2nd Sep 2006, 07:08
I own a 65 with 79K original miles. I'm the 3rd owner. 2nd owner bought her from a little old lady (it's true) in OK who became too old to drive and he spotted it in her garage. I have all of the orignal owner's sales paperwork. I purchased her from 2nd owner while stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome NY. It was kind of funny how she always started in the dead of winter. My neighbors newer cars struggled to turn over on those cold winter mornings, but the Bonnie only need it's choke set and she fired right up. She's in storage right now and hasn't been driven in some time. It's time for a refresh - does anyone have restoration advise to share? I live in PA, right down the road from Hershey. Seeing all the old cars during the shows has been getting to me!!
20th Jan 2008, 02:29
To the sarcastic comment about ricers guy.. Yeah, the Bonneville has 4-5 times the displacement.. but it also weighs 4-5 times more. My 65 Catalina STOCK will smoke most rice rockets that are pumped up.. and it has a tired 389 with a 2bbl carb.
American steel all the way.
20th Jan 2008, 14:32
Owning a classic such as this, I would not ever need to feel I had to explain about racing a small current import.
Having owned many very valuable and rare GM musclecars from this era, my primary concern has been more being hit by late model vehicles than having to prove anything. Or having the car unattended out of sight.
What is the best is having a $3200 new vehicle now appreciated over $60k! I have had many notes left on my windshield to sell over the years, some I should not have accepted, but that's life.
By the way, what will the Japanese model be worth 40 years from now if it is still roadworthy or rusted apart?
18th May 2009, 15:47
"The world would love to know"
Why don't you check out your local Barrett-Jackson auction or your Hemming's Motor News Mag and check out what the two-door coups with big-blocks are going for before you make any more remarks. They may not be quite at 60k yet for a perfect one, but they are getting close.
On a side note, to the poster of the review, I'm guessing your car doesn't have the problematic, but quite beautiful 8-lug wheels because you haven't mentioned any brake adjustments or vibrations LOL. To be honest I'm not even sure if they were available in that year, I think the were. Anyway, they are one of the most beautiful stock wheels ever made, but rather problematic and troublesome.
18th Feb 2018, 02:47
When Generation X reaches your current age, these “imports” will have the same value and status that muscle cars do now. Sports cars from the 80s are already beginning to appreciate.
13th Feb 2006, 11:23
I had a 1966 bonneville sport coupe, it was the best car I ever had. It had power everything, even vent windows! the perfect car...