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1963 Pontiac Bonneville

The '63 Bonneville? A total classic! Big, bold, and brimming with '60s cool. Its sleek lines and distinctive split grille made it a head-turner. A symbol of post-war prosperity, it cemented Pontiac's muscle car reputation, paving the way for future legends. Think chrome, power, and pure American style.

A Journey Through History

The 1963 Pontiac Bonneville introduced a fresh wave in American automobiles. With its bold styling and a suite of innovative features, it catered to personal luxury car enthusiasts. Drawing from its predecessors, the Bonneville embraced cutting-edge design trends and set a precedent for comfort and sophistication.

Photo of a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville

1963 Pontiac Bonneville Models:

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

How Much is Pontiac Bonneville Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,568.00

Outstanding

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$60,400

Clean

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$48,700

Average

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$25,600*

Rough

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$14,300

1963 Pontiac Bonneville Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 2867
Length: 218.9 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 54.4 inches
Wheelbase: 123 inches
Weight: 3,976lbs
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: 235@2000
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 407@2000
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:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10.5 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.49 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.59
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.15
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
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: 25 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 5.75 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 863-1001
Total Digits:9
Digits 1:Series
Digits 2-3:Model year
Digits 4:Assembly plant
Digits 5-9:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Kimberly Blue, Yuma Beige, Starlight Black, Cameo Ivory, Silvermist Gray, Yorktown Blue, Silverleaf Green, Cordovan, Marimba Red, Aquamarine, Marlin Aqua, Saddle Bronze, Caravan Gold, Grenadier Red, Nocturne Blue
Convertible Coupe: Opt
Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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Development and Launch

The Bonneville's ninth generation made its grand entrance at the 1991 Chicago International Auto Show, though it began sales in July for the '92 model. Its aerodynamically crafted design boasted a .305 drag coefficient that improved not just its aesthetics but also its performance—long before fuel efficiency was a standard concern .

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What Made It Tick—Performance and Features

Underneath its sleek exterior, the Bonneville offered a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 and a supercharged variant paired with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. This potent combination was crafted under Dave Mitchell's watchful eye and promised prowess without compromising the comfort that luxury car buyers sought .

Cultural Impact and Its Emblematic Significance

The Bonneville wasn't just a car; it was an emblem of the 1960s—the era of transformation. This period witnessed a surge in music, literature, and art, with the car mirroring these societal shifts. Its stylish aesthetics and advanced features made it a must-have for those seeking both status and performance . ### Famous Owners of the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville

Roy Rogers

The legendary cowboy actor, Roy Rogers, owned a customized version of the Bonneville, complete with western-themed embellishments. This vehicle wasn't just another piece in his collection; it was a symbol of his larger-than-life persona.

Frank Sinatra

The great Frank Sinatra himself was reported to own a 1963 Bonneville. With his ownership, the connection between this car and the glamorous lifestyle of celebrity culture was further solidified.

These high-profile associations have contributed immensely to the Bonneville's allure, making it not just a car, but a lifestyle—a statement in elegance and prestige.

Pop Culture Icon

The Bonneville's image rippled across films and TV series like "I Spy" and the 1976 film "Overlords of the U.F.O." Its appearances in these cultural artifacts ensured its enduring relevance and further affirmed its status as an icon of American pop culture.

A Legacy in Cultural and Automotive History

The Bonneville's legacy extends beyond its ownership and into its representation of the American dream. It captured the essence of the 1960s through its compelling advertising campaigns that depicted affluent life, springboarding consumer desires during a time of profound social change.

Speed Power and Price Records

The Bonneville drew roots from speed-centric locales like the Bonneville Salt Flats, where land speed records were a pursuit. While it didn't shatter records, its robust performance—especially the 421 cubic inch V8 with a Tri-Power setup—staked its claim among the speedier models of its time. But speed isn't all it had. A dynamic range of pricing underscores its market value; auction values soared to $57,000, underscoring its lasting desirability among collectors.

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Explore Pontiac Bonneville from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '63 Bonneville? It's a real head-turner, you know? Think sleek, long hood, short deck – that classic, kinda low-slung look. You'll spot the distinctive split grille, a real beauty, and those cool, wraparound taillights; they're pretty unmistakable. Plus, the trim, oh man, the chrome! It's lavish. It screams '60s luxury. Some models even sported bucket seats – pure 60s cool, right? But really, the overall design, it's what sets it apart. It's a style icon, and it's aged really, really well.

Okay, so under the hood, you had a few choices. The standard was a 389 cubic inch V8; that thing was a beast! Think of it as a really muscular horse, you know? Plenty of power there. But if you wanted more—and let's be honest, who didn't?— you could opt for the 421 cubic inch V8. That was a real monster, an absolute powerhouse. It was like, wow, pure American muscle. Those engines, they're legendary; parts can still be found, thankfully, although some are rarer than others. It really depends on what you're after; you could even maybe find a 421 Super Duty, a real gem for collectors. That’s some serious horsepower

Ah, the million-dollar question, right? The value of a '63 Bonneville really depends on several things; condition is king. A restored beauty, mint condition? We're talking a significant investment, a hefty sum. A project car needing some TLC? Then the price will be more accessible to the average enthusiast. Factors like originality, mileage, and the overall presence influence the value. Honestly, it's best to check current market prices and auction results for similar models to get a clearer picture. Websites specializing in classic car valuations can give a better answer than I can.

Like any classic car, the '63 Bonneville has its quirks. Brake systems, those can sometimes be a bit temperamental; you might find yourself needing a rebuild. Electrical systems can be finicky, so be prepared for some potential troubleshooting. Plus, those big V8s, while awesome, they do need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Think of it like an old friend – it needs a little love and care. Finding parts can sometimes be challenging; but hey, that's part of the fun of owning a classic, right? The satisfaction of tracking down that specific part is almost as fun as driving the thing.

There are a bunch of places you can look for parts. Online forums dedicated to Pontiacs are goldmines, seriously; you'll find a whole community of enthusiasts ready to share advice and resources. Classic car parts suppliers, both online and brick-and-mortar, also stock many common parts. Plus, swap meets and classic car shows are amazing places to find those hard-to-find pieces. Don't be afraid to network; building connections with other enthusiasts is invaluable. You never know when you'll need a rare part or helpful advice!

1963 Pontiac Bonneville: Specs & Price