@@thomastoler2397 It is a fact that no car I ever owned is so incredibly attractive for nearly everyone. I met a guy with a pristine Maserati and he said my car was more fascinating than his car.
I’ve always loved Pontiacs! My Grandpa raised me and he worked for Pontiac Motors for 39 years. They were such beautiful and amazing cars, I remember how his heart broke when he found out that GM canceled the Pontiac brand. RIP Grandpa! Thanks for giving me my love of classic Pontiacs!
Adam this has got to be one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen on your channel so far. It’s a shame that styling like this has been removed from our sight. Cars now all look a like. This was when manufacturers took pride in their work. This is a rolling piece of art.
(@Czechmate, my surname is the Czech word for smooth) Yup. I was left a hondo acord by a relative, I often leave a store and it takes me awhile to find it in the parking lot, it looks like everything else nowadays, never have that problem when you drive a Pontiac. Passion, that's what's lacking. These toyoda & hondos don't inspire s**t. I looked forward to going out and looking at my '80 Trans Am or driving it, every time.
@@J.W.W.not so sure about the reliability. I've seen so many horror stories when it comes to newer models. Plus when it comes to reliability one does have to factor in that anyone with even a little mechanical ability can fix most anything on these older cars themselves. If this car quits you on the road it will at least 90% of the time either be a fire, fuel or charging issue all of which are easy fixes with just a few tools and minimal mechanical ability.
@@J.W.W.I’m sorry to say that I agree. I drove a 2005 Lincoln Aviator for 15 years with only one mechanical issue which was in the front wheel joints. Otherwise, it was completely trouble free, and I cannot imagine being able to say that about ANY pre-1990 automobile! And while I like all the fantastic designs that that changed every couple of years (man, I remember so well, the excitement I had every October, waiting to see the new styles), I am thankful that very gradual yearly changes became the trend.
My dad's first new car was a 1965 Catalina two door in teal. It was a two door to keep us kids from opening the nonexistent rear doors and falling out from the back seat. No child door locks in those days. Something Adam doesn't mention is the high beam indicator on the dash. We used to beg my dad to turn on the high beams so we could see the red indian head indicator light up! And of course, the high beam switch was foot operated on the left side of the floorboard.
Lol, my dad had a '65 Starchief (four door in midnight blue with a white roof) when I was a kid. The Indian head indicator light was, indeed, the coolest thing ever!
@michaeloliver2337 : Funny you mention your parents having a 2 door so you couldn't open a door and fall out, One time when I was 7, we were going to grandma's house in my dad's 1969 LTD 4 door, I was a little too excited I guess and as my dad was making the last turn before the driveway, right in the middle of the turn, a tire hit a pothole and since my hand was already holding the door handle, as the car jerked going over the pothole, the door opened and out I went!!! I bounced and slid a little as my dad instantly stopped the car, leaped from it, and scooped me up in the blink of an eye. I luckily was uninjured except for a scrap on my right shoulder, which did not affect me playing and roughhousing one bit with my friends in grandma's neighborhood !! Much to my parents' relief, I never touched a door handle ever again if the car was moving after that !!! 😂😂😂
This is no joke; back in the day, my friend was riding with his little bro in a '51 Chrysler 4-d sedan when turning at an intersection, little bro was fiddling with a rear door-- it opened and he fell out into the intersection. Luckly little bro was not hit by a car and he just had a few scrapes.
Wait till you have the chance to ride in one: I tell you you are hooked even more. The only downside is that you cannot admire the outside design of the Bonneville while driving it! You must stop on a parking lot and admire your own car. At least you have the the beauty of the interior while driving it.
I live in London 🇬🇧 it’s just beautiful. Sadly we hardly ever see this type of US car here. But yes, I’d like one very much. Always enjoy your channel.
Sadly, we hardly see them here in the US anymore, either. A plethora of generic small SUVs that are really just hatchbacks with a few extra inches of ground clearance and a mild AWD system.
I love this car! 65 GP with the grill lights and full width tail treatment is one of my favorite Pontiac’s and favorite cars as well. We were lucky to have lived in this time!
Yes we were lucky, and thought those times would last forever - and remember the excitement when the new models came out every September/October? My dad would drive me to all the dealerships (GM Ford Chrysler) so I could get the brochures and I would go home and "study" them for hours - was like a carnival atmosphere! Now we have look alike "pods" that look the same for 5-10years! And yes, the '65 Pontiac GP was a real looker!
Great car. We had a 1964 Bonneville convertible when I was growing up. Loved that car and wish I still had it. Also had a 1965 LeMans 2 door when I was in high school. It was the smoothest ride I’ve ever driven.
Adam, I’m in love with this car about as much as you are. I hope to get one someday. Quick story: When I was about 8 or 9 years old my dad bought a used 1964 Pontiac Bonneville wagon, which was the most luxurious and most comfortable car we’d ever had. The only complaint I ever heard from him about it was having to pay for premium fuel to fill the gas tank. One evening he took me for a ride and let me sit in the front seat for the first time. When we got on the highway he said he had to blow it out and accelerated to 90 mph without a shake or shimmy in the whole car! It was sweet!
Oh my friend, how lucky you are to own this beauty. I've always been a fan of Pontiac. My dad had a 60 Catalina 4/dr with a 389. I remember the huge trunk in that car. As a matter of fact, I delivered many a newspaper out of that trunk, kneeling, tossing papers right handed and the other hand holding the lid. My brother did the same "left handed" and It worked great! I owned a 70 GTO with a 455 and in the color I called "arrest me red" through high school..until I enlisted in the military service. I remember being so down when Pontiac closed its doors
What a beautiful car! My parents had a ‘62 back in 1962. It was a 4 door, 389, in bamboo cream. I was only 4 yrs old at the time but I remember it well. My older brothers said my dad used to drive it fast…😂. A vivid memory was me, playing with the power antenna, when my mom drove (my dad not in the car, obviously 😅). I would sit on the edge of the front seat and hang on to the passenger assist bar on the dash. It did have the pull-out trunk utility light. I also remember neighbors and friends being impressed with the car when my dad first brought it home. The car was passed down to my brother when he went to college in 1966.
