That a boy Adam, thanks for getting on the old girl just a bit! Somewhere the guys who brought that 421 to market smiled and gave a nod of approval. This car has such brilliant styling from all angles, including the interior, I couldn't agree more. It really was the pinnacle. Thanks for sharing!!
I grew up in the 50s and 60s and I remember these 60s Pontiacs. My friends dad was a Pontiac salesman and he would drive home the new Pontiacs . I was 16 years young when that 65 Bonneville was brand new. I remember my friend and his dad coming and taking me and him to school in a new 66 Catalina, those were the days I remember well.
I was 13 in 65’ and I can’t believe how far the domestic auto industry has fallen since that era.The 60’s were a great decade for rock & roll and beautiful cars.
My sister and I spent many miles sitting in the back seat with mother and dad in the front seat of the 65 Bonneville it was dark blue. Thanks for sharing it brought back wonderful memories.
Adam your presentation of these automotive works of art are by far the best on RUclips. Your not just giving us "old timers" a treat down memory lane. But your preserving these cars for future generations to learn about. With your excellent explanation of the tid bits of the history behind the design. Your presentations are just a pleasure to watch. Thank you for all your knowledge and efforts in the making of this vlog!👍🇺🇲
I don't care what angle you look at from, inside and out, that is a good looking car. The interior styling matches the outside styling in terms of classiness. Just beautiful! I'm adding this to my list of must have cars after I win the lottery!
My paternal grandmother's house as her neighbor to next her house in Newark, NJ, late Mr. Mulberry who owned his beige 1965 Pontiac Catalina Sedan (with pillars 4 doors) exterior and beige cloth seat interior with power steering, power brake, rarely power windows, rarely power 6 ways bench seat, and air conditioner. I love his classic car. 1965 Pontiac Catalina had beautiful lucite steering wheel. Then he bought a brand new little dark green 1970 Pontiac Catalina Sedan (pillars 4 doors) exterior and green vinyl seats interior. It had power steering, power brake, rarely power windows, rarely power 6 ways bench seat, rarely tilt steering wheel, rarely cruise control, and air conditioner. But 1970 Pontiac Catalina didn't have a lucite steering wheel. He kept his 1970 Pontiac Sedan until his death suddenly in 1975. His 1965 and 1970 Pontiac Catalina didn't have driver's outside mirror rearview remote control. I remember that. He and his wife, and their two adult children with trailer to connect his 1965 Pontiac Catalina.
By far and away the most amazing thing about that Bonneville is it's interior... wow! It's seems impossible to believe that it came from Detroit when compared to what came after.
Pontiac always had killer interiors, especially dashboards going back to 1959.. That was a great 10 year run for Pontiac, 1959 - 1969.. Sadly, by 1970 things went downhill in a hurry, except for Firebird and Trans Am. There was no more handsome mid '60s full size car than the Bonneville.. We had a 1967 Grand Prix back in the day, which was still a full size car that year. Great stuff!
My dad loved that trunk light. He took it out and installed it in every car he had after it, all the way to the 78 Cutlass he had until he passed in 1988
My third car was a 65 Bonne 2 door with the 421, and no other options other than a posi rear end. My aunt and uncle owned it brand new to pull a boat. I owned it for a bunch of years. It still has a special place in my heart. What a great car it was.
We are fortunate that a) Adam has been fortunate and blessed, and b) he has chosen to share his craft. If only we could put Time in a bottle. Thank you, Adam!.
This car is stunning! My mother had a 68 Bonneville Brougham coupe purchased when it was lees than a year old. I unfortunately was not old enough to drive when my parents owned this car, it was equipped with a 428 which was designated on the sides below the Bonneville name plate. While I would say the 65 is a better looking car, the 68 was still striking and the brougham interior with the Strato-bench seat in knit cloth was pretty cool and unique. The 68 dash was nicely detailed too, although not as nice as the 65, it is still far better than what came in 1969 and later. In my opinion the mid 60s GM cars were some of the finest designs ever offered!
I agree...I wish I was a young adult in this era and living in Flint, MI where I was raised working for GM like my dad was, he always had new GM cars even as a young adult in the 60's. You could have 2 GM jobs here at the same time if you wanted back then, or quit one and go to another plant.
The 65 Bonneville has always been my favorite GM big-car design. The wasp-waisted "extruded" rear fender design, the lack of excessive brightwork, the low, skirted rear wheel openings all made the car look so long and low and elegant. My neighbor in the early 1970s had a black coupe with an all-red interior and bright chrome sport wheels. The rear fender on that car must have been a good nine feet long.....what a gorgeous vehicle!
Beautiful car, especially that unexpected real wood dash. When I was a kid in the sixties, some friends of the family had a '64 Catalina sedan. I was too young to know what kind of engine it had, but I remember liking the boomerang-shaped taillights and the pale silvery green exterior.
My grandfather had this car in blue trim, some of my fondest memories. I would stand up in the back seat while he smoked cigars and hummed big band tunes playing on the radio. Even then I saw and felt the magnificence of this vehicle, and later learned in my studies how it represented the best of American engineering, design, durability, cost benefit ratio. and unabashed style.
My dad bought a 1865 Bonneville Convertible new and she was gold and black. I so loved that car. We had some different options but overall the same as what you have. The thing I recall was the speed alarm in the form of a stalk inside the speedometer. It was a black stick with a yellow dot at the top and was set by a knob off to the left. If you started to speed it would make a faint buzz and get louder the faster you went. It was very adjustable I think from near zero to 120. My mom used it often. I too love the tilted center gauge pods. I recall the Datsun 240Z had a similar cluster. I drove my 1964 yesterday and will again today. Thanks for the great detail and history. Bobby
Took me back to riding in my Grandpa’s ‘66 Catalina 4 door hardtop as an 11 year old kid. I thought it was the coolest car ever - especially those driver oriented gauge pods. I’ve never been a big fan of fender skirts, but the way they are incorporated into the lines of the body of this car is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing…
I love your videos. I get a sense of nostalgia, great childhood memories, you satiate my hunger to see these great classics. It's so funny though, because when I was a kid in the 1960s these cars were everywhere. Who'd a thunk they'd be classics?
This brings back memories . My father had a 66 Catalina that I loved to drive. I learned to drive on that car. He always bought an inexpensive car for the most part. He used to say a car gets you from point A to point B. We usually left the showroom with a Valiant or Falcon with, no back armrests, poverty caps (if you know what they are) and definitely no air. I remember the early 60's cars going by with the windows up on a hot summer day and I thought they must be dying of heat in there! Didn't even know there was such a thing as air conditioning in cars. He had to keep an eye on finances that I learned to appreciate when I was an adult. The Catalina had air, our first with air and it was quite elegant for a fairly mid level car. He splurged on that car and enjoyed driving it, I did as well.
Here is a quick story about "Air"--in 1954, a couple from Texas visited our family located in Seattle...they drove up in their new 54 Mercury. The Texas guy wheeled his car into a Mercury dealership while visiting, for servicing...the tech on duty threw his hands up in the air, and said "Sir, we cannot help you...we have never seen or worked on air-conditioning, we do not know what to do!"...The Texas guy thought that was both pathetic, and funny.
