Pontiac Bonneville in Context
A Pontiac Bonneville overview has to begin with the fact that the name first appeared on a limited convertible in 1957 before becoming a proper series the following year. The 1958 car arrived during a period when General Motors was redesigning nearly every division at once, so the Bonneville wore fresh sheet metal, heavy chrome and a longer, lower stance that signaled its position at the top of the Pontiac range. It was meant to draw younger buyers into showrooms and to shake off the brand's conservative image, a strategy that later Pontiac Bonneville generations would carry forward.
Understanding 1 generation
Understanding 1 generation is straightforward because it covers only 1958. Pontiac Bonneville body styles that year were the cabrio and the two-door hardtop coupe, both sharing the same platform and the same performance-oriented equipment philosophy. The complete redesign that followed for 1959 started a new generation with a wider stance and different proportions, so 1958 cars should not be confused with those that came after. When modifications are added, expect them to be separated by engine and induction options rather than by body, since both styles shared the same mechanical package.