My dad bought a 66 Bonneville station wagon with power steering and brakes, radio, and 421 with 3 deuce carbs. He was a gearhead ex-pontiac mechanic turned nasa engineer, working at White Sands missile range. We lived in El Paso up on mt Franklin, and mom always complained about not being able to drive up the mountain with power. Dad knew the answer and was, in fact, waiting for the cue. In high school, later in Houston, my friends would bet money, lifting the hood when my sister's drove it to school, proving it had all that chrome under the hood. I never got to drive it, but at Texas state parks, as I received my license after he traded it in for a 74 pontiac grandville wagon. This one had more options than others because it was originally ordered for Ma Gay of Gay pontiac in Dickinson, Texas. Don Gay's mom. She chose, at the last minute, to get a coupe. Thanks!
Absolutely stunning classic. Wow! It is amazing. With the cookie-cutter transportation pods that surround us today, this '65 Bonneville seems like it was designed and built by an entirely different species. Thanks for the tour.
I was kind of shocked to hear that the 421 in that car only had a single exhaust!? I'd bet that duals would really let that engine breathe! Beautiful car, and I love the color!
Period exhausts were a bit choked. Detroit sometimes went 2 1/4" when 2 1/2" would have been better - I suspect cams drove those decisions. If I had a car like this... I would probably keep it single, and maybe size up from original specs after the crossover merge.
You are completely correct. The plus for the single exhaust is it is much quieter for an older person to enjoy the car as smooth, powerful, and quiet. The negative side of the dual exhaust system is the heat riser on the RH exhaust manifold causes the RH muffler and RH tail pipe and resonator to rust out quite frequently because the heat riser does not allow the RH side to heat up on short trips allowing moisture to build up and rusting out the RH muffler, tail pipe and resonator. Also, the Dual Exhaust option is around a $30.00 option extra.
The 1965 Pontiac standard-size is perfection in every way you mentioned. I always wanted one, 65-66-67, particularly the 4dr hdtp. 65 is the prefection of design. '67 had the advantage of a dual master brake cylinder. Cadillac had them from 1962 - another perfect design. Everything is styled just right. I even prefer the wheel covers - 66 had the prettiest ones. I'd go for light blue, light green or that burgundy stretching out the beautiful view of the hood. Uncompromised by all the regulations that detracted from design and performance after '67, these ARE the peak of car design. The GM 65-68 4 dr hdtp. roofline was the most pleasing design I've ever seen. Thank-you for sharing that baby with us. This was peak Bill Mitchell, too.
Adam always circles back to this ‘65 Bonneville, and for good reason. The styling is peerless for the era, with comfort and performance. Total reliability was icing on the cake. It is indeed the perfect car.
I never thought years ago, let alone now, that the 65 Pontiac Laurentian I drove as a teen in the early 80s would be so well regarded some day from so many perspectives. And you are correct in your assessments of these 65s. The Ontario winters with salt did do it in eventually, but my father would periodically tell me how beautiful and respected it was as a car in its early days. Of course as a naive teenager, I laughed it off and said whatever. With age comes wisdom and appreciation. Thank you Adam for your nostalgic education and montages of these gorgeous cars. Btw...The Laurentian had those very same hub caps. Very cool!
I loved that Pontiac. My grandfather had that same year Bonneville in Navy Blue. He bought it with an AM radio. I remember as a kid him pouring the STP can in after an oil change. He would go on to trade it in on a new 69 Bonniville. My Dad would buy a new 67 Bonneville 3-row station wagon loaded.
The 60's Pontiacs were the most desirable cars to own. They were very stylish, very comfortable, and lots of power. Thats a full house hand. The G.T.O. and Bonnevilles were my favorites. The 2 door Catilina 2+2 was nice...a little shorter wheelbase compared to Bonneville. Thank you Adam for this nostalgia video. You had me day dreaming for close to 20 minutes.
100% agree. My Mom had a friend who was one of the original 4 head engineers at BART (Bay area rapid transit). Really smart guy. He bought a new 1965 Bonny-2 door, silver blue. He explained to me just how perfect the car was. I was 7 but I still remember it. And it stayed with me as I had many Pontiacs. Anyway the real wood, chrome etc. Wonderful video! Thanks for making it.
As a little boy of four in 1965, I was mesmerized by the beauty and flawless styling of the 1965 Pontiacs. Our next door neighbors bought a silver blue, 1965 Bonneville. I rode in it a whole lot. Perfection even today.
First car I can remember was our ‘63 Catalina Safari 9-passenger wagon that my dad had ordered with a 421-4 barrel carburetor. Playing with the ashtray in the rear seat door handle is a clear memory of mine as a toddler. As my mother experienced dementia towards the end of her life, she still would talk about how much she loved that car. Those mid 60’s Pontiacs are gorgeous.
I was 14 years old in spring 1966, and my dad took me car shopping. The only cars we looked at, were the Pontiac, the Impala, and the Ford LTD. For whatever reason, he chose the LTD, and I loved it. When i turned 16, I drove that car for 6 months, and totalled it. Damn.
I've owned a few late 90s, early 2000's Grand Prix's and a GTP, and recently purchased my first Bonneville. While it's an 03 and not supercharged, I still love it. However, I certainly wouldn't mind having a beautiful classic Bonneville like yours. Thank you for sharing.
I Love the “over-under” headlight arrangement. Some can argue all day about old vs new cars but every car pre- 74 had its own personality. Years ago you could drive behind a vehicle from afar and know make, model, style, etc.
Oh man, did this ever bring back my childhood! My grandparents (who raised me btw) had a 1966 Catalina 4door in this EXACT same color, dark purple interior, stacked headlights, vinyl roof, no idea what engine but big, fast, smooth even tho it wasn’t a GTO
I will go a step further and say every car looked great in 1965! It's like a design corner was turned, all of the Space kitsch left behind, new clean lines in its place! (Not that I don't love all the kitsch as well!)
Had the 1965 Bonnie convertible with the 421 engine. And, yes, the ''side profile'' was beautiful. Dark green metallic. Wonderful highway car. Loved it!
I just started watching this episode, and can already say, that yes....The '65 B body is the best looking car ever. What a gorgeous car!!! and a 421??? WOW! I really really want one.
