421 Tri-Power: 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
Some cars are like automotive chameleons that blend into the background, while others stand proudly, making a bold statement. This 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible fits squarely into that second category because its sheer presence guarantees it will turn heads wherever it goes. However, it is more than a pretty face, with its engine bay housing a mighty Tri-Power V8. The current owner has listed this giant here on eBay in Cape Coral, Florida. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $14,320 due to what could be best described as lukewarm buyer interest.
Pontiac’s Fourth Generation Bonneville landed in showrooms for the 1965 model year. While it appeared dramatically different from its predecessor, it retained distinctive design elements that helped provide immediate brand recognition. The original owner ordered this Convertible during the second production year, electing a color combination of Burgundy paint with a White power top. The seller admits a close inspection will reveal flaws and imperfections, but the paint retains a shine guaranteed to draw attention. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller’s decision to use the word “solid” in their listing suggests this beauty is rust-free. The power top has been replaced and works as it should. The chrome and tinted glass are in excellent condition, but this classic wins my heart with the wheel choice. I’ve always believed that Pontiac’s eight-lugs were the best-looking wheel to grace a production car in the 1960s, and these, wrapped in narrow whitewalls, tick the right box for me.
I initially considered describing this Bonneville as a gentle giant, but one peek under the hood confirmed that the tag is inappropriate. Its engine bay houses a 421ci Tri-Power V8 that should produce 356hp and 459 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are performed by a three-speed automatic transmission, with the car also featuring power assistance for the steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. Performance figures are mighty impressive for a vehicle tipping the scales at 4,272 lbs. It should cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds, and keeping the pedal to the metal will see that glorious V8 run out of breath at 132mph. The news is positive for potential buyers seeking a turnkey classic because this Pontiac runs and drives extremely well. The seller claims the engine has plenty of power, which is unsurprising. All the winning bidder needs to do is slip behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset.
This Bonneville’s weak point could be its interior. It is trimmed in Black vinyl with lashings of faux woodgrain, bucket seats, and a console. However, there are faults and aftermarket additions that might not appeal to every enthusiast. The imperfections include split seatcovers and wires hanging below the dash and console. There is a selection of additional gauges, an aftermarket stereo, and a CB mounted below the dash on the driver’s side. It is serviceable in its current form, but one of the problems with owning a classic Convertible is that hiding a substandard interior is almost impossible. The seller has camouflaged the worst problems with slipcovers, meaning the winning bidder must choose between maintaining the status quo or performing a partial retrim.
There is much to like about this 1966 Bonneville Convertible, but the harsh reality is that it needs some TLC to present at its best. Addressing the damaged seatcovers will lighten the buyer’s wallet by nearly $1,000, which might weigh heavily on the minds of some. The car is solid and has a desirable drivetrain combination, but it has only received twelve bids. Do you think the interior shortcomings are cooling interest, or are other issues at play?
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Comments
Very nice car, and the Tri-Power setup is rare. If it could be proven as original to the car, that would increase it’s value. I’ve always wondered how much of a PITA it must be to adjust three carburetors, rather than just one. In Florida, not having A/C is a problem. It’s beautiful and worth money, I hope it finds a good home.
Agreed Zen, just a fantastic automobile, front to back, inside might need a little love, but this thing has a serious presence about it, and looks like it would eat you if you got too close! But on the subject of the PITA three deuce setup, I have a friend who’s dad bought a lime green Superbird, brand new, and returned it after 3 months of it sputtering around and refusing to run smoothly. Apparently nobody in the dealerships’ motor pool could get their head around the proper adjustment of the ‘sixpack’ configuration, and after having it towed back to the place 3 times, the fourth time was the charm. He told them to keep it, and I’ll have to talk to my buddy to see what his dad ended up replacing it with, but I’ll wager it wasn’t of the same caliber as the bird. Just makes you wanna cry, don’t it! I’m sure he had no idea that it would appreciate to where they have come these days, he should have squirreled it away and held out for a good carburetor guy, he’d be sitting on a fortune today!