These cars show so many layers of design detail. And each detail had a community of passionate designers behind it. From paint to interior space to plastic tech. So many people.
Yes Adam, I can't argue with that! 1965 was probably the pinacle of GM success in terms of vehicles and especially design. And yeah, the Bonneville could stand on its own in appearance against the other GM cars including Cadillac. John Delorean was just an amazingly talented engineer and manager. It's too bad the accountants started to begin whittling away the individuality of each division that, at the time, was essentially individual companies. I just LOVE the 1965 Bonneville. Pure class. Honestly, these presentations are superb. The choice of vehicles are spot on milestones, and I really appreciate the highly detailed tour of the car. I did not realize it, but I agree that this was one of the reasons for the decline of the American car market because how do you top this? It is unashamedly American, but the best of American quality, materials, and design. Thanks for another well-researched, well-presented video, Adam!!!!
The most elegant, beautiful, well laid out instrument panel I have ever seen, chrome with wood. I got to drive more than a few of these 1965 Bonnevilles. Cadillac did not even have this wood on the instrument panel until 1968, and in 1969, Cadillac went black plastic. In 1970, Cadillac had the same carryover 1969 dash, with fake plastic wood! At night, the 1965 Bonneville instrument cluster illumination was a soft light blue color, not a yellow incandescent color. Magnificent automobile!
This car makes my mouth water. Absolutely beautiful car. Always was and still am a Pontiac fan. My first ride: 1979 Pontiac Bonneville. Sure do miss that car.
My mom had one. Said she'd be on long distance trips, glance down at the speedo, and she's running 100+ mph. Very quiet, smooth and powerful! Beautiful auto.
I was born in 1965 and I've always loved cars, specifically from the 70's. Seeing this fine specimen from the year I was born makes me smile. The build quality is superb; the paint is stunning.
Wow Adam. What a car! I love watching these videos. When I was a kid I would jump on my bike and ride up to the GM, Ford and Chrysler dealers in small town Canada to see the new models in the fall. My dad was a GM guy and always had something new and cool every 2 years. Mind you the Canadian cars were a bit different. Thanks for the content. Excellent work.
Thanks for the wonderful tour of the Bonneville Adam! Subjectively I feel 1965-1966 was the pinnacle of vehicles, especially full-sized models offered in the USA. As you know, the Canadian Pontiacs were built on the Chevrolet full-size chassis. The Canadian equivalent would be the Parisienne, most up here had the 283/2-speed Power-Glide (yawn in comparison to the get up and go of your Bonneville) but they were so popular in Canada. We had a few of those in our family, but the one that stood out was our dark blue 1965 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight LS. That car was appointed beautifully too. The front seatback had grab handles and a center-mount lit vanity mirror with Kleenex tissue dispenser mounted in the middle. So much did I love that car and the memories, we were able to source a one-year newer 1966 Ninety-Eight LS in Ocean Mist with a matching interior. The car is not as nice as yours, it was very weathered, but had 68,000 miles. Power windows, vacuum trunk release, cruise control, A/C, AM/FM radio, tilt-tele steering, cornering lamps, power vent windows, Flare-Stat 4-way flashers and so on.. The car has cleaned up decently, and folks are quite amazed at the appointments in the car. I even got the clock to work, as do the other accessories. The 425 Rocket V-8 and Switch-Pitch Turbo-400 have the car moving just like your Bonnie, it catches me by surprise at times. I have located a limited slip rear axle (called Anti-Spin by Oldsmobile) to add to the car in the near future. I honestly believe it was the safety standards and anti-pollution requirements that started the downward trend in style after 1966. Any safety advocate would shudder looking at the interior of your featured car and my 1966 Oldsmobile. As Bob Dylan sang, The times, they are a-changing.... They did.
Wow! Thank you. I owned a 1966 Bonneville (last year of that body style) and I LOVED IT. Same color, not quite as well appointed. High school car. I was 17 in 1978. The car was $400 and looked like NEW with 57,000 miles on it. I've owned a LOT of old cars, but that one was special. What a sled. Nicely done. (and you released it on my birthday!)
The handling around town was top notch. The variable ratio power steering and almost too touchy power brakes made it a dream to drive. This was a highway cruiser, and there was an abundance of room in the backseat.
Pontiac was the wonder of the industry at the time - the others all wondered how they could do such sculptured panels and do it without wrinkles or kinks and keep it so smooth. Magnificent cars. I had posters of the Catallina 2+2 on my wall as a teenager.
Thank you for your video of the climate control A/C, a VERY rare option, My mom had a 66 Bonneville Brougham (black) with almost every option(no A/C) Power windows and vents vacuum door locks and vacuum trunk release- lamp group- mirror group, aluminum wheels, even then they switched to plastic grill ! your car is all metal, dash, grill, real metal gages! Sorry was the day they learned to chrome plate plastic! 67 was the beginning of the plastic everything era. I worked for a Pontiac dealer from 65-to 68 ,I stopped liking Pontiac after 67 ! I bought a 64 Cadillac coupe, my first car! (All metal) Love your videos!!
I LOVE that car!! In 1986 I was short $500 for a $3200 66 2+2 which was like new really.. I now own a 1960 Bonneville Vista Top with the rare A/C. ALso has real wood on the dash.. Will be doing some youtube coverage on a future channel I'm starting. Re-doing much of the suspension now. It has a almost new appearance interior. I believe it is a survivor except for paint.. 90000 miles. Indiana car that must have been in the garage most its life. Your skills for this sort of thing are excellent. I know you will go far with this channel.
We had a 64 and then a 68 Bonneville. I remember the AC controls looking exactly like the radio, except for the dial. Ours was manual AC and not auto temp, so there were even 5 buttons just like the radio. And the heat indicator would roll from red to blue as you adjusted the thermostat. Our 64 had real wood and that clearish steering wheel, but the wood was gone by 68.
This was without a doubt the best review I've read of all the ones I've seen of yours (probably about 30 so far). Absolutely fantastic! I'm a Pontiac fan! Brought home from the hospital in late 1948 in my dads 1949 Chieftain!!!
Due to the efforts of Estes, DeLorean and people like Jim Wangers, Pontiac became the most emotional car brand of the 1960s. My dads fifth new Pontiac in six model years was a silver blue ‘65 Star Chief sedan. He kept it for three years before trading for a new ‘68 Wildcat. Your ‘65 is a handsome piece. Well done!
One of the coolest cars of the era was owned by a friend of my dad, a 1967 Bonneville Convertible in white. Absolutely a beautiful car, but like many convertibles, it leaked around the windshield, so he only kept it a few years. That 65 is a time capsule and deserves to be preserved. I can imagine that car would be a nightmare to restore properly if you found one as a barn find.