Absolutely beautiful car! I am a Pontiac guy, since 1969. I actually started with my first one, a 1955 Star Chief Catalina 2-door hardtop, Firegold copper and cream beige, I bought at age 19 in October 1966 in my first year of college to save money. I paid $300. for it, and drove it until summer 1967. My second Pontiac was a 1960 Bonneville convertible in metallic burgundy with the 8-lug rims, all original 389 V8 with 4-barrel carb. Loved that car! Next was a 1962 Bonneville convertible in white with 3-tone blue-white-silver interior. Ditto! Loved that one too! Absolutely fine GM design and engineering. I love the Pontiacs of 1957, skip 1958, then 1959 to 1970. John Z. DeLorean years. Designed mostly by Jack Humbert, Bill Mitchell, and Bill Porter, supervised by JZD. I love the Bonneville, Grand Prix, LeMans, GTO, and Firebirds. My daily driver now is a 2002 Firebird with the 3800 Series II V-6 with 5-speed stick shift. A real American sports car with dream car European design, like a Corvette in a Camaro body shell.
I’d love to hear you compare/contrast the ‘60 Bonneville, with the ‘62, as far as ride and handling characteristics. I’m glad you were able to experience those fine cars. Having been born in 1960, I was much too young to have owned one, but I did grow up appreciating them, and their beautiful, striking styling. However , because no one else except Cadillac stacked their headlights, I used to think every ‘65/‘66 Pontiac we encountered on the road, was a Cadillac. My father bought a ‘75 Catalina new, and it was the 1st car we had that had air conditioning; boy, what a difference that made in travel comfort! It was a fine car, but seriously underpowered. I even started turning off the a/c when I needed to pass a car. It nearly caused me to have a head-on collision once because I misjudged the passing distance needed to beat an oncoming vehicle. I was accustomed to my ‘71 Malibu thinking that since this was a large Pontiac, it surely had more power…WRONG. The smog control, and the lower octane fuel requirements had choked it to virtual anemic power. It was a nice family cruiser that Dad kept for over 30 years…it was like a member of the family!
out of all your cars you have shown, this is by far the sweetest ride. always loved them as a kid because my grandpa had a burgundy and black 67 Tempest. Because of that car I knew what to look for to find a Pontiac in the wild. The pointy nose, stacked head lights. They are so cool. Little sad side note that made me cry when he traded it in for a '79 Chrysler LeBaron in baby blue at the hight of the company falling apart. If I was only much older and had money at the time I sure would have tried to buy the Tempest for sure. it had only 27k miles on it with less rust than you would imagine.
I was 8 years old when the 65 Bonneville was produced and at the time, it was my favorite car and it still is one of my favorites. Every time I see one of Adam's videos detailing one of these 60's era Pontiacs I think about buying one.
As of last summer I had 7 65-66 Pontiacs. Loved them all! By the way, I had the exact color combo 8 lug Grand Prix from that MT cover. 40k original miles. Was a real cruiser!
Absolutely correct, I always believed that the 1965 Pontiac Bonneville was the most beautifully designed vehicle ever. It is my dream to own one someday. You are a lucky man there, Adam!
My uncle worked at GM Fremont CA in 65. He bought one and his friends working the line built it. It was the most perfect car I have ever seen and rode in. GM employees had great cars.
Beautiful car. My brother's best friend bought a new GP in '65. He ordered it with a 4 speed. I was just a kid, and he took me for a ride around the block in it. I was in awe. Such a cool car, so well styled.
Guy worked with had one he ordered a brand new out of four-speed in it too he loved that car last time I saw him was 2012 he still had the car beautiful
The ‘coke-bottle’ styling is hard to capture on video, but like you say Adam, it’s unquestionably gorgeous and makes the Bonneville a real standout. Great job!
I was 14 in 1966 when my Dad bought a new 4-dr Bonneville hardtop just like this one. The grill and taillights were revised but otherwise identical. It rode smooth and had great pickup. Was one of the first cars I drove when I got my license three years later.
Adam, this is my favorite car in your fleet. It's just stunningly beautiful. The styling and colour scheme does this car justice. This is nicer than a Cadillac and with real wood trim on the dash. 🇨🇦
Love this car, the detail is perfect everywhere you look! What makes this particular car fantastic is this paint color with the white interior +++++ having that 421. Finally had good automatic transmissions in 1965. Never get tired on stories about this car.
Just remember as a kid getting to ride in cars like this from family members and friends and how it evoked excitement and adventure, because there were so many evocative cars coming out back then.
I LOVE the mid to late 60's Pontiacs. My parents got their first Pontiac - a '66 Catalina with a 389. They traded that for a '69 with 428 dual exhaust beast. And you are right - they rode incredibly smooth. That 428 was POWERFUL.
I completely agree about the styling, absolute style and balance, beautiful. I thought I liked the 66 model better but now that you have showcased the 65, I'm not so sure. Thanks for showing us mere mortals such a dream car. 😊👍
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Bonneville, Adam. 1965 was not only peak Pontiac - but also peak General Motors in terms of design and engineering for them. Good stuff!
My father bought a new 1965 Bonneville Brougham, without A/C. but did have power windows and a vinyl top. I have been around cars in the business for over fifty years, and the 1965 Bonneville is my favorite. The best looking instrument panel I have ever seen in any car, including today.
Grandad had a ‘65 Catalina, and Grandma had a ‘71 Bonneville. I always thought the ‘65 was a VERY nice car, but they seem to look better to me as every year goes by. That styling is about as perfect as it gets.
Adam, you're right about the 65 Pontiacs "having not been topped ever before or since," BUT the Yugo does pull a very close second....... LOL Thanks for helping to keep automotive history alive and kicking.
My father had the 65 Bonneville 4 door and it was a beast - it became my first driver as he let me use it. The interior was simply beautiful. It drove like a car much smaller than it was, the power steering was absolutely spot-on on this car! Plenty of room in the back seat for shenanigans too, if you catch my drift! Thanks for the memory, Adam!
Beautiful indeed. I remember as a kid in the 60's, exiting the freeway in the family car and while going over the overpass, spotting a Pontiac front end back down on the freeway. I thought it was mighty cool back then. In the mid 70's, a friend had a 66 Catalina. It had the "reverberation" radio feature.
