The Bonneville has primarily been in the full-size category and shared similarities with the Chevrolet Impala, Oldsmobile 88, and Buick LeSabre for many years. It occupied a position just above the Catalina, which was the company’s more affordable and popular full-size option.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Bonneville has become an iconic classic. However, due to its high production numbers, it is far from being rare or highly sought after. There is an exception with the 1957 version, which was only sold in limited quantities of 630 units. Some cars, though, can be scarce due to their optional features or specific body styles.
At first glance, the 1962 Bonneville featured here may appear to be a typical four-door sedan. However, this weathered full-size vehicle is not just one of the 44,015 four-door hardtops that Pontiac sold that year. It possesses an extended wheelbase, a distinct roof, and the emblem of an iconic coachbuilder. What you see before you is a limo conversion executed by the Superior Coach Company.
Originally established as the Garford Motor Truck Company in 1909, Superior Coach initially focused on producing large trucks and armored cars. In the 1920s, their operations expanded to include professional vehicles and buses. The company gained particular recognition for the hearses and ambulances it manufactured from the 1940s to the 1970s, many of which were based on Pontiacs and Cadillacs. However, they also crafted limousines.
Aside from the elongated wheelbase, this stretched Pontiac features a third-row bench, increasing the seating capacity from six to nine individuals. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding its specific purpose when it left the Superior Coach workshop over six decades ago. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that this vehicle has survived intact. Professional cars like this often have a very low survival rate as they typically end up in junkyards.
This Bonneville was retired quite early in its life. According to the seller, it was “left to the elements in earlier years with the last two owners, including myself.” The seller further explains that they eventually stored the limo indoors for over 25 years, which greatly aided in preserving its condition.
Admittedly, the Bonneville has the appearance of a classic barn find. The black paint has weathered over time, and there is surface rust on every body panel. The vehicle also exhibits a few rust holes on the rocket panels, although they are not overly severe. Surprisingly, the interior is in relatively good shape and still retains its original black-and-grey upholstery. This is likely due to the car’s relatively low mileage. The odometer displays just 50,948 miles (81,993 km).
This mileage reading, combined with the long-term storage, suggests that the Bonneville still possesses its original engine. The Pontiac left the factory equipped with a 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine. In 1962, Pontiac offered different versions of this engine. The base model produced 230 horsepower, while the four-barrel variant boasted up to 303 horsepower. The Tri-Power unit delivered an impressive 348 horsepower.
The specific variant of the 389 V8 engine that lies beneath the bonnet remains uncertain, but the vehicle is operational and capable of being driven. This is positive news considering its prolonged absence from the roads. The Bonneville is a rare limousine model and is currently available for purchase by a prospective owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At present, the bidding has reached $4,000 with a limited amount of time remaining, although the reserve price has yet to be met. Is it worth restoring? Personally, I believe it would serve as a remarkable icebreaker and topic of discussion at nearby automobile exhibitions.
According to the Source autoevolution.com