The 1964 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door hardtop sport coupe is a true testament to the craftsmanship and style of mid-century American automotive design. With its elegant Marimba Red exterior and meticulously restored features, this Bonneville offers an unmatched driving experience, blending classic power with sophisticated elegance.
A Storied Past with California Roots
This Pontiac has an impressive history, having spent most of its life in California. The original owner purchased the car from John Hine Pontiac in San Diego, where it remained for approximately 44 years. The car’s second owner kept it for two years before it was purchased by the current owner in 2010. Throughout its life, this Bonneville has retained its original California Black Plate, a true nod to its heritage. Along with the car, the owner has preserved the original window sticker, owner’s manual, protect-a-plate booklet, and various license plate renewals, adding to its authenticity.
Impeccable Restoration
In 2010, the car underwent an extensive 5-year nut-and-bolt restoration, bringing this beauty back to its prime. Every component was disassembled, thoroughly restored, and meticulously reassembled, with the bodywork and paint done by one of the finest painters in the country. The original body panels, including the doors, hood, fenders, and trunk lid, were chemically stripped, and the chassis was sanded to bare metal before being primed and coated in a durable black finish. The end result? A gleaming Marimba Red base coat/clear coat finish that shines like new.
Powerful Performance: A Rebuilt 389 H.O. Tripower
Under the hood lies the heart of this classic – a fully rebuilt Pontiac 389 H.O. Tripower engine, complete with correct 421 H.O. heads. The engine is mated to a rebuilt 4-speed Super Hydramatic transmission and a custom tripower setup with mechanical linkage. Originally equipped with a 303 HP 4-barrel engine, this Bonneville now boasts enhanced power and performance, making it a true muscle car with a modern twist.
The car has also been fitted with a robust cooling system, using Evans Waterless Coolant to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity. All necessary components, from the transmission and brake lines to the gas tank, have been replaced with high-quality parts, ensuring this Bonneville runs like it did when it first hit the road.
Attention to Detail: Inside and Out
Every detail of this Pontiac has been addressed, both inside and out. The interior boasts new upholstery on the front and rear seats, as well as restored door panels, sun visors, and carpeting. The dashboard has been completely disassembled, painted, and polished, and the car is equipped with new, correct reproduction floor mats, door handles, and even the rearview mirror.
Externally, every piece of stainless steel and chrome has been polished or replated, adding a refined look to this already stunning vehicle. The car features a retro oil, temperature, and volt gauge cluster, as well as a factory tachometer upgraded with modern electronics for added functionality. The exterior also includes a cleaner look with stainless rocker moldings sourced from a 1964 Pontiac Star Chief, replacing the original, bulkier pot metal moldings.
A Classic with Modern Comfort
Options include power brakes, power steering, a remote driver-side fender-mounted mirror, and a tinted front windshield. New glass throughout, including the windshield, side windows, and rear window, ensures clarity and durability. The car also has all-new weather stripping, making it as comfortable as it is striking.
Since its restoration, the Pontiac Bonneville has been driven just 133 miles, ensuring it remains in pristine, showroom condition. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest 1964 Bonneville models in existence.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: Pontiac 389 H.O. Tripower with correct 421 H.O. heads
- Transmission: Rebuilt 4-speed Super Hydramatic
- Exterior Color: Marimba Red
- Interior Color: Two-tone Red
- Mileage: 133 miles (since restoration)
- Restored Components: Engine, transmission, suspension, interior, exterior chrome and stainless
- Additional Features: Factory tach, power brakes, power steering, remote mirror, new tires, new weather stripping
This 1964 Pontiac Bonneville 2-door hardtop sport coupe is a stunning example of American muscle and craftsmanship, blending classic appeal with modern restoration. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history ready to be appreciated once again.
Source: hemmings.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