The 60s was a great time for cars. Dad had a '66 Olds 98, it was so long, it took half a block to park! LOL! I had one of those utility lights for a long time...very handy item, wish I could find mine again, I think I left it about a half a country away in my last move.
My grandfather had a new 1965 Bonneville two door coupe; A/C and power antenna, manual windows. Paid about $3800 new. My parents borrowed it and drove cross country and back in 1968. Great car. Sadly, it was stolen in 1971. I’d still like to own one if I find the right one.
My father was looking at one of these in the late 60's or early 70's. Gold with a white interior. Made a major impression on me. I was around 10 years old.
My mom had a 65 Bonneville that I started driving at the age of 14. I took her everywhere in that car! Loved that thing, even took my test in it n passed the 1st time! I was n still am quite proud of the perfect 3 point turn n my parallel parking. The instructor was pretty impressed. Of course, he had no idea I had 2 yrs of driving it under my belt!!😂 I wish i could afford a restored one!!
In grade school back in 1966 and friend of mines father bought a brand new 66' Bonny. Beautiful car. I remember going by his house after school to look at it.
My mom drove a ‘65 bonneville. She was 5ft nothing and handled that thing as if it was a Honda Civic. I was about 9 years old at the time and it felt like sitting in my living room. Good looking car..
From my senior year in HS (1964-65) until my post college days, I was smitten with the great styling and performance of the 1961 thru 1968 Pontiacs. I gravitated to the Tempest line with a 1963 Sports Coupe V-326, 3-spd; 1966 2-dr HT Sprint OHC-6, 4-spd; 1968 LeMans 2-dr HT OHC-6, auto and subsequent used ones: 1966 LeMans conv, 4-spd and 1968 GTO conv, auto. All were exceptonally well styled, inside and out. For a turnpike cruiser, your 1965 Bonneville V-421, auto had no peers. Your original.owner certainly knew what she wanted and picked out the best!
To put it gently, "The Best Car Ever Made" is a vast overstatement. Most cars today would run circles around the 1965 Bonneville in performance and reliability. I should know; I had a 1966 "Goat." I love it for its looks, speed, and Detroit sound. Now, for that sound, you would be spot on. There is nothing like it. Nothing. .
The best of the best!!!! I love yours, it’s one of the most beautiful low mile examples!!!!! I enjoyed getting to see your collection first hand, especially this one particular car!!!!!
That Bonneville is a gem. I wish I owned it. I like the walnut trim inside also. I also like the exterior Coke bottle style. The exterior burgundy color is perfect also. I also like Pontiac's catch phrase, WE BUILD EXCITEMENT.
We had a green Pontiac Silverstreak with the swivel mounted oil filled compass on the windshield. The slant 6 was perfect for flooded roads and it went on many a deer hunt on rough roads. Beautiful car.
Lovely car! Thanks for sharing! My dad owned a 1965 Pontiac Strato Chief and it looked pretty much identical, perhaps fewer appointments. Same colour even. I think that was a Canadian model? We were a family of 6 and when my mom got pregnant with her 5th child, dad sold the Strato Chief and started his decades long journey of station wagons. The first being an even larger black 1968 Mercury Meteor Rideau 500! (another Canadian only model, I believe)
My parents had a 1965 Grand Prix and it had a sticker on it stating motor trend car of the year. They drove that car for 11 years then gave it to a relative that drove it for 10 more years. Me and my brother learned how to drive in that car. And took our drivers test in that car. I wish we kept it.
Beautiful car indeed! I agree with you that’65 was a great year for all things Pontiac. My grandparents had a’65 LeMans convertible and I recall it quite fondly…😎 Nice video, thanks! You’re a lucky one having all these beauties…!!!
this car deserves an owner like you who appreciates the artistry and beauty of it.
Adam is a one man car show
A spot-on observation
@@thomastoler2397 It is a fact that no car I ever owned is so incredibly attractive for nearly everyone. I met a guy with a pristine Maserati and he said my car was more fascinating than his car.
Adam, your informed appreciation of your cars, this one in particular, is infectious and great to listen to. Thanks for what you do.
I’ve always loved Pontiacs! My Grandpa raised me and he worked for Pontiac Motors for 39 years. They were such beautiful and amazing cars, I remember how his heart broke when he found out that GM canceled the Pontiac brand. RIP Grandpa! Thanks for giving me my love of classic Pontiacs!
Definitely a beauty. Pontiac shouldn't have been axed. The size of those rear quarter panels is astounding!
Maybe because they started making badge engineered ugly cars
@@fensterlips Agreed, it was just a Chevy after 1981.
Adam this has got to be one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen on your channel so far. It’s a shame that styling like this has been removed from our sight. Cars now all look a like. This was when manufacturers took pride in their work. This is a rolling piece of art.
Everything got worse, not just the cars or styling of cars. Just look at modern architecture and the quality of materials.
Except new cars last FAR longer with more reliability and better fuel mileage and better driving dynamics and safety than these beauties
(@Czechmate, my surname is the Czech word for smooth) Yup. I was left a hondo acord by a relative, I often leave a store and it takes me awhile to find it in the parking lot, it looks like everything else nowadays, never have that problem when you drive a Pontiac. Passion, that's what's lacking. These toyoda & hondos don't inspire s**t. I looked forward to going out and looking at my '80 Trans Am or driving it, every time.
@@J.W.W.not so sure about the reliability. I've seen so many horror stories when it comes to newer models. Plus when it comes to reliability one does have to factor in that anyone with even a little mechanical ability can fix most anything on these older cars themselves. If this car quits you on the road it will at least 90% of the time either be a fire, fuel or charging issue all of which are easy fixes with just a few tools and minimal mechanical ability.
@@J.W.W.I’m sorry to say that I agree. I drove a 2005 Lincoln Aviator for 15 years with only one mechanical issue which was in the front wheel joints. Otherwise, it was completely trouble free, and I cannot imagine being able to say that about ANY pre-1990 automobile! And while I like all the fantastic designs that that changed every couple of years (man, I remember so well, the excitement I had every October, waiting to see the new styles), I am thankful that very gradual yearly changes became the trend.
Adam is the absolute best in his knowledge of automotive history. 👍❤
My dad's first new car was a 1965 Catalina two door in teal. It was a two door to keep us kids from opening the nonexistent rear doors and falling out from the back seat. No child door locks in those days. Something Adam doesn't mention is the high beam indicator on the dash. We used to beg my dad to turn on the high beams so we could see the red indian head indicator light up! And of course, the high beam switch was foot operated on the left side of the floorboard.