Hey Adam, thank you for your excellent review of the '65 Bonneville. I was just 10 years old in '65, and even by that time I was a total American car Gearhead. I made sure I knew every car the Big Three offered, of course had my favorites, and the '65 full size Pontiacs was definitely one of them. As soon as they were introduced in late 64, they caught my eye. Especially the vertical mounted headlights surrounded by those detailed chrome pods carved out of the front fenders, very attractive. They gave the side view of the car beautiful character. I also loved the three section taillights, that followed the lines of the rear fenders, very good looking. And that dashboard, so very detailed and interesting. In the 60s, all Pontiacs had great dashboards, but this 65 Bonneville beat them all with those three pod gauges angeled towards the driver were a great looking. The instrument lighting had kinda a neon look. I was always drawn to dash lighting, I hated cars that just had white lights. They were boring and cheap looking, the mid 60s Pontiacs were among my favorites. It was Ford, Chrysler and then Pontiac the for the best dash illumination. I would have to agree with you, automotive styling peaked in the 60s and never got better than that, with the 65 Pontiacs Bonneville and Lemans clearly at the top. It saddens me to think we will never have cars like that again. I live in Southern California and I remember the 65 Pontiac Bonneville and Lemans were very popular. My 5th grade teacher had a bright red Pontiac 2+2 with black interior he bought new in 65, I couldn't keep my eyes off of and there were several 65 Lemans in my neighborhood. All but one had the 326 ci that sounded great, one had the inline 6 underwood that well, had no sound at all. Thanks again for another great review. You seem to pick the right cars, cars I still love to this day with very fond memories. Keep them coming!
Fabulous styling, fantastic color, and surprisingly sumptuous interior. An absolute high water mark for American large cars. You have an incredible eye and a connoisseur’s taste, for sure. I would say that the ‘65-66 Wildcat and Electra 225 are every bit as pretty on the outside… to my eye, anyway. Inside, the MASSIVE twin gauge pods are extremely striking on the ‘65s, in particular. I’m also in love with the exterior styling of the big ‘70 Buicks - even if the interiors were nowhere near ‘65 levels of detail and opulence. By ‘70, the big Ponchos became a bit awkward-looking to me, and never really fully pulled out of that until about ‘77. But those big block letters spelling BONNEVILLE on all 4 sides are so effective when there’s little trim to distract from them. Just brilliant. Glad the old girl can get up and go, too!
Thank you Adam for sharing this beautiful Pontiac. I had a 1963 Grand Prix and the dash was very similar. Speedo cluster almost identical, 3 pod gauges were more oval shaped, and the climate control also emulated the radio. Real teak wood inlay on dash and wheel, used to put a very thin coat of furniture polish on it once or twice a year to keep it from getting dried and cracking.
My Dad had a 66 Buick Electra 225 Custom with wood on the dash. I fully agree in your comments about the build quality of GM cars of this vintage. Had a 401 with switch-pitch Turbo Hydromatic. It was a beast that could eat up the miles in great comfort. On a vacation to Texas, I remember those metal AC vents getting so cold that they would drip water onto the floor. He traded it in 1973 on a brand new Olds 98 LS, but that’s another story. Absolutely love your videos!
in canada, the top of the line pontiac was a grand parisienne, pretty much a rebadge chevy caprice, with chevy motors and a chevy body, both built in oshawa, ont.
Excellent. Stunningly beautiful car in every way. I've always loved the 421. A close friend, in my childhood, his mother had a 1962 Ventura and his father had a 1962 or 63 Grand Prix. Back when they were still "new" cars. I have always loved those 1960s Pontiacs. The power steering in those days was, in my opinion, the way that it should still be in all cars. Turn the wheel, lock to lock with your little finger. Your car is stunning and further ignites my love of those cars. Lastly, I still miss the bright light switch being mounted on the floor. They never broke. I like the trunk mounted "trouble light" that the factory put in. Thanks for sharing your wonderful car with us.
What an amazing addition to your collection! Pinnacle, indeed. Right up there with your '67 Riviera. Amazing design and absolutely beautiful execution. Looks like the Bonneville was driven new from the showroom to a climate-controlled garage and parked for 60 years. Congratulations, Adam.
This Pontiac is great, my aunt had a 65 Grand Prix she got new. I thought it was the coolest car with its 8 lug wheels, bucket seats & translucent steering wheel!!! Yes, those Pontiacs are perfect cars!!! 👍👍
Thanks for taking it out for a drive and giving us a demo of "getting on it" a bit. This one is very nice, though I do prefer the slightly smaller size and coupe form factor of your Catalina. The burgundy exterior color of the Bonneville is lovely as is seeing interior colors other than the black and gray that is in 90% of all new cars.
Beautiful, and what a nice color. 1965 was a good year for full size styling overall. A few got a bit better in 66 (Ford, Mercury) a few got a bit worse (Pontiac, Chevrolet). My favorite though has always been the Chrysler New Yorker (elegant) much as I do like the coke bottle that Pontiac did so well and those staggered '65 headlights. That's probably number 2 - and certainly much more sporty than the Chrysler - though the Olds had hips that gave it an altogether different - but very real - appeal. The ribbed lower body trim and the fins around the headlights, always favorite details. Along with the guage pods and real wood trim - a Ponitac hallmark for years in the Bonneville, later Grand Prix, first gen Grand Am. I'll take my 65 Bonne as a Brougham - then it was a near luxury bargain indeed / what an interior. Congrats on the 421 find.
My best friend had one of these in the early 70’s when we were in high school. What a party vehicle it was. Amazing how many teenagers you can crunch in there. It was so many colors as doors and fenders were replaced. Someone even had to scrape the frost off the windshield as we drove around cuz the heat didn’t work. Never failed us tho. Ahhhh, what memories. 🤪
Been a Pontiac fan since my parents brought home a new 1962 Catalina Vista. Have owned 17 Pontiacs over the years from 1949 to 2009. In the early 50s, Pontiac has a saying "Dollar for dollar you can't beat a Pontiac". This car definitely still reflects that. The grille and rear tail panel are hard to beat on this car and the 1966 face lift just was not as good overall. The inside and outside colors on this car are hard to beat. To find a low mileage survivor with this white interior is even more fantastic. There had to be so few that were sold with the all white interior. I am in total agreement with everything you said. I think one thing that was still very strong in the 1960's was "brand loyalty". If you were a Pontiac guy, you repeated and did not easily go to Chevy, Old, or Buick and you really did not go to Ford Motor Company or Chrysler Corp. for your next car. Part of that loyalty was due to the fact that Pontiac (as well as the other GM makes) had their own uniqueness in styling and drivetrain to make them different. 1965 cars were not yet hampered with emissions, safety, mileage and production costs that later cars had and this is reflected in this car as compared to say a 1975 Pontiac that had to deal with all these factors. Full size Pontiacs from 1960 to 1970 had the Pontiac Indian bright light indicator below the 60 MPH mark. That was one of my favorite things about the Pontiac when the other makes just had a square. I really enjoyed this edition with this really great car. Thanks.
