My New Toy

[Denny]

Figured you guys would like to see my new toy. It’s kinda like a gokart. 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.
Tri Power 389 automatic. Wonder Bar AM radio.

 

[Hellion]

Tis nothing like a go kart. What are ya, daft?

I saw one of these, derelict, hiding in a photo once and I thought it was really distinctive due to the unusual taillight treatment. The way the taillights are oddly situated above the (wraparound) belt-line in the trunk lid, instead of being tucked underneath, well it really stuck out at me.

Anyway, domestic cars of this era are utterly fantastic with styling we'll never see again. The interiors too are so out of this world elegant and detailed. Out of this world is fitting as these cars are reflective of the combination Space-Age/Jet-Age styling that was all the rage at the time. All the front ends of these cars have "jet intake" styling somewhere (in the grille or the headlights usually) and the taillights are typically "jet exhaust" or exhaust nozzles and of course the flaming exhaust (afterburner) is replicated in a cone-shaped or beehive style red lens. Fighter jet styling cues all the way.

Nowadays, everyone drives an HTM (Homogenous Transportation Module).

 

[Denny]

Guess that’s why I gravitate to the older cars. They show imagination and creativity in design that the world will never see again. And I miss it so much.

 

[panchothedog]

Denny, I absolutely love it. Back when 2 door cars were just the right size. And the chrome, OH the chrome. As Hellion says, it's an era well' never see again.
Basically the same engine that was in the GTO. What style America had back then. Good for you man.

 

[panchothedog]

Question, does it have the 4 speed hydromatic transmission?

 

[Edwin Spangler]

Ill admit, thats a little older than Im interested in but Ive always had a thing for Bonnevilles/Grand Prixs/Monte Carlos... Ive had.... A few. -But the ones Ive always had, have a supercharged 3.8 or 5.3. Think ive had a couple 304s over the years.

Enjoy, youve obviously earned it!

 

[Hellion]

They show imagination and creativity in design…

I have a photo I saved somewhere showing side views of all the major Crossover SUV vehicles from all the major (and minor) manufacturers. They’re all in white to assist the viewer but they all looked identical with basically minor window shapes being the most obviously different visual cues. Cars of this 21st century are appliances or HTMs.

Part of the mundane-ity is the propensity and popularity of white, gray and black paint colors but we can blame the customers for that. However, I just don’t think the jewel tone colors of yore can look good on modern cars without the chrome; the bumpers front and rear and chrome in the middle (chrome stripes, scoops, portholes, etc) of the car.

The chrome made the cars really sparkle.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

That is a sexy Pontiac. Love it!

 

[Denny]

Yes, it has the 4 speed Hydramatic. And thanks all for the compliments on it. I wish we as the Human race still built cars and things in general with the “eye for style” like we used to. People used to be proud of the things they built and designed. Unfortunately those days are gone. I guess I’m just a dinosaur. I miss guys like Harley Earl.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I grew up doodling cars like that. No one hired me. So who's fault is that?

 

[Hellion]

This is in the wrong forum, by the way. How is this More Builds?
I think I'll come by with a sledge hammer and wreck Denny's car, then he can More Build it.

 

[Denny]

Hey, I was excited I actually got the pictures on here. I’m sorry.

 

[Hellion]

Hey, I was excited I actually got the pictures on here. I’m sorry.

There’s that. Who could have predicted that in 2025 (11 years later) you’d figure out how to post photos and then… start posting photos!? Unreal.

 

[Denny]

There’s that. Who could have predicted that in 2025 (11 years later) you’d figure out how to post photos and then… start posting photos!? Unreal.

I know, right! I’ve been hanging around here much longer though. I had to lurk for the first 4 years until I figured out how to join.

 

[Master Hack]

Nice ride. She has all right parts in all the right places. Built at the right time,

 

[Kartorbust]

Nice car. Back when my grandpa worked at Twin Cities Assembly plant, think back in the 60s, if he wanted different options on a car he was having built for him, he would walk the line, and give the worker their a Dime for coffee, in exchange for an option.

Older cars are so much nicer looking and at least a bit easier to work on.

 

[Master Hack]

Dime for coffee, in

I think its Peso's now.

 

[panchothedog]

Nice car. Back when my grandpa worked at Twin Cities Assembly plant, think back in the 60s, if he wanted different options on a car he was having built for him, he would walk the line, and give the worker their a Dime for coffee, in exchange for an option.

Older cars are so much nicer looking and at least a bit easier to work on.

There' more than a little bit easier to work on than modern cars. They are a LOT easier than modern cars. Don't do much on cars anymore ( too old ) but back when, there wasn't much I wouldn't tackle on a 50's 60's or 70's car. This front wheel drive and electronic crap, I usually take it to the dealer where I bought it.

 

[Kartorbust]

There' more than a little bit easier to work on than modern cars. They are a LOT easier than modern cars. Don't do much on cars anymore ( too old ) but back when, there wasn't much I wouldn't tackle on a 50's 60's or 70's car. This front wheel drive and electronic crap, I usually take it to the dealer where I bought it.

I work at a dealer and I HATE working on stuff made within the last few years. They still can't get the software to work properly for communication within the vehicles.

 

[Denny]

These cars were built when designers and engineers took pride in their work.