Lol, my dad had a '65 Starchief (four door in midnight blue with a white roof) when I was a kid. The Indian head indicator light was, indeed, the coolest thing ever!
@michaeloliver2337 :
Funny you mention your parents having a 2 door so you couldn't open a door and fall out, One time when I was 7, we were going to grandma's house in my dad's 1969 LTD 4 door, I was a little too excited I guess and as my dad was making the last turn before the driveway, right in the middle of the turn, a tire hit a pothole and since my hand was already holding the door handle, as the car jerked going over the pothole, the door opened and out I went!!! I bounced and slid a little as my dad instantly stopped the car, leaped from it, and scooped me up in the blink of an eye. I luckily was uninjured except for a scrap on my right shoulder, which did not affect me playing and roughhousing one bit with my friends in grandma's neighborhood !!
Much to my parents' relief, I never touched a door handle ever again if the car was moving after that !!! 😂😂😂
That's funny, my dad bought a 1966 Pontiac Parisienne with 2 doors so that we didn't jump out and go rolling down the highway
This is no joke; back in the day, my friend was riding with his little bro in a '51 Chrysler 4-d sedan when turning at an intersection, little bro was fiddling with a rear door-- it opened and he fell out into the intersection. Luckly little bro was not hit by a car and he just had a few scrapes.
Pontiac styling of the sixties was beautiful! I love that color too.
We had a new one of these when I was a kid. White out, white and red inside with a black convertible top. It was gorgeous. ❤
Because of you and your reviews I have come to appreciate Pontiacs of that era much more than I used to.
Wait till you have the chance to ride in one: I tell you you are hooked even more. The only downside is that you cannot admire the outside design of the Bonneville while driving it!
You must stop on a parking lot and admire your own car. At least you have the the beauty of the interior while driving it.
I live in London 🇬🇧 it’s just beautiful. Sadly we hardly ever see this type of US car here. But yes, I’d like one very much. Always enjoy your channel.
I wish classic american cars were more prevalent outside of the us. Us americans dont realize these cars will be rare some day and love to ruin them
Sadly, we hardly see them here in the US anymore, either. A plethora of generic small SUVs that are really just hatchbacks with a few extra inches of ground clearance and a mild AWD system.
I cannot imagine driving London’s streets with this behemoth. 😉😅
Cheers mate from Pennsylvania, USA!
@@itsyaboi525That's a stupid, ignorant comment man.
I love this car! 65 GP with the grill lights and full width tail treatment is one of my favorite Pontiac’s and favorite cars as well. We were lucky to have lived in this time!
Yes we were lucky, and thought those times would last forever - and remember the excitement when the new models came out every September/October? My dad would drive me to all the dealerships (GM Ford Chrysler) so I could get the brochures and I would go home and "study" them for hours - was like a carnival atmosphere! Now we have look alike "pods" that look the same for 5-10years! And yes, the '65 Pontiac GP was a real looker!
I had a 1966 Bonneville 389 and it was just fantastic.
Then when you turn 70, you have to buy a Buick. All older people drive Buicks. It's like an unwritten law.
Great car. We had a 1964 Bonneville convertible when I was growing up. Loved that car and wish I still had it. Also had a 1965 LeMans 2 door when I was in high school. It was the smoothest ride I’ve ever driven.
Adam, I’m in love with this car about as much as you are. I hope to get one someday.
Quick story: When I was about 8 or 9 years old my dad bought a used 1964 Pontiac Bonneville wagon, which was the most luxurious and most comfortable car we’d ever had. The only complaint I ever heard from him about it was having to pay for premium fuel to fill the gas tank. One evening he took me for a ride and let me sit in the front seat for the first time. When we got on the highway he said he had to blow it out and accelerated to 90 mph without a shake or shimmy in the whole car! It was sweet!
Oh my friend, how lucky you are to own this beauty. I've always been a fan of Pontiac. My dad had a 60 Catalina 4/dr with a 389. I remember the huge trunk in that car. As a matter of fact, I delivered many a newspaper out of that trunk, kneeling, tossing papers right handed and the other hand holding the lid. My brother did the same "left handed" and It worked great! I owned a 70 GTO with a 455 and in the color I called "arrest me red" through high school..until I enlisted in the military service. I remember being so down when Pontiac closed its doors
To see the lucite steering wheel in that condition is a real treat.
Beautiful Pontiac, I bought a ‘62 Grand Prix in 1977. Black inside and out. 389,4 speed with a six pack . Love the old American cars.
What a beautiful car! My parents had a ‘62 back in 1962. It was a 4 door, 389, in bamboo cream. I was only 4 yrs old at the time but I remember it well. My older brothers said my dad used to drive it fast…😂. A vivid memory was me, playing with the power antenna, when my mom drove (my dad not in the car, obviously 😅). I would sit on the edge of the front seat and hang on to the passenger assist bar on the dash. It did have the pull-out trunk utility light. I also remember neighbors and friends being impressed with the car when my dad first brought it home. The car was passed down to my brother when he went to college in 1966.
Those Pontiacs were EXCELLENT MACHINES!!!!!!!!
My dad bought a 66 Bonneville station wagon with power steering and brakes, radio, and 421 with 3 deuce carbs. He was a gearhead ex-pontiac mechanic turned nasa engineer, working at White Sands missile range. We lived in El Paso up on mt Franklin, and mom always complained about not being able to drive up the mountain with power. Dad knew the answer and was, in fact, waiting for the cue.
In high school, later in Houston, my friends would bet money, lifting the hood when my sister's drove it to school, proving it had all that chrome under the hood.
I never got to drive it, but at Texas state parks, as I received my license after he traded it in for a 74 pontiac grandville wagon. This one had more options than others because it was originally ordered for Ma Gay of Gay pontiac in Dickinson, Texas. Don Gay's mom. She chose, at the last minute, to get a coupe. Thanks!
Wow! This car was LOADED! It’s equipped better than many Cadillacs of that era.
Absolutely stunning classic. Wow!
It is amazing. With the cookie-cutter transportation pods that surround us today, this '65 Bonneville seems like it was designed and built by an entirely different species.