Quite a %$$# I had a 62 Catalina 389 3×2, a 59 Impala with the 348 3x2s. The worst was the 59. No one could ever get that one right. The 62 was ok, sometimes hard to start but ran smooth once it warmed up. The BEST was/is a 60 Caddy Seville. In the 30 plus years I have owned it. The car sits endlessly, starts right up smooth, the secondaries work like they should and aside from carb cleaner, I never or let anyone near it..lol.
Only the center carb has adjustments, the other 2 dumped in with progessive linkage.
Richard,
You are correct. About the only time these won’t run right after proper adjustments to the center carb, is if one of the throttle valve plates is not correctly aligned or is not fully closed at idle.
What’s with the oversized curb feelers mounted on the tail? Detract from this beautiful ride
I suspect for parking the thing in a garage where it barely fits. These actually increase the appeal of the car for me as I suspect the owner is/was an older person that putted around in Florida in the Spring with the top down and enjoying it while Summer was still at bay. If you have ever tried parking a convertible in reverse looking at your rear view mirror through a plastic window, you know how much you think about just leaving the top down and letting the cats enjoy the interior.
Those are CB antennas to go with the under dash CB radio and it’s really a poor way/place to mount them.
You can buy one of these with a 4-speed on Hemmings for $155,000.
$1,000 for seat covers? While those Tri-Powers look real good, @ $7+ for gas in Ca. I’ll use the seat covers for the once a month trek out.
Beautiful car, straight, nice color. I have a ratty convertible I used to drive. I put a 70 455 in it ions back because the engine was apart and locked when I bought it. Mine was a luxury liner. No bucket seats but the ac, ps, pb, power windows, vents, seat, tilt, dimmer and so on. This is a great car here. Not to crazy about the Criscraft flag poles on the stern but hey to each his own, ahoy there.
Other issues are at play IMO.
All that aftermarket junk under the dash is a problem for me. First, where the tri gauges are placed looks like a real knee knocker to me. And what is that green thing to the left of the steering wheel? The CB should be concealed in the glove box.
I understand not wanting a long, tall whip antenna but the duel shorties look a little ridiculous to me.
Other than that, it’s a gorgeous car I wish I could get. I’ve never owned a Pontiac. Chevies, yes, Olds, Buick, Cadillac, yes, never a Pontiac. Don’t know why. Guess the opportunity never presented its self.
Once you go Pontiac you never go back. How about me my favorite cars are Pontiac and Oldsmobile and they’re both gone. Drive a Caddy STS
Some of the best looking cars for all time. Appear to be moving when standing still.
a boat ! (tank, etc)~
With some nice mods (The vert might B the best 1.)
No wonder (it’s air craft carrier dimensions) they have the rear sights (or feelers). I’d need ’em. My antique neck duz not twist around to C back there so well, lol.
U tune in the ctr carb as if there were no others. Once sorted, fiddle w/frnt/back. Is really not big deal (try 4 carb bikes, a lill more involved).
When I first saw the opening photo I thought it was my former Bonny. I had damn near the exact car as this one, except mine was loaded with options, including A/C and 4-speed! My car was maroon with black interior and white top, and it had those lovely 8-bolt wheels.
Bought it in 1977 from the original owner who bought a new BMW 2002 in maroon with black interior. I worked at the BMW dealership when he came in, and the used car manager didn’t want to take it in trade, offering the owner $100. I ended up buying it for $400! With that 421, no one wanted such a car because of the gas shortages.
Of the cars in my “fleet”, the only one that got worse MPG was my 1966 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible, with it’s 460 V8.
Unless one is going to do the work themselves, I suspect that $1,000 estimate to fix the seats is probably a little low, because those seating surfaces are leather, not vinyl. And if you don’t replace the leather in the rear seat surfaces too, the back seat will look pretty bad once the front seats are restored.