This is the exact color of my Dad's '65 Catalina, so this really brings back the memories, although his had a red interior. I remember the differences between the Bonneville and the Catalina as quite significant. I look at these two models as Pontiacs dividing line between price tiers in the GM stable of brands. The Catalina is the high-value model which offered classy looks with one of the best packages ever for a family car at an affordable price. The Bonneville, on the other hand, was Pontiacs entry into Oldmobile territory and was very luxurious. Among a number of other things, the Bonneville was longer and offered a heavier feel and smoother ride. Add to that, the fact these were typically heavy optioned cars with more expensive body styles that put the Bonne in a higher class. Catalinas were sporty, though. This, along with their premium mid-size cars, made for a very complete lineup for Pontiac in the '60s and '70s. Great video, as usual. Keep up the good work and thank you, Adam.
I share your exuberance over the ‘65 Bonneville! I was 15 and kept an eye out for them to savor. I was fascinated by the articulated wipers. Why did so many not follow their lead?! I was also in awe of the ‘65 Bonneville wagon. Its lower sleek trim shimmered while the lucite steering wheel is pure artistry. Fabulous!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. This car is amazing and beautiful everywhere you look. It's no wonder that Pontiac won Car of the Year for '65. It was well deserved. Perhaps that's why my dad chose the '65 Catalina Safari to replace our '59 Chevy wagon. Mom said the blueflame six wouldn't go up hills but I think she was happy with the 389! We kept the Safari till the '71 Kingswood Estate. Thanks again Adam for your fantastic reviews!!
At 4 years old, I had the pleasure of driving a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville with a 389-tri power up the long driveway to the garage door. Yes my father supervised the brake and accelerator, but I was in full control of the steering wheel.
My next door neighbor, an RN for OB had one of these Bonnevilles in '65, same color but her interior was black. I remember at the time walking around it in admiration. She drove us in it to Naperville Il once about 45 minutes away because she was buying a house out there with her husband. I sat in the back seat but I was not big enough to be able to see out the window. She traded in a '63 Impala in Laurel Green for this. The '60's was my favorite decade, there were so many beautiful things then in architecture, industrial design and music.
Great review, Adam. My first car I bought in 1970 at age 16 was a ‘65 Impala SS. It was burgundy with a white interior, bucket seats, and center console. Your Bonneville, next step up in the GM lineup, was definitely a big step up in features & design that were worth more than the price difference that existed at the time. I could well imagine a summer trip to Mackinac in that beauty. Thanks! 👍👍👍 ~John
I love your channel Adam. I stumbled across it through my recommended feed, and now I am a binge-watching, subbed junkie. Just like you, I fancy muscle cars and sports cars too, but these big sleds you own and preserve really tickle me. Well done good sir!!
Hello Adam, big fan. That Bonneville is a beauty, though I submit the '65 Buick Wildcat would be a worthy opponent. And 1970 may be GM's top year in power trains and overall quality with this gen, though '65 is clearly the style leader.
I have to agree, this is likely one of the best, yet overlooked 60's Full Sized options at the time. Everything you need, nothing you don't and all the style.
I remember getting a ride to high school in 1970 or 71 in a buddy's 65 Pontiac Bonneville that had the front bench seat with a four speed on the floor. He said his father had special ordered it and Pontiac was glad to build it that way.
Pontiacs from the 1960's were extremely popular in Canada and were seemingly everywhere when I was a kid. Bonnevilles were a rare sight however, although I fell in love with the '65 model courtesy of my AMT model kit. Still proudly displayed on the shelf for the last forty years. When I win the lottery, I WILL get the full size version...
I would like to own that car and always play 1965 music while driving it. It would add to the charm. Lots of great music also in 1965. I was four in 1965 and I remember the music of that year.
I’m in Canada where we didn’t get the Bonneville. But I had a friend back then who had been transferred to Canada from Alabama. And all he did was rave about the Pontiac Bonneville. I clearly remember he said that even in Alabama the Bonneville had “Air conditioning that would drive you out of the car!”
Wow! My favorite car….Beautiful color. My granderfather’s 65 Bonneville Brougham was Turquoise with a black vinyl roof and black brocade interior and to this day is my family’s favorite car and we even have pictures of it. These cars were so different in so many ways from the others with the passengers grab handle, the real wood grain and the clear steering wheel. They called it Coke Bottle styling….What a score…what a fine collection……keep’em coming.
I went to high school and college in the 80s and had friends with these in both schools, they were so great, solid and spacious. I have some wonderful memories tailgating with them at concerts in those years. Such great cars. On thing I remember was how much the engine moved when the gas was stepped on, if you had the hood open and stepped on it (in park) that huge block looked like it would jump off the mounts!! that and the ashtrays in those cars were so comically large.
That a boy Adam, thanks for getting on the old girl just a bit! Somewhere the guys who brought that 421 to market smiled and gave a nod of approval. This car has such brilliant styling from all angles, including the interior, I couldn't agree more. It really was the pinnacle. Thanks for sharing!!
I grew up in the 50s and 60s and I remember these 60s Pontiacs. My friends dad was a Pontiac salesman and he would drive home the new Pontiacs . I was 16 years young when that 65 Bonneville was brand new. I remember my friend and his dad coming and taking me and him to school in a new 66 Catalina, those were the days I remember well.
I was 13 in 65’ and I can’t believe how far the domestic auto industry has fallen since that era.The 60’s were a great decade for rock & roll and beautiful cars.
Awesome! 👍
My sister and I spent many miles sitting in the back seat with mother and dad in the front seat of the 65 Bonneville it was dark blue. Thanks for sharing it brought back wonderful memories.
I saw it on the TV show My Three Sons.
Adam your presentation of these automotive works of art are by far the best on RUclips. Your not just giving us "old timers" a treat down memory lane. But your preserving these cars for future generations to learn about. With your excellent explanation of the tid bits of the history behind the design. Your presentations are just a pleasure to watch. Thank you for all your knowledge and efforts in the making of this vlog!👍🇺🇲
2nd what he's saying
Amen to that!
Amen
Excellent comment it's so true 😉
I don't care what angle you look at from, inside and out, that is a good looking car. The interior styling matches the outside styling in terms of classiness. Just beautiful! I'm adding this to my list of must have cars after I win the lottery!
I like how much he appreciates every little detail of these beautiful vehicles.
My paternal grandmother's house as her neighbor to next her house in Newark, NJ, late Mr. Mulberry who owned his beige 1965 Pontiac Catalina Sedan (with pillars 4 doors) exterior and beige cloth seat interior with power steering, power brake, rarely power windows, rarely power 6 ways bench seat, and air conditioner. I love his classic car. 1965 Pontiac Catalina had beautiful lucite steering wheel. Then he bought a brand new little dark green 1970 Pontiac Catalina Sedan (pillars 4 doors) exterior and green vinyl seats interior. It had power steering, power brake, rarely power windows, rarely power 6 ways bench seat, rarely tilt steering wheel, rarely cruise control, and air conditioner. But 1970 Pontiac Catalina didn't have a lucite steering wheel. He kept his 1970 Pontiac Sedan until his death suddenly in 1975. His 1965 and 1970 Pontiac Catalina didn't have driver's outside mirror rearview remote control. I remember that. He and his wife, and their two adult children with trailer to connect his 1965 Pontiac Catalina.