Thanks for the tour.
I was kind of shocked to hear that the 421 in that car only had a single exhaust!? I'd bet that duals would really let that engine breathe! Beautiful car, and I love the color!
Period exhausts were a bit choked. Detroit sometimes went 2 1/4" when 2 1/2" would have been better - I suspect cams drove those decisions. If I had a car like this... I would probably keep it single, and maybe size up from original specs after the crossover merge.
You are completely correct. The plus for the single exhaust is it is much quieter for an older person to enjoy the car as smooth, powerful, and quiet. The negative side of the dual exhaust system is the heat riser on the RH exhaust manifold causes the RH muffler and RH tail pipe and resonator to rust out quite frequently because the heat riser does not allow the RH side to heat up on short trips allowing moisture to build up and rusting out the RH muffler, tail pipe and resonator. Also, the Dual Exhaust option is around a $30.00 option extra.
Love It! Favorite Pontiacs were from 1961 - 1967 421 was a Hell of a Bonus on this model
My dad had a 65 convertible.What a beautiful car
The 1965 Pontiac standard-size is perfection in every way you mentioned. I always wanted one, 65-66-67, particularly the 4dr hdtp. 65 is the prefection of design. '67 had the advantage of a dual master brake cylinder. Cadillac had them from 1962 - another perfect design. Everything is styled just right. I even prefer the wheel covers - 66 had the prettiest ones. I'd go for light blue, light green or that burgundy stretching out the beautiful view of the hood. Uncompromised by all the regulations that detracted from design and performance after '67, these ARE the peak of car design. The GM 65-68 4 dr hdtp. roofline was the most pleasing design I've ever seen. Thank-you for sharing that baby with us. This was peak Bill Mitchell, too.
Adam always circles back to this ‘65 Bonneville, and for good reason. The styling is peerless for the era, with comfort and performance. Total reliability was icing on the cake. It is indeed the perfect car.
I never thought years ago, let alone now, that the 65 Pontiac Laurentian I drove as a teen in the early 80s would be so well regarded some day from so many perspectives. And you are correct in your assessments of these 65s. The Ontario winters with salt did do it in eventually, but my father would periodically tell me how beautiful and respected it was as a car in its early days. Of course as a naive teenager, I laughed it off and said whatever. With age comes wisdom and appreciation. Thank you Adam for your nostalgic education and montages of these gorgeous cars. Btw...The Laurentian had those very same hub caps. Very cool!
What a beautiful design! I My neighbor always had a Grand Prix, from the 60’s on. I loved Pontiacs!😊
I loved that Pontiac. My grandfather had that same year Bonneville in Navy Blue. He bought it with an AM radio. I remember as a kid him pouring the STP can in after an oil change. He would go on to trade it in on a new 69 Bonniville. My Dad would buy a new 67 Bonneville 3-row station wagon loaded.
The 60's Pontiacs were the most desirable cars to own. They were very stylish, very comfortable, and lots of power. Thats a full house hand. The G.T.O. and Bonnevilles were my favorites. The 2 door Catilina 2+2 was nice...a little shorter wheelbase compared to Bonneville. Thank you Adam for this nostalgia video. You had me day dreaming for close to 20 minutes.
Absolutely work of art, and performance, John DeLorean.
100% agree. My Mom had a friend who was one of the original 4 head engineers at BART (Bay area rapid transit). Really smart guy. He bought a new 1965 Bonny-2 door, silver blue. He explained to me just how perfect the car was. I was 7 but I still remember it. And it stayed with me as I had many Pontiacs. Anyway the real wood, chrome etc. Wonderful video! Thanks for making it.
As a little boy of four in 1965, I was mesmerized by the beauty and flawless styling of the 1965 Pontiacs. Our next door neighbors bought a silver blue, 1965 Bonneville. I rode in it a whole lot. Perfection even today.
First car I can remember was our ‘63 Catalina Safari 9-passenger wagon that my dad had ordered with a 421-4 barrel carburetor. Playing with the ashtray in the rear seat door handle is a clear memory of mine as a toddler. As my mother experienced dementia towards the end of her life, she still would talk about how much she loved that car. Those mid 60’s Pontiacs are gorgeous.
I was born in ‘44 and grew up with all these beautiful cars. My All Time favorite car was the ‘58 Bonneville. Most gorgeous car on the road - Ever..
I was 14 years old in spring 1966, and my dad took me car shopping. The only cars we looked at, were the Pontiac, the Impala, and the Ford LTD. For whatever reason, he chose the LTD, and I loved it. When i turned 16, I drove that car for 6 months, and totalled it. Damn.
I've owned a few late 90s, early 2000's Grand Prix's and a GTP, and recently purchased my first Bonneville. While it's an 03 and not supercharged, I still love it.
However, I certainly wouldn't mind having a beautiful classic Bonneville like yours. Thank you for sharing.
I Love the “over-under” headlight arrangement.
Some can argue all day about old vs new cars but every car pre- 74 had its own personality.
Years ago you could drive behind a vehicle from afar and know make, model, style, etc.
Oh man, did this ever bring back my childhood! My grandparents (who raised me btw) had a 1966 Catalina 4door in this EXACT same color, dark purple interior, stacked headlights, vinyl roof, no idea what engine but big, fast, smooth even tho it wasn’t a GTO
The Pontiac is absolutely awesome of course. But you have to admit the entire GM lineup for 1965 was pretty spectacular!
I will go a step further and say every car looked great in 1965! It's like a design corner was turned, all of the Space kitsch left behind, new clean lines in its place! (Not that I don't love all the kitsch as well!)
Had the 1965 Bonnie convertible with the 421 engine. And, yes, the ''side profile'' was beautiful. Dark green metallic. Wonderful highway car. Loved it!
I just started watching this episode, and can already say, that yes....The '65 B body is the best looking car ever. What a gorgeous car!!! and a 421??? WOW! I really really want one.
Have always loved the old Pontiacs, especially the Bonneville! Just great, great cars!
YES it is....pure Pontiac. Quality. Complete attention to detailed grace, styling, performance; top notch.
Rear quarter panels are huge. Stunningly beautiful car.
