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1960 Pontiac Bonneville

The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville? A total dreamboat! Big, bold, and dripping with chrome, it was a status symbol, showcasing American automotive ambition. Its sleek, low profile and iconic split grille defined its sophisticated, powerful image, leaving a lasting mark on car culture. A true classic!

The Legendary 1960 Pontiac Bonneville: A Snapshot of American Automotive Excellence

The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville, with its sleek lines and potent powerplay, stands as a symbol of a bygone era—spanning speed, style, and cultural influence. This post-war wonder encapsulates the idyl of the American Dream during an age when bigger was better and every drive felt like a story worth telling. You see, it wasn't just a car. It was—and still is—a narrative on wheels. Let's take a ride through its captivating history, notable ownership, and cultural significance.

Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville

1960 Pontiac Bonneville Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Pontiac Bonneville Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,175.00

Outstanding

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$84,700

Clean

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$60,700

Average

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$45,400*

Rough

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$31,200

1960 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: 4,030lbs
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: 10.25 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 281@4400
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 407@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 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: 23 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 5.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 860-1001
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-9:Production number
Two Tone Colors Available, Shoreline Gold Metallic, Caribe Turquoise Metallic, Palamino Beige, Black Pearl Metallic, Stardust Yellow, Berkshire Green Metallic, Skymist Blue Metallic, Sierra Copper Metallic, Newport Blue Metallic, Fairway Green Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Richmond Gray Metallic, Shelltone Ivory, Coronado Red Metallic
Convertible Coupe: Opt
Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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History of the Pontiac Bonneville

Introduced in 1957, the Pontiac Bonneville got its moniker from the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah—home to world-speed records and high-octane daring. It was initially a high-performance, limited-production convertible, carrying the spirit of the flats right into the dealership showroom.

Early Years and Muscle Car Era (1957–1970)

The Bonneville quickly carved a niche for itself. With its robust V8 engine under the hood and a design that screamed class and speed, it became the darling of performance enthusiasts. Its appeal lay not only in raw power but also in the seductive blend of adrenaline and elegance. By the late '60s, Pontiac's full-size performance had reached its zenith—the Bonneville being a top contender.

Evolution and Adaptation

Over its nearly fifty-year run, the Bonneville transitioned from a raw power beast to a more refined, luxury-oriented vehicle. It reflected the shifting consumer cravings of the automotive market, blending performance with comfort—a trend most car aficionados of today appreciate in the classics they own and admire.

Cultural Impact

The legacy of the Bonneville is woven into the fabric of American car culture. Appearing in countless media narratives and cherished by collectors worldwide, this car has been a perpetual muse. Its role as a symbol of freedom and the open road endures, as does its representation of an era marked by ingenuity and style.

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Famous Figures Who Own the Pontiac Bonneville

It's not just us car enthusiasts who swoon over the Bonneville. This vehicle won the heart of The King himself: Elvis Presley. Known for his penchant for powerful wheels, Elvis's ownership added that sprinkle of charisma, only enhancing the car's lush allure.

Elvis Presley

Elvis's love for the Bonneville epitomized its celebrity status. Having it in his garage meant something, not just for him, but for every fan who dreamed of cruising next to their favorite rock 'n' roll idol.

Fun Facts about Pontiac Bonneville

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    Design Inspiration: The Bonneville's name was inspired by the Bonneville Salt Flats, connecting the car to a legacy of speed and daring.

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    Cinematic Appearances: It had its role to play in popular culture, most notably in the film "Goodfellas," showcasing its timeless design.

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    Market Appeal: Pristine models can fetch upwards of $50,000 at auctions, reflecting its classic status among collectors and enthusiasts.

1960 Pontiac Bonneville Gallery

Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville

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    Accident Records

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    Loan & Lien Information

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    Auction Information

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    Salvage Information and more

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Summing It Up

The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville is not just a classic zombie to be recalled; it's a legend that roars across the annals of automotive history. Its allure lies in a story of style, performance, and cultural significance—transcending generations and resonating, even today, as an epitome of automotive greatness. If you ever get a chance to take a ride—or if fortune smiles down with an opportunity to own—remember, you're not just experiencing a drive. You're partaking in a legacy. For those curious, the can shed more light on its provenance.

Feel free to explore further using this if you're dealing with older models, or even a for those truly classic finds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 1960 Bonneville? A real beauty, that one. It's instantly recognizable for its sharp styling; think sleek lines, that low, wide stance – it was a head-turner, even back then! Key features include the iconic split grille, those super cool tailfins (oh man, those tailfins!), and generally, just a really striking overall design. You know, it's the kind of car that just screams '60s elegance. Some models even sported a luxurious interior, adding to that feeling of sophistication. Think plush fabrics and plenty of chrome accents, just oozing class.

Under the hood, you had some choices, depending on how much oomph you craved. The standard was a pretty punchy 389 cubic inch V8; it packed a real wallop! But if you were really looking to make a statement, you could opt for a more powerful version of the 389, or even a 421 cubic inch V8, which, let me tell you, was a beast. These engines were, uh, famously powerful for their time; think of them as the muscle cars of their era, a bit like comparing them to a modern-day sports car – only more chrome, obviously! Choosing an engine really depended on what you wanted from your ride – a comfortable cruiser or a serious speed demon.

Typically, you'd find a two-speed automatic transmission, or for those who preferred a bit more control (and a slightly sportier feel), a three-speed manual was available. Now, the automatics were pretty smooth for their day; think of butter, but in a car. The manuals, however, well, they provided a more direct driving experience – more feedback, more engaging, you know? It really came down to personal preference; some folks loved the ease of the automatic, others relished the control of a stick shift.

Finding a pristine, original 1960 Bonneville is... challenging, let's be honest. Many haven't survived the test of time, you know? Time, weather, and accidents can take a toll on these beauties. But hey, that doesn't mean they're impossible to find; there are still a few kicking around in decent shape. You might need to look at classic car shows, online forums, and specialized dealerships. Be prepared to potentially do some serious searching and, likely, pay a pretty penny for one in top condition – these are collector's items, after all!

The value of a '60 Bonneville really depends heavily on its condition. A fully restored, concours-quality example? You're looking at a serious investment, probably tens of thousands of dollars, maybe even more depending on the specific model and options. A car that's in fair condition needing some restoration work, that's a different story – much cheaper, of course, but still a worthwhile project for some folks. A completely derelict, parts car? Well, that's a whole different ball game again – much less valuable, unless you are a parts specialist.