The Pontiacs of the era were really beautiful. That’s when G.M. took some pride in what they built.
Very true, as Adam detailed, you cannot talk about the high point without lamenting what happened afterwards.
By far and away the most amazing thing about that Bonneville is it's interior... wow! It's seems impossible to believe that it came from Detroit when compared to what came after.
I think the interior fully completes the sculpted, graceful and gorgeous exterior.
@@rightlanehog3151 Oh without a doubt
There's a review I saw on a white 59 Bonneville. Same deal, a breathtakingly glamorous interior. A lot of feature similarities for a six year span.
Yeah! 1970 Bonneville interior is extremely cheap and poor compared to this. Some development.
Pontiac always had killer interiors, especially dashboards going back to 1959.. That was a great 10 year run for Pontiac, 1959 - 1969.. Sadly, by 1970 things went downhill in a hurry, except for Firebird and Trans Am. There was no more handsome mid '60s full size car than the Bonneville.. We had a 1967 Grand Prix back in the day, which was still a full size car that year. Great stuff!
My dad loved that trunk light. He took it out and installed it in every car he had after it, all the way to the 78 Cutlass he had until he passed in 1988
My third car was a 65 Bonne 2 door with the 421, and no other options other than a posi rear end. My aunt and uncle owned it brand new to pull a boat. I owned it for a bunch of years. It still has a special place in my heart. What a great car it was.
We are fortunate that a) Adam has been fortunate and blessed, and b) he has chosen to share his craft. If only we could put Time in a bottle. Thank you, Adam!.
This car is stunning! My mother had a 68 Bonneville Brougham coupe purchased when it was lees than a year old. I unfortunately was not old enough to drive when my parents owned this car, it was equipped with a 428 which was designated on the sides below the Bonneville name plate. While I would say the 65 is a better looking car, the 68 was still striking and the brougham interior with the Strato-bench seat in knit cloth was pretty cool and unique. The 68 dash was nicely detailed too, although not as nice as the 65, it is still far better than what came in 1969 and later. In my opinion the mid 60s GM cars were some of the finest designs ever offered!
I agree...I wish I was a young adult in this era and living in Flint, MI where I was raised working for GM like my dad was, he always had new GM cars even as a young adult in the 60's. You could have 2 GM jobs here at the same time if you wanted back then, or quit one and go to another plant.
@@richardbaumgart2454 Wow! You mean that some folks would work TWO full-time jobs?...That would have slowly killed me!
The 65 Bonneville has always been my favorite GM big-car design. The wasp-waisted "extruded" rear fender design, the lack of excessive brightwork, the low, skirted rear wheel openings all made the car look so long and low and elegant. My neighbor in the early 1970s had a black coupe with an all-red interior and bright chrome sport wheels. The rear fender on that car must have been a good nine feet long.....what a gorgeous vehicle!
Beautiful car, especially that unexpected real wood dash. When I was a kid in the sixties, some friends of the family had a '64 Catalina sedan. I was too young to know what kind of engine it had, but I remember liking the boomerang-shaped taillights and the pale silvery green exterior.
My grandfather had this car in blue trim, some of my fondest memories. I would stand up in the back seat while he smoked cigars and hummed big band tunes playing on the radio. Even then I saw and felt the magnificence of this vehicle, and later learned in my studies how it represented the best of American engineering, design, durability, cost benefit ratio. and unabashed style.
The Golden Years - style with substance, especially with regards to build quality.
Even the a/c duct trim didn't escape the designers touch . The interior and especially the dash of this car is pure automotive art.
This car looks like art while being functional, from the outside as well on the inside. Thanks for sharing!
My dad bought a 1865 Bonneville Convertible new and she was gold and black. I so loved that car. We had some different options but overall the same as what you have. The thing I recall was the speed alarm in the form of a stalk inside the speedometer. It was a black stick with a yellow dot at the top and was set by a knob off to the left. If you started to speed it would make a faint buzz and get louder the faster you went. It was very adjustable I think from near zero to 120. My mom used it often. I too love the tilted center gauge pods. I recall the Datsun 240Z had a similar cluster. I drove my 1964 yesterday and will again today. Thanks for the great detail and history. Bobby
I had no idea the Pontiac Bonneville went back that far 😉
@@rightlanehog3151 lmao Abraham Lincoln prolly was rollin in one of these haha XD
@@BLACKAAROW Yes, he was too modest a man to drive a flashy Lincoln .
Even Abraham Lincoln loved his 1865 Pontiac Booneville. Ha.Ha
Not really... Lincoln had a Town Car!
Took me back to riding in my Grandpa’s ‘66 Catalina 4 door hardtop as an 11 year old kid. I thought it was the coolest car ever - especially those driver oriented gauge pods. I’ve never been a big fan of fender skirts, but the way they are incorporated into the lines of the body of this car is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing…
I bought a beautiful 1967 Pontiac Catalina Executive off my Dad as my first car. It was the same burgundy color . Great first car! Loved it.
I love your videos. I get a sense of nostalgia, great childhood memories, you satiate my hunger to see these great classics. It's so funny though, because when I was a kid in the 1960s these cars were everywhere. Who'd a thunk they'd be classics?
Enjoyed the review and your historical insights. Thanks. Fun to see some of the Pontiacs survive and be cared for by folks like you.
The attention to detail interior and exterior is phenomenal. A beauty.
Drooling over your Bonneville ❤ as I've mentioned in your other videos we had a 65 Safari wagon I will always miss.
This brings back memories . My father had a 66 Catalina that I loved to drive. I learned to drive on that car. He always bought an inexpensive car for the most part. He used to say a car gets you from point A to point B. We usually left the showroom with a Valiant or Falcon with, no back armrests, poverty caps (if you know what they are) and definitely no air. I remember the early 60's cars going by with the windows up on a hot summer day and I thought they must be dying of heat in there! Didn't even know there was such a thing as air conditioning in cars. He had to keep an eye on finances that I learned to appreciate when I was an adult. The Catalina had air, our first with air and it was quite elegant for a fairly mid level car. He splurged on that car and enjoyed driving it, I did as well.
Here is a quick story about "Air"--in 1954, a couple from Texas visited our family located in Seattle...they drove up in their new 54 Mercury. The Texas guy wheeled his car into a Mercury dealership while visiting, for servicing...the tech on duty threw his hands up in the air, and said "Sir, we cannot help you...we have never seen or worked on air-conditioning, we do not know what to do!"...The Texas guy thought that was both pathetic, and funny.
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These cars show so many layers of design detail. And each detail had a community of passionate designers behind it. From paint to interior space to plastic tech. So many people.
Yes Adam, I can't argue with that! 1965 was probably the pinacle of GM success in terms of vehicles and especially design. And yeah, the Bonneville could stand on its own in appearance against the other GM cars including Cadillac. John Delorean was just an amazingly talented engineer and manager. It's too bad the accountants started to begin whittling away the individuality of each division that, at the time, was essentially individual companies. I just LOVE the 1965 Bonneville. Pure class.