I had one just like this one same color and all except mine was a 2+2 two door loved it and was fast as hell 421 v8
Absolutely beautiful car! I am a Pontiac guy, since 1969. I actually started with my first one, a 1955 Star Chief Catalina 2-door hardtop, Firegold copper and cream beige, I bought at age 19 in October 1966 in my first year of college to save money. I paid $300. for it, and drove it until summer 1967. My second Pontiac was a 1960 Bonneville convertible in metallic burgundy with the 8-lug rims, all original 389 V8 with 4-barrel carb. Loved that car! Next was a 1962 Bonneville convertible in white with 3-tone blue-white-silver interior. Ditto! Loved that one too! Absolutely fine GM design and engineering. I love the Pontiacs of 1957, skip 1958, then 1959 to 1970. John Z. DeLorean years. Designed mostly by Jack Humbert, Bill Mitchell, and Bill Porter, supervised by JZD. I love the Bonneville, Grand Prix, LeMans, GTO, and Firebirds.
My daily driver now is a 2002 Firebird with the 3800 Series II V-6 with 5-speed stick shift. A real American sports car with dream car European design, like a Corvette in a Camaro body shell.
I’d love to hear you compare/contrast the ‘60 Bonneville, with the ‘62, as far as ride and handling characteristics. I’m glad you were able to experience those fine cars. Having been born in 1960, I was much too young to have owned one, but I did grow up appreciating them, and their beautiful, striking styling. However , because no one else except Cadillac stacked their headlights, I used to think every ‘65/‘66 Pontiac we encountered on the road, was a Cadillac. My father bought a ‘75 Catalina new, and it was the 1st car we had that had air conditioning; boy, what a difference that made in travel comfort! It was a fine car, but seriously underpowered. I even started turning off the a/c when I needed to pass a car. It nearly caused me to have a head-on collision once because I misjudged the passing distance needed to beat an oncoming vehicle. I was accustomed to my ‘71 Malibu thinking that since this was a large Pontiac, it surely had more power…WRONG. The smog control, and the lower octane fuel requirements had choked it to virtual anemic power. It was a nice family cruiser that Dad kept for over 30 years…it was like a member of the family!
When I was a kid we had a 1955 Olds Rocket 88 2 door H/T.
out of all your cars you have shown, this is by far the sweetest ride. always loved them as a kid because my grandpa had a burgundy and black 67 Tempest. Because of that car I knew what to look for to find a Pontiac in the wild. The pointy nose, stacked head lights. They are so cool. Little sad side note that made me cry when he traded it in for a '79 Chrysler LeBaron in baby blue at the hight of the company falling apart. If I was only much older and had money at the time I sure would have tried to buy the Tempest for sure. it had only 27k miles on it with less rust than you would imagine.
I was 8 years old when the 65 Bonneville was produced and at the time, it was my favorite car and it still is one of my favorites. Every time I see one of Adam's videos detailing one of these 60's era Pontiacs I think about buying one.
As of last summer I had 7 65-66 Pontiacs. Loved them all! By the way, I had the exact color combo 8 lug Grand Prix from that MT cover. 40k original miles. Was a real cruiser!
What a gorgeous car. Love your work, and bringing to light how great these old domestic cars really were.
Absolutely correct, I always believed that the 1965 Pontiac Bonneville was the most beautifully designed vehicle ever. It is my dream to own one someday. You are a lucky man there, Adam!
My uncle worked at GM Fremont CA in 65. He bought one and his friends working the line built it. It was the most perfect car I have ever seen and rode in. GM employees had great cars.
Beautiful car. My brother's best friend bought a new GP in '65. He ordered it with a 4 speed. I was just a kid, and he took me for a ride around the block in it. I was in awe. Such a cool car, so well styled.
My brother had a ‘65 GP with the 421, 3-deuce, 4 speed. It could run with GTO’s!
Guy worked with had one he ordered a brand new out of four-speed in it too he loved that car last time I saw him was 2012 he still had the car beautiful
The ‘coke-bottle’ styling is hard to capture on video, but like you say Adam, it’s unquestionably gorgeous and makes the Bonneville a real standout. Great job!
Reminds me of I Dream of Jeannie , with Maj Nelson driving a Bonneville later a GTO and the convertible 400 Firebird Capt Healey drove.
Yes he always had the Pontiacs! Love watching the old shows the shows were wholesome and the cars were spectacular!
Brett Butler, the star of the sitcom Grace Under Fire, also drove one on the show. It was a blue one exactly like my Moms!
Lots of good old cars in IDOJ ua-cam.com/video/x7blDeMgnZo/v-deo.html
I was 14 in 1966 when my Dad bought a new 4-dr Bonneville hardtop just like this one. The grill and taillights were revised but otherwise identical. It rode smooth and had great pickup. Was one of the first cars I drove when I got my license three years later.
I seen a 1965 Black and White episode of I dream of Jeannie, and I seen Dr bellows driving a 65 Grand Prix to cool!.
Adam, this is my favorite car in your fleet. It's just stunningly beautiful. The styling and colour scheme does this car justice. This is nicer than a Cadillac and with real wood trim on the dash. 🇨🇦
Love this car, the detail is perfect everywhere you look! What makes this particular car fantastic is this paint color with the white interior +++++ having that 421. Finally had good automatic transmissions in 1965. Never get tired on stories about this car.
Just remember as a kid getting to ride in cars like this from family members and friends and how it evoked excitement and adventure, because there were so many evocative cars coming out back then.
I LOVE the mid to late 60's Pontiacs. My parents got their first Pontiac - a '66 Catalina with a 389. They traded that for a '69 with 428 dual exhaust beast. And you are right - they rode incredibly smooth. That 428 was POWERFUL.
I completely agree about the styling, absolute style and balance, beautiful. I thought I liked the 66 model better but now that you have showcased the 65, I'm not so sure. Thanks for showing us mere mortals such a dream car. 😊👍
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Bonneville, Adam. 1965 was not only peak Pontiac - but also peak General Motors in terms of design and engineering for them. Good stuff!
My father bought a new 1965 Bonneville Brougham, without A/C. but did have power windows and a vinyl top.
I have been around cars in the business for over fifty years, and the 1965 Bonneville is my favorite.
The best looking instrument panel I have ever seen in any car, including today.
