Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac Bonneville wagon

I've been on a 1960s kick lately; for whatever reason, I am beginning to think that the 1960s is one of the best decades for post-modern car design; every brand had consistent themes, styling was a mix of luxurious-ness, but most cars still packed tons of incredible details that would lure enthusiasts to inspect them more closely. I've brought readers examples of Pontiac's Bonneville before, but never a wagon-- and I have come to a not-so-startling conclusion; the Bonneville wagon is probably my favorite bodystyle for the nameplate. I love wagons--always have, and likely always will. As a "late-bloomer" in the classic car scene, I first discovered the mid-1960s Bonneville last winter, and pored over its many exquisite details; unfortunately, I did not get very many closeup shots of these details on that example nor this one. That still standing, this white wagon is probably the coolest American car I've featured this year.













On the whole, this particular Bonneville was beautiful; I normally don't care for white cars, but on this wagon, it works--quite well. It makes the big wagon seem a bit smaller than it actually is, and the rolling stock certainly helps matters. Another thing I quite liked about this Bonneville, is the sparse amount of chrome. Normally, I'm a sucker for older cars with varying degrees of chrome, but here, the absence of it clearly sets it off. With only the "Bonneville" script adorning the doors, the minimal application on the grillework and tailgate, this American wagon screams "class" not many others can.
No doubt this example is stock, aside from the lowering job and Torq Thrust wheels, both of which look excellent here. I'd say this is about as close of a "hot rod wagon" one can get without doing any drastic changes; for someone who recently got interesting in mid 1960s iron, I'd venture as far to say that this Bonne is certainly the best of the breed I have seen yet.
I would loved to have shot this on the street, but I'm not complaining; I realize I've broken my own rules, but hey, an awesome find is an awesome find, right?

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac Bonneville

This car has an interesting story behind it; I've seen it sitting here for well over a year now, and each time I try to go and shoot, there's a lady in the apartment nearest the street who comes out and yells at me, and threatens to call the police. So, after about a year of waiting, I decided to try again. Welp,guess what? In the process, she came outside and proceeded to give me the rundown on why what I was doing was illegal (it clearly isn't), and asked what I planned to do with the pictures since it wasn't "my ol' school ass whip". To shut her up, I gave her a business card, which she said was "faker than a white boy president". No, I don't know what that means, and I didn't inquire. She seemed far too stupid to grasp even the most basic comprehension skills.
What I find interesting about this Bonneville is that it has up-to-date tabs, yet I've never once seen it move under its own power--ever. I've always seen it sitting in this same spot. I would go on to venture that it's abandoned, but knowing this area, for all I know, it isn't.
The paint on the old girl looks decent, especially considering the fact that it's been exposed to the elements for at least one rough winter; unlike most cars that just sit there, this example doesn't even have an trunk or roof surface rust--yet. It honestly looks mostly intact save for the missing hubcaps, which isn't too bad given its condition. Despite the off-color hood, this classic Poncho appears to have led a worry-free life and served its past owners quite well.
Upon research of the dealer plaque, it appears that Pentel Pontiac was in business from 1971 to 1981 at 5100 Excelsior Boulevard. In 1975, the dealer started carrying Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, and in 1981, the name was changed to Wilkins Pontiac Fiat, where to stood till 1993. Shortly after the dealership was demolished, construction began on an Urgent Care center. Not quite another car dealership, is it? Since the owner's son lives in the apartment where this was shot, and its been said he doesn't like driving, I am assuming he owns this car but just lets it sit there. Quite sad, really, because I think a car like this deserves a second chance. If the owner doesn't want it, he should sell it to someone who will save it. Just like that 326 LeMans, this big Ponch is too good to let die.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac Bonneville convertible

Now this is an awesome sighting! I hardly ever see vintage Pontiacs, and usually when I do, they end up looking worse than that tired 326 LeMans I blogged earlier this winter. Fortunately, this car had all one could expect from a big cruiser of this period; lots of chrome, wire hubcaps, and a formal paint color. Perfect, I'd say.
The Bonneville was Pontiac's "luxury" vehicle from day one, for people who couldn't afford a Buick, much less a contemporary Cadillac, and it shows; big, bold styling, a lineup of big V8s, and a "who-cares" attitude when it came to gas mileage--isn't that what a luxury car is supposed to be about? Unfortunately, as time wore on, the focus of the Bonneville was shifted. In the 1980s, it became a FWD vehicle that, among other setbacks, wound up ultimately being a car largely favored by rental agencies a many.
Let's not get off focus, here. This example was quite stunning; the paint seemed to be in near-perfect shape, likewise the chrome. One thing that I liked about this pristine big boat was the fact that it still had the dealer plaque on the trunk, leading me to wonder if this was a meticulous restoration, or if it is an original owner un-restored example. I highly doubt the latter, but it would be really awesome if it was. Parked in uptown, this beast certainly stood out, and with good reason. Not often do I see a vehicle which looks as great up close as it does across the street. Well spotted, I say. And to the owner, please keep up this wonderful classic Pontiac!