Honestly, these presentations are superb. The choice of vehicles are spot on milestones, and I really appreciate the highly detailed tour of the car. I did not realize it, but I agree that this was one of the reasons for the decline of the American car market because how do you top this? It is unashamedly American, but the best of American quality, materials, and design. Thanks for another well-researched, well-presented video, Adam!!!!
The most elegant, beautiful, well laid out instrument panel I have ever seen, chrome with wood. I got to drive more than a few of these 1965 Bonnevilles. Cadillac did not even have this wood on the instrument panel until 1968, and in 1969, Cadillac went black plastic. In 1970, Cadillac had the same carryover 1969 dash, with fake plastic wood! At night, the 1965 Bonneville instrument cluster illumination was a soft light blue color, not a yellow incandescent color. Magnificent automobile!
What a work of art.. WOW could you imagine a father getting this off the showroom floor 50+ yrs ago?
There was a reason GM owned the market in the 60's... Great styling and very good build quality.
This car makes my mouth water. Absolutely beautiful car. Always was and still am a Pontiac fan. My first ride: 1979 Pontiac Bonneville. Sure do miss that car.
My mom had one. Said she'd be on long distance trips, glance down at the speedo, and she's running 100+ mph. Very quiet, smooth and powerful! Beautiful auto.
My dad had a '62 Bonney. They will always hold a special place... your '65 looks just fabulous.
The exterior styling in 65 was a great time for GM, but the interior as you said will never be matched the subtle details make the car unique.
I was born in 1965 and I've always loved cars, specifically from the 70's. Seeing this fine specimen from the year I was born makes me smile. The build quality is superb; the paint is stunning.
Wow Adam. What a car! I love watching these videos. When I was a kid I would jump on my bike and ride up to the GM, Ford and Chrysler dealers in small town Canada to see the new models in the fall. My dad was a GM guy and always had something new and cool every 2 years. Mind you the Canadian cars were a bit different. Thanks for the content. Excellent work.
Please don't remind Adam about Canada. He is probably planning his next raiding mission to grab yet another of our rare automotive treasures. 😉
In Canada, the Catalina was the Laurentian, the Bonneville was the Parisienne.
100% agree. The 65's were the pinnacle in fine detailing. Great review, thanks so much!
Especially the 1965 GTO in my opinion the best looking year of the GTO line..
Thanks for the wonderful tour of the Bonneville Adam! Subjectively I feel 1965-1966 was the pinnacle of vehicles, especially full-sized models offered in the USA. As you know, the Canadian Pontiacs were built on the Chevrolet full-size chassis. The Canadian equivalent would be the Parisienne, most up here had the 283/2-speed Power-Glide (yawn in comparison to the get up and go of your Bonneville) but they were so popular in Canada. We had a few of those in our family, but the one that stood out was our dark blue 1965 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight LS. That car was appointed beautifully too. The front seatback had grab handles and a center-mount lit vanity mirror with Kleenex tissue dispenser mounted in the middle. So much did I love that car and the memories, we were able to source a one-year newer 1966 Ninety-Eight LS in Ocean Mist with a matching interior. The car is not as nice as yours, it was very weathered, but had 68,000 miles. Power windows, vacuum trunk release, cruise control, A/C, AM/FM radio, tilt-tele steering, cornering lamps, power vent windows, Flare-Stat 4-way flashers and so on.. The car has cleaned up decently, and folks are quite amazed at the appointments in the car. I even got the clock to work, as do the other accessories. The 425 Rocket V-8 and Switch-Pitch Turbo-400 have the car moving just like your Bonnie, it catches me by surprise at times. I have located a limited slip rear axle (called Anti-Spin by Oldsmobile) to add to the car in the near future. I honestly believe it was the safety standards and anti-pollution requirements that started the downward trend in style after 1966. Any safety advocate would shudder looking at the interior of your featured car and my 1966 Oldsmobile. As Bob Dylan sang, The times, they are a-changing.... They did.
Wow! Thank you. I owned a 1966 Bonneville (last year of that body style) and I LOVED IT. Same color, not quite as well appointed. High school car. I was 17 in 1978. The car was $400 and looked like NEW with 57,000 miles on it. I've owned a LOT of old cars, but that one was special. What a sled. Nicely done. (and you released it on my birthday!)
The handling around town was top notch. The variable ratio power steering and almost too touchy power brakes made it a dream to drive. This was a highway cruiser, and there was an abundance of room in the backseat.
My dad had a 1965 Parisienne coupe in light blue. Very nice car and almost understated styling. A real icon of my youth.
Miss you dad.
Growing up in the 1960's these cars were everywhere, including lots of wagons. Cool to see one again.
Wow the engine sounded great, loved the detailed review.
Pontiac was the wonder of the industry at the time - the others all wondered how they could do such sculptured panels and do it without wrinkles or kinks and keep it so smooth. Magnificent cars. I had posters of the Catallina 2+2 on my wall as a teenager.
😁😁😁
Thank you for your video of the climate control A/C, a VERY rare option, My mom had a 66 Bonneville Brougham (black) with almost every option(no A/C) Power windows and vents vacuum door locks and vacuum trunk release- lamp group- mirror group, aluminum wheels, even then they switched to plastic grill ! your car is all metal, dash, grill, real metal gages! Sorry was the day they learned to chrome plate plastic! 67 was the beginning of the plastic everything era. I worked for a Pontiac dealer from 65-to 68 ,I stopped liking Pontiac after 67 ! I bought a 64 Cadillac coupe, my first car! (All metal) Love your videos!!
So glad that reviews are here again! Happy Spring!
I LOVE that car!! In 1986 I was short $500 for a $3200 66 2+2 which was like new really.. I now own a 1960 Bonneville Vista Top with the rare A/C. ALso has real wood on the dash.. Will be doing some youtube coverage on a future channel I'm starting. Re-doing much of the suspension now. It has a almost new appearance interior. I believe it is a survivor except for paint.. 90000 miles. Indiana car that must have been in the garage most its life.
Your skills for this sort of thing are excellent. I know you will go far with this channel.
We had a 64 and then a 68 Bonneville. I remember the AC controls looking exactly like the radio, except for the dial. Ours was manual AC and not auto temp, so there were even 5 buttons just like the radio. And the heat indicator would roll from red to blue as you adjusted the thermostat. Our 64 had real wood and that clearish steering wheel, but the wood was gone by 68.
Thank you for driving these cars. I agree wholeheartedly with getting on it sometimes. It's not abuse at all. Just letting it breathe a little.
This was without a doubt the best review I've read of all the ones I've seen of yours (probably about 30 so far). Absolutely fantastic! I'm a Pontiac fan! Brought home from the hospital in late 1948 in my dads 1949 Chieftain!!!
Thx!
Due to the efforts of Estes, DeLorean and people like Jim Wangers, Pontiac became the most emotional car brand of the 1960s. My dads fifth new Pontiac in six model years was a silver blue ‘65 Star Chief sedan. He kept it for three years before trading for a new ‘68 Wildcat. Your ‘65 is a handsome piece. Well done!
Nice to see a 421 survival.