Grandad had a ‘65 Catalina, and Grandma had a ‘71 Bonneville. I always thought the ‘65 was a VERY nice car, but they seem to look better to me as every year goes by. That styling is about as perfect as it gets.
Adam, you're right about the 65 Pontiacs "having not been topped ever before or since,"
BUT the Yugo does pull a very close second....... LOL
Thanks for helping to keep automotive history alive and kicking.
My father had the 65 Bonneville 4 door and it was a beast - it became my first driver as he let me use it. The interior was simply beautiful. It drove like a car much smaller than it was, the power steering was absolutely spot-on on this car! Plenty of room in the back seat for shenanigans too, if you catch my drift! Thanks for the memory, Adam!
I love all your Pontiacs, Adam. Even the “hippo on a bar stool” Canadian ‘59. 😉
Mom had a 1966 2+2 convertible. Pretty sure it had the 421 yellow with a black top and interior. Great memories!
I owned a 1965 Bonneville convertible, white with red interior and bucket seats, it was a beautiful car
Beautiful car, I have always liked the sixties Pontiac design , I have owned a 1977 firebird formula loved it.
Beautiful indeed. I remember as a kid in the 60's, exiting the freeway in the family car and while going over the overpass, spotting a Pontiac front end back down on the freeway. I thought it was mighty cool back then.
In the mid 70's, a friend had a 66 Catalina. It had the "reverberation" radio feature.
Can we stop and just appreciate that colour? Chef’s kiss…
Always loved Buick and Olds more. Because of your vids, I might be more a Pontiac guy now.
The 60s was a great time for cars. Dad had a '66 Olds 98, it was so long, it took half a block to park! LOL! I had one of those utility lights for a long time...very handy item, wish I could find mine again, I think I left it about a half a country away in my last move.
That car is a total knockout! Thanks for the feature.
Well done! Glad you were able to snag this beauty. The '65-'68 full size Pontiacs were just awesome in every respect.
My grandfather had a new 1965 Bonneville two door coupe; A/C and power antenna, manual windows. Paid about $3800 new. My parents borrowed it and drove cross country and back in 1968. Great car. Sadly, it was stolen in 1971.
I’d still like to own one if I find the right one.
My father was looking at one of these in the late 60's or early 70's. Gold with a white interior. Made a major impression on me. I was around 10 years old.
That really is a truly stunning car.
My mom had a 65 Bonneville that I started driving at the age of 14. I took her everywhere in that car! Loved that thing, even took my test in it n passed the 1st time! I was n still am quite proud of the perfect 3 point turn n my parallel parking. The instructor was pretty impressed. Of course, he had no idea I had 2 yrs of driving it under my belt!!😂 I wish i could afford a restored one!!
In grade school back in 1966 and friend of mines father bought a brand new 66' Bonny. Beautiful car. I remember going by his house after school to look at it.
This car is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing and preserving history.
After the 57 Bonneville, the 65 is my next favorite GN car. Thanks for showing it off.
1962 BONNEVILLE WITH A 389 AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY FRIENDS DAD HAD ONE I COULD DRIVE IT AROUND TOWN. IN 1969
LOVED THIS CAR.
My mom drove a ‘65 bonneville. She was 5ft nothing and handled that thing as if it was a Honda Civic. I was about 9 years old at the time and it felt like sitting in my living room. Good looking car..
What an absolutely stunning example! And the options - this was a Cadillac in Pontiac clothing. Thanks for sharing.
if you could keep only one car in your collection, I would pick this one. Absolutely beautiful car.
From my senior year in HS (1964-65) until my post college days, I was smitten with the great styling and performance of the 1961 thru 1968 Pontiacs. I gravitated to the Tempest line with a 1963 Sports Coupe V-326, 3-spd; 1966 2-dr HT Sprint OHC-6, 4-spd; 1968 LeMans 2-dr HT OHC-6, auto and subsequent used ones: 1966 LeMans conv, 4-spd and 1968 GTO conv, auto. All were exceptonally well styled, inside and out.
For a turnpike cruiser, your 1965 Bonneville V-421, auto had no peers. Your original.owner certainly knew what she wanted and picked out the best!
To put it gently, "The Best Car Ever Made" is a vast overstatement. Most cars today would run circles around the 1965 Bonneville in performance and reliability. I should know; I had a 1966 "Goat." I love it for its looks, speed, and Detroit sound. Now, for that sound, you would be spot on. There is nothing like it. Nothing. .
The best of the best!!!! I love yours, it’s one of the most beautiful low mile examples!!!!! I enjoyed getting to see your collection first hand, especially this one particular car!!!!!
I’m jealous! 😉
That Bonneville is a gem. I wish I owned it. I like the walnut trim inside also. I also like the exterior Coke bottle style. The exterior burgundy color is perfect also. I also like Pontiac's catch phrase, WE BUILD EXCITEMENT.
What an absolute gem! Thanks for sharing it with us!
It is absolutely beautiful. The four door is even more attractive than the coupe. I cried when she saw it had crank windows.
many old cars got crushed when the power windows stopped working.
We had a green Pontiac Silverstreak with the swivel mounted oil filled compass on the windshield. The slant 6 was perfect for flooded roads and it went on many a deer hunt on rough roads. Beautiful car.
Man, that is such a beautiful car.
Lovely car! Thanks for sharing! My dad owned a 1965 Pontiac Strato Chief and it looked pretty much identical, perhaps fewer appointments. Same colour even. I think that was a Canadian model? We were a family of 6 and when my mom got pregnant with her 5th child, dad sold the Strato Chief and started his decades long journey of station wagons. The first being an even larger black 1968 Mercury Meteor Rideau 500! (another Canadian only model, I believe)
No planned obsolescence there! Beautiful car and well built too! I agree. Might be the best car ever produced.
My parents had a 1965 Grand Prix and it had a sticker on it stating motor trend car of the year. They drove that car for 11 years then gave it to a relative that drove it for 10 more years. Me and my brother learned how to drive in that car. And took our drivers test in that car. I wish we kept it.
Love that Bonneville.
Beautiful car indeed!
I agree with you that’65 was a great year for all things Pontiac.
My grandparents had a’65 LeMans convertible and I recall it quite fondly…😎
Nice video, thanks!
You’re a lucky one having all these beauties…!!!