Buying a classic with history can prove irresistible, especially if the vehicle is already inherently desirable. That opportunity awaits the high bidder on this 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible. It is complete and solid, but the custom paint and signage indicate it spent at least part of its life as a promotional vehicle. Its most pressing immediate need is a new owner, with the owner listing it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.

The seller has provided photos of this Bonneville when they purchased it in 2003. At that time, it looked to be wearing tired non-original paint but was in good mechanical condition. The seller had it painted the original color in 2004 and then about a year later they had it wrapped in vinyl to match their race car, which is pictured above with this car. The signage and website addresses fascinated me, so I investigated them to see what they revealed. Of particular interest is 1963pontiac.com, which could prove a valuable resource to the winning bidder. It contains plenty of helpful information on these classics and an excellent photo gallery of reader cars. The new owner might become involved in sharing the next chapter of this classic’s life with fellow enthusiasts via that site. Potential buyers face plenty of positive news with this Pontiac. The Arizona sun that has baked its paint has done a stellar job preserving the classic steel. There are areas of peeling paint and surface corrosion but no evidence of penetrating rust. The panels are straight, with the consistent gaps suggesting no history of prior accident damage or repairs. The soft top has seen better days, but the frame should be fine following some TLC. Most of the trim should respond positively to work with a high-quality polish, and there appear to be no glass issues.

Pontiac developed a reputation for producing high-performance models during the 1960s. Although the focus with this classic would have been more towards luxury, it could still pin its occupants in their seats when the driver stomped on the gas. Its engine bay houses a 389ci V8, while the original owner added a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With that V8 burbling through a dual exhaust and 303hp at the driver’s disposal, this 4,180 lb gentle giant would have stormed the ¼-mile in 16.8 seconds. If the driver kept the pedal to the metal, it would run out of breath with the needle nudging 124mph. That represents some rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring for the occupants. This Bonneville is mechanically complete and unmodified. It was driven to its current location and hasn’t been started since, but the drivetrain components are some of the toughest in the automotive world. Therefore, coaxing it back to life may be possible with little effort or expense.

Although it has sat exposed to the elements, this Convertible’s interior springs a surprise or two. The wheel is cracked, while the door and rear seat trims have succumbed to UV damage. However, the dash looks good, and the seat covers should present nicely for an unrestored survivor. There are a couple of slightly discolored spots, but no evidence of rips or sunrot. The console is intact, and the buyer receives a wide selection of luxury appointments. These include power windows, a power driver’s seat, courtesy lamps everywhere, and the Super Deluxe AM radio with the optional rear speaker. And don’t forget those sweet 8-lug wheels that it’s riding on, which the seller points out are all in good condition.

This 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible leaves me torn because returning it to a factory-fresh state is a straightforward proposition. However, investigating its past and preserving it largely untouched has an attraction. Either approach is valid, and it would undoubtedly draw a crowd in either form. Which path would you choose? Once you decide, are you tempted to make that dream a reality by submitting a bid? If you do, I’d like to wish you good luck in your latest classic journey.

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Engine: 389 ci V8
• Transmission: Automatic
• VIN: 863D38084
• Title Status: Clean

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• History (13 bids)