I believe that you have shown that the paint looks beautiful on a sunny day in a previous video.
One of the coolest cars of the era was owned by a friend of my dad, a 1967 Bonneville Convertible in white. Absolutely a beautiful car, but like many convertibles, it leaked around the windshield, so he only kept it a few years. That 65 is a time capsule and deserves to be preserved. I can imagine that car would be a nightmare to restore properly if you found one as a barn find.
Hey Adam, thank you for your excellent review of the '65 Bonneville. I was just 10 years old in '65, and even by that time I was a total American car Gearhead. I made sure I knew every car the Big Three offered, of course had my favorites, and the '65 full size Pontiacs was definitely one of them. As soon as they were introduced in late 64, they caught my eye. Especially the vertical mounted headlights surrounded by those detailed chrome pods carved out of the front fenders, very attractive. They gave the side view of the car beautiful character. I also loved the three section taillights, that followed the lines of the rear fenders, very good looking. And that dashboard, so very detailed and interesting. In the 60s, all Pontiacs had great dashboards, but this 65 Bonneville beat them all with those three pod gauges angeled towards the driver were a great looking. The instrument lighting had kinda a neon look. I was always drawn to dash lighting, I hated cars that just had white lights. They were boring and cheap looking, the mid 60s Pontiacs were among my favorites. It was Ford, Chrysler and then Pontiac the for the best dash illumination. I would have to agree with you, automotive styling peaked in the 60s and never got better than that, with the 65 Pontiacs Bonneville and Lemans clearly at the top. It saddens me to think we will never have cars like that again. I live in Southern California and I remember the 65 Pontiac Bonneville and Lemans were very popular. My 5th grade teacher had a bright red Pontiac 2+2 with black interior he bought new in 65, I couldn't keep my eyes off of and there were several 65 Lemans in my neighborhood. All but one had the 326 ci that sounded great, one had the inline 6 underwood that well, had no sound at all. Thanks again for another great review. You seem to pick the right cars, cars I still love to this day with very fond memories. Keep them coming!
You where the same age as me in 1965...what a year to be 10 years old & into cars..!! See my post...
Fabulous styling, fantastic color, and surprisingly sumptuous interior. An absolute high water mark for American large cars. You have an incredible eye and a connoisseur’s taste, for sure.
I would say that the ‘65-66 Wildcat and Electra 225 are every bit as pretty on the outside… to my eye, anyway. Inside, the MASSIVE twin gauge pods are extremely striking on the ‘65s, in particular.
I’m also in love with the exterior styling of the big ‘70 Buicks - even if the interiors were nowhere near ‘65 levels of detail and opulence. By ‘70, the big Ponchos became a bit awkward-looking to me, and never really fully pulled out of that until about ‘77.
But those big block letters spelling BONNEVILLE on all 4 sides are so effective when there’s little trim to distract from them. Just brilliant. Glad the old girl can get up and go, too!
Thank you Adam for sharing this beautiful Pontiac. I had a 1963 Grand Prix and the dash was very similar. Speedo cluster almost identical, 3 pod gauges were more oval shaped, and the climate control also emulated the radio. Real teak wood inlay on dash and wheel, used to put a very thin coat of furniture polish on it once or twice a year to keep it from getting dried and cracking.
My Dad had a 66 Buick Electra 225 Custom with wood on the dash. I fully agree in your comments about the build quality of GM cars of this vintage. Had a 401 with switch-pitch Turbo Hydromatic. It was a beast that could eat up the miles in great comfort. On a vacation to Texas, I remember those metal AC vents getting so cold that they would drip water onto the floor. He traded it in 1973 on a brand new Olds 98 LS, but that’s another story. Absolutely love your videos!
in canada, the top of the line pontiac was a grand parisienne, pretty much a rebadge chevy caprice, with chevy motors and a chevy body, both built in oshawa, ont.
Excellent. Stunningly beautiful car in every way. I've always loved the 421. A close friend, in my childhood, his mother had a 1962 Ventura and his father had a 1962 or 63 Grand Prix. Back when they were still "new" cars. I have always loved those 1960s Pontiacs. The power steering in those days was, in my opinion, the way that it should still be in all cars. Turn the wheel, lock to lock with your little finger. Your car is stunning and further ignites my love of those cars. Lastly, I still miss the bright light switch being mounted on the floor. They never broke. I like the trunk mounted "trouble light" that the factory put in. Thanks for sharing your wonderful car with us.
What an amazing addition to your collection! Pinnacle, indeed. Right up there with your '67 Riviera. Amazing design and absolutely beautiful execution. Looks like the Bonneville was driven new from the showroom to a climate-controlled garage and parked for 60 years. Congratulations, Adam.
what a car 65 is my favorite to in a sea of gto s it nice to see one of a few left love the color combo white int and the real wood on the dash
This Pontiac is great, my aunt had a 65 Grand Prix she got new. I thought it was the coolest car with its 8 lug wheels, bucket seats & translucent steering wheel!!! Yes, those Pontiacs are perfect cars!!! 👍👍
I have a survivor '65 GP, loaded including 8 luggers
I have a survivor '65 GP, loaded including 8 luggers
@@CORVAIRWILD those are certainly gorgeous cars!!! You're lucky!!! 👍
Thanks for taking it out for a drive and giving us a demo of "getting on it" a bit. This one is very nice, though I do prefer the slightly smaller size and coupe form factor of your Catalina. The burgundy exterior color of the Bonneville is lovely as is seeing interior colors other than the black and gray that is in 90% of all new cars.
Beautiful, and what a nice color. 1965 was a good year for full size styling overall. A few got a bit better in 66 (Ford, Mercury) a few got a bit worse (Pontiac, Chevrolet). My favorite though has always been the Chrysler New Yorker (elegant) much as I do like the coke bottle that Pontiac did so well and those staggered '65 headlights. That's probably number 2 - and certainly much more sporty than the Chrysler - though the Olds had hips that gave it an altogether different - but very real - appeal.
The ribbed lower body trim and the fins around the headlights, always favorite details. Along with the guage pods and real wood trim - a Ponitac hallmark for years in the Bonneville, later Grand Prix, first gen Grand Am.
I'll take my 65 Bonne as a Brougham - then it was a near luxury bargain indeed / what an interior. Congrats on the 421 find.
