1959 Pontiac Bonneville

The 1959 Pontiac Bonnevilles became "Wide-Tracks" for 1959 -- big but uncommonly handsome all-new cars that could fly like scalded bats and cornered better than anything else in the medium-price field. It was the start of what would be a dramatic upturn for a traditionally dowdy brand, which moved from sixth to fifth in the sales race.

The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville was Pontiac's first step in a sportier new direction

Leading this charge was the glamorous '59 Bonneville convertible. Though not a limited edition like the 1957 original, it was still a formidable performer with a newly enlarged 389 V-8 making 260 standard horsepower with stickshift or 300 with optional Hydra-Matic. Not enough? Order Tri-Power, with triple two-barrel carbs and up to 345 bhp.

The 1959 Pontiac Bonneville offered Hydra-Matic transmission and
Morrokide seats.

At $3478, the ragtop Bonneville sold a healthy 11,426 units. All came with Pontiac's top-grade "Morrokide" vinyl upholstery. Even "bucket" front seats were available. Pontiac was starting to go sporty in no uncertain terms.