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1965 Pontiac Bonneville

The '65 Bonneville? A real head-turner! Big, bold, and dripping with 60s style. Its powerful engine and luxurious interior made it a status symbol, a star in movies and popular culture. Think long hood, short deck, and that iconic split grille – pure American muscle!

History of the 1965 Pontiac Bonneville

Picture 1965, a time when the Bonneville emerged as a hallmark of American automotive design. The car boasted a sleek, elongated silhouette with a pronounced rear, marking it as a true emblem of the era's style. American cars during this era weren't just about getting you from point A to B—they were about prestige, style, and a bit of swagger.

Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville

1965 Pontiac Bonneville Models:

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

How Much is Pontiac Bonneville Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,357.00

Outstanding

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$32,500

Clean

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$23,600

Average

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$12,900*

Rough

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$8,100

1965 Pontiac Bonneville Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 4
Model Number: 26237
Length: 221.7 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 54.3 inches
Wheelbase: 124 inches
Weight: 3,890lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 388.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 10.5 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 333@5000
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 429@3200
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Alloy cast iron
Engine Number Location: Production no. and card are 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:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.42 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.61
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.33
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Premium
Tire Size: 8.25 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 26.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 262275a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2-3:Series
Digits 4-5:Body style
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Starlight Black, Cameo Ivory, Blue Charcoal, Fontaine Blue, Nightwatch Blue, Palmetto Green, Reef Turquoise, Burgandy Red, Iris Mist, Montero Red, Teal Turquoise, Capri Gold, Mission Beige, Bluemist Slate, Mayfair Maize
Sports Coupe: Opt
421 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

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Exploring the Power Under the Hood

Let's chat engines. The standard powerhouse was a 389 cubic-inch V8 churning out a hefty 325 horsepower. Need more muscle? Opt for the 421 cubic-inch V8 with its tri-power configuration, taking performance to the next level. This made the Bonneville not just a looker, but a performer, too.

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Why Pop Culture Loved It

The Bonneville didn't just cruise through the streets—it zoomed into movies and music, symbolizing the lavish lifestyle of the 60s. Ever seen Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas"? The Bonneville was right there, playing its part beautifully. It's like spotting an old friend in your favorite movie.

Famous Figures Who Own the 1965 Bonneville

When a car is good enough for the King of Rock ‘n Roll, it catches attention—Elvis Presley was one such proud owner. Now, who wouldn't want to slip into the leather seats of a car once driven by Elvis? This association only bolsters the Bonneville's status as a cultural icon.

Elvis Presley

Elvis had a knack for selecting cars that matched his star-studded persona. His Bonneville stood out not just in his garage but in the glittering world of showbiz too.

Other Notables

Hollywood elites have always been captivated by classic cars. Ever seen Tom Hanks or Nicolas Cage steering around in classic vehicles? They might prefer British classics, but they certainly appreciate the timeless allure shared with an American classic like the Bonneville.

1965 Pontiac Bonneville Gallery

Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville

Price Records That Speak Volumes

Auctions for the 1965 Pontiac Bonneville reflect its enduring appeal. Prices can sway dramatically depending on the car's condition or its unique features. While some might score a deal at $2,800, others might shell out over $40,000 for a piece of this automotive glory.

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Explore Pontiac Bonneville from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '65 Bonneville? Man, that's a classic. It's pretty easy to spot, actually; think long hood, short deck, that iconic Coke-bottle styling—you know, that curvy shape that was all the rage back then. They also had some pretty cool features for their time like a spacious interior and, depending on the trim level, some seriously snazzy options. It was a real head-turner, kind of like a celebrity in its own right. You really can't miss one, unless it's tucked away in a barn somewhere, which I hear happens more than you think!

Under the hood, you had a few choices, depending on how much horsepower you craved. The base engine was a 389 cubic inch V8, a real workhorse. But if you wanted some extra oomph—and let's be honest, who didn't?—you could step up to the 421 cubic inch V8; that thing was a beast. There were also a few other variations on those themes available. It really depended on the buyer's personality and budget; some people just liked the reliability of the smaller engine, y'know? The 421 was a whole different animal though, more like a thoroughbred than a Clydesdale!

Well, that's a bit of a tricky question, like trying to guess the weight of a fluffy cloud. A pristine, numbers-matching Bonneville with all the right options can fetch a pretty penny. We're talking serious collector-car money. However, a car needing some TLC will obviously be worth considerably less. Think of it this way: a totally restored Bonneville is a like a diamond, but a project car is more like a diamond in the rough. The condition and completeness of the car are going to be the biggest factors in determining its worth; plus, options obviously add value, especially rarer features.

Okay, so buying a classic car is kind of like adopting a pet; it requires commitment and understanding. With a '65 Bonneville, you might encounter issues with the electrical system, which are common in older cars. The braking system might need some attention; it's a good idea to have those thoroughly checked by a mechanic, especially before you drive it off the lot. Also keep an eye out for rust, especially if it's lived anywhere near the coast, or places with salty winters. It's not unusual with cars of that era, and frankly, it's almost expected to find some, so don't let that alone scare you off. Preventative maintenance is your best friend, though!

Finding parts for these beauties isn't as difficult as you might think! There are lots of dedicated classic car parts suppliers, online forums, and even clubs specializing in Pontiacs. It's really a great community; I'd recommend checking out some of the online forums and groups. Believe me, you will meet a lot of enthusiasts, and you'll quickly find that you aren't alone in your passion. You can also find lots of useful information, guides, and even some really neat advice.