My best friend had one of these in the early 70’s when we were in high school. What a party vehicle it was. Amazing how many teenagers you can crunch in there. It was so many colors as doors and fenders were replaced. Someone even had to scrape the frost off the windshield as we drove around cuz the heat didn’t work. Never failed us tho. Ahhhh, what memories. 🤪
Been a Pontiac fan since my parents brought home a new 1962 Catalina Vista. Have owned 17 Pontiacs over the years from 1949 to 2009. In the early 50s, Pontiac has a saying "Dollar for dollar you can't beat a Pontiac". This car definitely still reflects that. The grille and rear tail panel are hard to beat on this car and the 1966 face lift just was not as good overall. The inside and outside colors on this car are hard to beat. To find a low mileage survivor with this white interior is even more fantastic. There had to be so few that were sold with the all white interior. I am in total agreement with everything you said. I think one thing that was still very strong in the 1960's was "brand loyalty". If you were a Pontiac guy, you repeated and did not easily go to Chevy, Old, or Buick and you really did not go to Ford Motor Company or Chrysler Corp. for your next car. Part of that loyalty was due to the fact that Pontiac (as well as the other GM makes) had their own uniqueness in styling and drivetrain to make them different. 1965 cars were not yet hampered with emissions, safety, mileage and production costs that later cars had and this is reflected in this car as compared to say a 1975 Pontiac that had to deal with all these factors. Full size Pontiacs from 1960 to 1970 had the Pontiac Indian bright light indicator below the 60 MPH mark. That was one of my favorite things about the Pontiac when the other makes just had a square. I really enjoyed this edition with this really great car. Thanks.
My '68 Mustang has a pony shaped bright light indicator.
I also owned a 68 Mustang many years ago.
What a beautiful machine😍 Road trip was all I could think about while watching; this really made me😃
My favorite make & model of all the vintage machines. WHAT A BEAUTY!!
My uncle had one of them. It was black(no vinyl top)on black with tan interior. It was a big car, it really rolled on I-75 to downtown
This is the exact color of my Dad's '65 Catalina, so this really brings back the memories, although his had a red interior.
I remember the differences between the Bonneville and the Catalina as quite significant. I look at these two models as Pontiacs dividing line between price tiers in the GM stable of brands. The Catalina is the high-value model which offered classy looks with one of the best packages ever for a family car at an affordable price. The Bonneville, on the other hand, was Pontiacs entry into Oldmobile territory and was very luxurious. Among a number of other things, the Bonneville was longer and offered a heavier feel and smoother ride. Add to that, the fact these were typically heavy optioned cars with more expensive body styles that put the Bonne in a higher class. Catalinas were sporty, though. This, along with their premium mid-size cars, made for a very complete lineup for Pontiac in the '60s and '70s.
Great video, as usual. Keep up the good work and thank you, Adam.
The most beautiful and handsome Pontiac just about ever. I can't think of a single model I'd rather have than a '65 Bonneville.
I share your exuberance over the ‘65 Bonneville! I was 15 and kept an eye out for them to savor. I was fascinated by the articulated wipers. Why did so many not follow their lead?! I was also in awe of the ‘65 Bonneville wagon. Its lower sleek trim shimmered while the lucite steering wheel is pure artistry. Fabulous!
What a hot, antique & fabulous looking family hauler from back in the day. These 'land yachts' were the BEST!!! and with a 421 no less...... YAHOO !!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. This car is amazing and beautiful everywhere you look. It's no wonder that Pontiac won Car of the Year for '65. It was well deserved. Perhaps that's why my dad chose the '65 Catalina Safari to replace our '59 Chevy wagon. Mom said the blueflame six wouldn't go up hills but I think she was happy with the 389! We kept the Safari till the '71 Kingswood Estate. Thanks again Adam for your fantastic reviews!!
We need to see more wagons on this channel.
At 4 years old, I had the pleasure of driving a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville with a 389-tri power up the long driveway to the garage door. Yes my father
supervised the brake and accelerator, but I was in full control of the steering wheel.
My next door neighbor, an RN for OB had one of these Bonnevilles in '65, same color but her interior was black. I remember at the time walking around it in admiration. She drove us in it to Naperville Il once about 45 minutes away because she was buying a house out there with her husband. I sat in the back seat but I was not big enough to be able to see out the window. She traded in a '63 Impala in Laurel Green for this. The '60's was my favorite decade, there were so many beautiful things then in architecture, industrial design and music.
My first car was a $300 1965 Pontiac Bonneville! Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
Stunning automobile. Even as a 4-door absolutely beautiful. Pontiac definitely had the styling in the mid 60's. Thanks for sharing the video.
Beautiful car, a work of art. Love the translucent steering wheel. No mention of Delorean's influce
That’s when you nose it out of the driveway and it follows the white lines by itself. 😉
Great review, Adam. My first car I bought in 1970 at age 16 was a ‘65 Impala SS. It was burgundy with a white interior, bucket seats, and center console. Your Bonneville, next step up in the GM lineup, was definitely a big step up in features & design that were worth more than the price difference that existed at the time. I could well imagine a summer trip to Mackinac in that beauty. Thanks! 👍👍👍 ~John
I had a 65 Impala SS 327 convertible 👍.
I love your channel Adam. I stumbled across it through my recommended feed, and now I am a binge-watching, subbed junkie. Just like you, I fancy muscle cars and sports cars too, but these big sleds you own and preserve really tickle me. Well done good sir!!
Thanks Adam! Great Car Great Presentation!
Hello Adam, big fan. That Bonneville is a beauty, though I submit the '65 Buick Wildcat would be a worthy opponent. And 1970 may be GM's top year in power trains and overall quality with this gen, though '65 is clearly the style leader.
I have to agree, this is likely one of the best, yet overlooked 60's Full Sized options at the time. Everything you need, nothing you don't and all the style.
I remember getting a ride to high school in 1970 or 71 in a buddy's 65 Pontiac Bonneville that had the front bench seat with a four speed on the floor. He said his father had special ordered it and Pontiac was glad to build it that way.
Pontiacs from the 1960's were extremely popular in Canada and were seemingly everywhere when I was a kid. Bonnevilles were a rare sight however, although I fell in love with the '65 model courtesy of my AMT model kit. Still proudly displayed on the shelf for the last forty years. When I win the lottery, I WILL get the full size version...
I would like to own that car and always play 1965 music while driving it. It would add to the charm. Lots of great music also in 1965. I was four in 1965 and I remember the music of that year.
A teacher at my elementary school had a turquoise one in the late 60s. Love the look of the sun on the steering wheel.
Beautiful, majestic Pontiac!
I have a 68 so i really appreciate the respect on the drive train and styling
Wow, what a great looking car. Great review of the vehicle.
1965 would see a revolution with all the big guys on the market!
I’m in Canada where we didn’t get the Bonneville. But I had a friend back then who had been transferred to Canada from Alabama. And all he did was rave about the Pontiac Bonneville. I clearly remember he said that even in Alabama the Bonneville had “Air conditioning that would drive you out of the car!”
Wow! My favorite car….Beautiful color. My granderfather’s 65 Bonneville Brougham was Turquoise with a black vinyl roof and black brocade interior and to this day is my family’s favorite car and we even have pictures of it. These cars were so different in so many ways from the others with the passengers grab handle, the real wood grain and the clear steering wheel. They called it Coke Bottle styling….What a score…what a fine collection……keep’em coming.
What an incredibly handsome car. I love the stacked headlights. A very sharp car for sure!
I went to high school and college in the 80s and had friends with these in both schools, they were so great, solid and spacious. I have some wonderful memories tailgating with them at concerts in those years. Such great cars. On thing I remember was how much the engine moved when the gas was stepped on, if you had the hood open and stepped on it (in park) that huge block looked like it would jump off the mounts!! that and the ashtrays in those cars were so comically large.