Few things make me happier than to see one of my former curbside classic daily drivers still at it. I first spotted this ’67 Bonneville over ten years ago in a fenced in parking lot so I couldn’t shoot it. I’d see it occasionally on the streets, but too far away to get good shots. Then in 2017 I finally caught up with it in a parking lot and it got the full CC treatment here. But that was seven years ago, so it made me very happy when it came burbling up next to us at an intersection while we were on our daily walk. Given its exhaust condensation and fogged-up windows, it must live nearby.
Its extended tail is on full display. The Bonneville (and its Executive/Star Chief stablemate) not only had a 3″ wheelbase stretch at the rear (as can be seen by the gap between the rear door and rear wheel opening, but the whole rear end was also extended more than just that wheelbase stretch, resulting in an overall length of 222.6″ as compared to 215.6″ for the Catalina/Ventura. Not that it resulted in any increased rear seat legroom; it was all for show, as well as making parking 7″ harder.
The Bonnie’s 400 V8 exhaust on take-off made a nice soft rumble.
My last shot is out of focus, but Stephanie, LM and the big Bonneville are all identifiable. Keep on rolling!
Related reading:
Curbside Classic: 1967 Pontiac Bonneville – Long, Longer, Longest Tail
I love watching one of those big old 60’s sedans in motion, especially one in such perfect CC condition. And the sounds are just as intoxicating as the looks.
Nice to see this one still one the road, Paul.
Back then, I never comprehended the whole business of a stretched wheelbase (for a premium brand or model) adding to length/weight, but not at all to interior legroom. You/CC has really brought that home to me!
Minor correction: 1966 was the last year for the 389. this 1967 car would have had on of many versions of the 400, or, maybe, a 428.
Always loved the flared “bowtie” front clip on these cars.
Of course! Text amended now; thanks.
Best part is that this example is a ‘stunning’ 4 door pillarless hardtop. My absolute favourite body style, and one that with few exceptions unique the post Second World War US car design.
For far too long the body has over looked by countless 2 door models. Result, being that few examples have survived and they now much rarer than 2 door hardtops
Simply love 4 door hardtops!!
The blackwalls indicate the daily driver status. Too bad that WW’s (as it surely had in ’67) are now at “collectors” level.
Didn’t know about the 3″ addition, vs. Catalina. Maybe that would rate Bonnevilles along with Olds 98 & Buick Electra …… vs 88, LeSabre & Catalina?
Good to see the old ones “out and about.” I talked to the owner of this ’66 Impala the other day who said he was working on a method for reinserting the contact “point” in his “points.” The mechanical part of the “points” mechanism in the generic “this item fits your car” version doesn’t quite fit in his distributor.
Good to see the old ones “out and about.” I talked to the owner of this ’66 Impala the other day who said he was working on a method for reinserting the contact “point” in his “points.” The mechanical part of the “points” mechanism in the generic “this item fits your car” version doesn’t quite fit in his distributor.
I’ve seen a ’67 Grand Prix near me in the same color. Now that is one ’67 Poncho I would love to own even though this big beauty is still nice.