Pontiac said in its 1957 advertising, “A New Kind of Car is Born!” For once, this was not an understatement. The headliner for Pontiac’s bold, new effort was this vehicle, the Bonneville convertible. This is one of 630 produced for 1957, as just one was built for each Pontiac dealer. After previously showing up as a nameplate on Harley Earl-designed Motorama prototypes, the Star Chief-based production model featured a number of advances, not the least of which was the new Strato-Streak 347/310 HP V-8 with Rochester fuel injection. The mechanical unit was similar to the version used on the Chevrolet Bel Air that year, and it was offered exclusively on this model in 1957. Here, that engine is backed by a Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission, and there are also power steering and power brakes.
Beyond this special driveline, the Bonneville model came with most available options as standard equipment, except air conditioning and a continental spare mount. The exterior here is done in a cream white, accented by a chrome painted-red-center side spear ending in a wider insert and fluted stainless-type rear fender décor, as well as a white soft top. Spelled out proudly on the front fenders and decklid are the words “Fuel Injection,” while the stylized “Bonneville” name appears on the rear quarters.
