1968 Pontiac Bonneville

1968 Pontiac Executive Hardtop Wide was the word for Pontiac again in 1968, and Wide Track was still its phrase. The entire Pontiac division was set to move forward into the future on a broader path. In the case of the second year 1968 Executive, width met up with length and largesse. Available as a hardtop with either two or four doors, a four door sedan, and as either a six or nine passenger station wagon, the Executive, which was born from the previous Star Chief Executive, was clearly targeted at the Pontiac owner who wanted a full size car at a compact price. It matched the width and length of the mighty Bonneville, but for less money. In fact, so considerable was its length that its 10-foot wheelbase was overshadowed by nearly 19 feet of car. Dealer literature from 1968 bears out the Executive approach. The car was touted as an example of the engineering and styling departments joining forces in order to prove that a luxurious automobile need not carry a price tag out of reach for the average buyer. For consignment, a second year 1968 version of the Executive that represents, in my opinion, one of the nicest design years in the history of this car. With its split front grille, Pontiac beak breaking it up, dual side by side headlights, sleek rear with integrated tail lights and along with a clean interior, this example is a keeper. Coming to our Hallowed Halls with an upgraded 400ci V8, this big budget minded Pontiac is ready to roll you into Wide Track luxury. Add in recent body work and a new paint job, a new interior, a power front disc brake conversion, and new suspension components all make this fun to drive and A ticket ride for sure. Exterior A color change coating of Springmist Green was recently applied and holds its own covering the big steel panels of this large and in charge cruiser. The panels are mostly straight and the paint is nice and consistently applied, and there is a lot of it to look at. The only real faults to note are a scuff on the left corner of the rear bumper and some scratching in the windshield. From the side view it appears as a 2 door spaceship with a swept back B pillar, and long, long trunk and hood and inset bumpers in chrome, it could be moving at warp speed. Adding to the spaceship mystique are the slotted and turbine style wheel covers and 215/70R14 thin white stripe sidewalls all in nearly new 14-inch format. A stainless rocker trim which covers the bottom from the front well rearward continues on the rear quarters and adds a nice highlight to the bottom end of this Starship Enterprise which is perfectly accentuated by the mid body beltline bump out. Areas of interest that are truly noteworthy are the chrome bumper beak and spaceship style tail panel. Interior Clean and original black door panels made up of tuck and roll vertical ribs and some nice trimming along with chrome window cranks. A white split back front bench, and another bench for the back are all in nicely preserved vinyl and make up the passenger compartment. Obviously well cared for and as per our consignor new, as the interior does not show much use. A wood appliqué dash with plenty of chromed highlighting is slightly patinaed and all functioning. A factory clock and AM radio are all within the factory stock dash and the top dash is covered with a black crack free padded vinyl. Factory A/C is within the early climate control pushbuttons and wheel control. With the wood applique and thin bezels throughout, along with a black steering column and clean and black plastic 3 spoke steering wheel this car is a stunner for the interior. A bold move down below with white carpet covering the floors, and a sagging black headliner floats above. Beam me up Scotty. Drivetrain A pop of the large and long hood and we are in the presence of a nicely preserved patina engine bay, within which is a correct and numbers matching YC stamped 400ci V8. This light blue block is topped with same c