1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible 389

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“It performs, it’s pretty, and ride and controllability are a pleasure,” wrote Cars magazine in ’61. The 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible marked a pivotal moment for Pontiac as the brand fully embraced its emerging performance identity while retaining its luxury appeal. The redesigned full‑size lineup featured crisp, modern styling with cleaner lines, a lower stance, and the debut of Pontiac’s signature split grille. Power came from the versatile 389ci V8, offered in configurations including the desirable Tri‑Power setup. Despite its capability, the Bonneville maintained upscale refinement with rich interiors, optional eight‑lug aluminum wheels, and numerous comfort features. As a convertible, it perfectly blended early‑’60s elegance with open‑air glamour, becoming one of Pontiac’s most memorable models.

This 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible wears a refinish in its factory-correct Coronado Red and features a detailed engine bay.T he car is equipped with a Maroon tri-color “Morokide” vinyl bench-seat interior, a White pinpoint canvas convertible top, and Kelsey-Hayes–style wire wheels. Power comes from Pontiac’s renowned 389ci V8 with a 4‑barrel carburetor, rated at 287 horsepower, which is paired with a Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox. It now shows just under 85,000 miles.

This 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with factory manuals and a clean Indiana title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from the Bill & Patti Spurling Collection

• 389ci V8 four-barrel engine rated at 287 hp

• Hydra-Matic automatic transmission

• Finished in Coronado Red paint over a White power convertible top

• Maroon tri-color vinyl bench seat interior

• Correct Guide T-3 headlamps

• Retains factory undercoating

Factory Equipment

• Original restoration battery

• Dash mounted passenger grab bar,

• Matching White vinyl convertible top boot

• AM radio with rear seat speaker

• Remote drivers side view mirror

• Tinted windshield

• Tinted glass

• Power steering and brakes

• Day/Night rearview mirror

• Clock

• Heater

• Carpeted trunk area

• Jack

• The Body by Fisher tag decodes as:

  • Date: 01D – Fourth week of January 1961

  • Style: 61-2897 – Bonneville Two-Door Convertible Coupe

  • Body: BK 65 – Kansas City, Kansas, body number 65

  • Trim: 256 – Maroon leather

  • Paint: L1 – Coronado Red paint, White convertible top

• The chassis number (861K4886) decodes as:

  • 8 – Pontiac Bonneville

  • 61 – 1961 model year

  • K – Kansas City, Kansas, assembly plant

  • 4886 – Production number

Modifications

• Kelsey-Hayes-style wire wheels

Servicing & Documentation

• Kept in climate-controlled storage and serviced in-house by Mr. Spurling's mechanic

• American Classis whitewall radial tires

• Exhaust system replaced

• Rechromed bumpers

• All bodyside moldings removed straightened and polished

• Rear taillight bezel have factory ridges in chrome

• Recast acrylic steering wheel

Known Imperfections

• Rust bubble on right door

• Corrosion in trunk

• Older paintjob with blemishes shown in the gallery

Ownership History

This 1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible is offered from the Bill Spurling Collection.

Included Items

• Original Sales, Owners & Accessories guides

• Complete set of original factory service manuals

• Matching spare wheel

• Jack

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 Email: dgould@hagerty.com