The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville revolutionized American automotive design with its distinctive Wide Track chassis and split grille.
The spacious luxury car featured a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine producing up to 322 horsepower, complemented by either a 3-speed manual or 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.
Its lower, longer body dimensions enhanced stability while providing room for six passengers amid rich leather upholstery and chrome accents.
The Bonneville’s dramatic styling and performance innovations set new standards that would influence automotive design for decades to come.
A drop-dead gorgeous 1959 Pontiac Bonneville is featured in this video from The Drive, and showcases many of the stylish features found on this great-looking vehicle.
Design and Styling Highlights
Innovation defined the Pontiac Bonneville’s design evolution in the late 1950s. The revolutionary Wide Track design widened the wheelbase by five inches, pushing the wheels farther apart for enhanced stability and cornering precision. This engineering breakthrough became a Pontiac hallmark that transformed the car’s road presence and handling capabilities.
The exterior styling showcased space-age elements that captured the era’s futuristic spirit. A distinctive split grille, which would become a lasting Pontiac signature, complemented the sleek body lines and razor-edge styling.
Twin tail fins and V-contour hoods added dramatic flair, while the lower, longer body dimensions increased interior space. The design emphasized luxury through chrome accents, rich leather upholstery, and thoughtful details that elevated the Bonneville above its competitors.
Power and Performance Specs
The Pontiac Bonneville’s muscular heart came from its robust 6.4-liter V8 engine, which delivered impressive power across multiple configurations.
Standard models produced 260 horsepower, while the high-compression variants pushed output to 300 horsepower. The pinnacle of performance arrived with the Tri-Power setup, featuring three two-barrel carburetors that generated up to 322 horsepower at 4600 RPM.
Torque figures were equally commanding, ranging from 402 lb-ft in base form to 430 lb-ft with the Tri-Power system. The engine’s low-end grunt peaked between 2000-2800 RPM, providing strong acceleration.
Whether paired with a 3-speed manual or 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, the V8’s power flowed smoothly to the rear wheels, while hydraulic valve lifters guaranteed quiet, reliable operation.
Transmission and Handling
Several transmission options defined the Pontiac Bonneville’s driving character, anchored by a standard 3-speed manual with column-mounted shifter.
The manual transmission featured carefully calculated gear ratios, with first gear at 2.21:1, second at 1.32:1, and third at 1:1. For those seeking greater comfort, an optional four-speed Super Hydra-Matic automatic was available for an additional $180.
The Bonneville’s rear-wheel-drive configuration worked in harmony with Pontiac’s innovative Wide-Track suspension design.
This setup, featuring leaf springs in the rear and coil springs up front, delivered improved cornering stability while reducing body roll.
Though the drum brakes front and rear showed typical limitations of the era, they provided adequate stopping power when properly maintained.
Multiple rear axle ratios allowed owners to customize their driving experience, ranging from 3.08:1 to 4.10:1.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside Pontiac’s flagship sedan, luxurious comfort met practical functionality through thoughtfully designed interior features.
The spacious cabin featured durable vinyl bench seating for up to six passengers, with two-tone color schemes creating a stylish atmosphere. A padded instrument panel housed conveniently grouped gauges and controls, while a distinctive horn hood ornament remained visible from the driver’s seat.
Standard heating and optional air conditioning provided climate control through strategically placed dashboard vents. The lower, longer body design of 1959 maximized interior space, emphasizing openness with its bench seating and absence of a center console.
Thoughtful touches included coordinated floor mats, padded door panels with integrated armrests, and chrome trim details that matched the exterior styling, reflecting Pontiac’s commitment to cohesive design.
Size and Engineering Details
Massive proportions defined Pontiac’s flagship Bonneville, stretching an impressive 220.7 inches in length with an equally commanding 80-inch width.
The car’s substantial 124-inch wheelbase provided a stable foundation, while its 4,086-pound curb weight reflected the solid construction typical of 1950s luxury automobiles.
Under the hood, Pontiac equipped the Bonneville with a robust 389 cubic inch V8 engine, offered in two potent configurations: a 260-horsepower version and a high-performance 300-horsepower variant.
The powertrain is paired with either a 3-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Engineers widened the track to 63.7 inches front and 64.0 inches rear, improving both handling dynamics and visual presence.
The full-frame chassis and carefully tuned suspension delivered the smooth, confident ride expected of a premium American sedan.
Market Impact and Pricing
The remarkable market success of the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville drove the brand to new heights, with total production soaring 75% over the previous year to reach 383,320 units.
Bonneville sales were particularly strong, accounting for 77,891 units across three body styles: 27,769 two-door hardtops, 38,696 four-door hardtops, and 11,426 convertibles.
Car Life magazine recognized the Bonneville’s value proposition, rating it “Best Buy Between $2,000-$3,000” in its class.
As Pontiac’s most luxurious offering, the Bonneville featured premium touches like additional brightwork and distinctive oval taillights.
The model’s success helped establish Pontiac’s new “Wide Track” design and split grille as enduring brand signatures, while positioning the division for its rise to third place in industry sales throughout the 1960s.
Technical Innovations and Options
Powering the 1959 Bonneville’s market success was an impressive array of technical innovations. The formidable 389 cubic inch V8 engine delivered between 215 to 345 horsepower, with select convertible models featuring advanced fuel injection systems capable of 310 hp at 4800 rpm.
For enhanced performance, engineers equipped the engine with a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor and 10.0:1 compression ratio.
The Bonneville’s “Wide Track” design set new standards for handling and stability, with its 63.7-inch front tread and 64.0-inch rear tread.
Transmission options included both Hydra-Matic automatic and manual 3-speed configurations, while power steering and brakes came standard.
The car’s electrical system supported numerous power features, including windows, seats, and the innovative “Wonderbar” radio with power antenna.
Concluding Thoughts
The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville stands as a defining moment in American automotive history.
Its bold split-grille design, powerful 389 V8 engine, and luxurious appointments set new standards for full-size performance cars.
While its fuel consumption and massive proportions reflected an era of excess, the Bonneville’s innovative features and striking aesthetics influenced car design for decades.
It remains a coveted collector’s piece that exemplifies the pinnacle of 1950s automotive grandeur.
