Also, how about using a for older models?

In the end, the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville isn't just a car; it's a chapter in the book of American history waiting to be driven and explored. Whether you're an enthusiast or a potential new owner, the Bonneville offers stories of the past worth cruising again and again.

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Explore Pontiac Bonneville from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '59 Bonneville? Man, that's a beauty! It's instantly recognizable, you know? Think sleek, sweeping lines; a long, low profile that's just classic. Key features include its distinctive tailfins – seriously impressive, they are – and the prominent, almost aggressive, front grille. The overall design is incredibly stylish, even by today's standards; it's a head-turner, no doubt about it. Oh, and let's not forget those cool, iconic headlights. They're a dead giveaway!

Under the hood, you had a couple of choices; it wasn't a huge selection, but still impressive for the time. Most Bonnevilles sported the 389 cubic inch V8; a real powerhouse for its day. It packed a serious punch! Some, however, came with a more powerful, even wilder 421 cubic inch V8 – now that's a beast. Think of it like this: the 389 was a strong workhorse, while the 421 was like a thoroughbred racehorse – capable of incredible speed. But both are seriously cool pieces of automotive history.

Pontiac offered a couple of transmission choices back then, pretty standard for that era, actually. You could get it with a three-speed manual; a true driver's car kind of setup. But, a lot of people, especially back then, opted for the two-speed automatic – the Powerglide was pretty popular. It was smoother and easier to drive in city traffic, let's be honest. So you had a choice based on how much you liked rowing your own gears.

Precise production figures are sometimes tricky to nail down for classic cars. But, generally speaking, it wasn't a huge production run compared to some other models, which makes it somewhat of a rare find now. Somewhere in the ballpark of 8,000-10,000 is a reasonable estimate, give or take a few; that's just a guesstimate, of course. It adds to their desirability amongst collectors, naturally.

The value varies wildly depending on the condition, originality, and options of a specific car. Let’s be honest; a pristine, numbers-matching, concours-ready Bonneville will fetch a significantly higher price than a project car, or something with major rust. It's like buying a house, right? Location, location, location. And with these beauties, condition is absolutely crucial. You're looking at a range from tens of thousands to potentially six figures (or more!), so it's really tough to give a hard number. Do your homework!

Like any classic car, there are potential pitfalls to watch out for. The electrical system, for instance; sometimes that can be a real headache. Things like wiring and the generator can get a little grumpy with age. The braking system, too, should be thoroughly inspected by a mechanic specializing in classic cars. You don’t want any surprises there! Also, keep an eye out for rust, of course, particularly in the body's lower sections. It's a common problem with these older cars. A thorough inspection from a qualified mechanic is highly recommended before you even think about buying one.