Charles Phoenix JOYRIDE ARCHIVE - 1961 Pontiac Bonneville

Take a tour of Charles' personal vehicle for 10 years, the 1961 Bonneville by Pontiac. From the bubble top roofline to the twinkling stars in the headliner, this was a hard one to let go!

[@martintreu8690]

GM really sharpened and cleaned things up in ‘61. Crisp, swift, and agile. Admit it, everyone, this is pure automotive elegance, by the division that knew how to do it better than any other. I almost cried when you announced that this was a long goodbye.

[@joemackey1950]

Not only is the car a national treasure, so are you Charles! :)

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

Charles Phoenix Joyride car videos make all others pale by comparison! He celebrates the sleek, beautiful styling details of these creations from the absolute peak of the American car industry, with the enthusiasm and excitement they deserve! I hope he does many more - I've been re-watching and sharing my favorites again and again!

[@_charlesphoenix]

thank you!

[@markchodroff250]

Makes me cry ! I had a 1961 Bonneville bubble back with the 389, 421 heads and tri-power loved that car it was 6 years old when I purchased it in 1966 , it was like new , I still miss my car to this day . It was blue !

[@jjkerwin4677]

I have always LOVED the '61 Pontiacs...Bonneville, Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief...even the non-bubble post Cattys. GM design perfection? Yes!

[@hcombs0104]

This car brings back memories. My mom owned a '61 Star Chief. It had a powerhouse engine that she was not all that comfortable driving. I'm sorry to hear towards the end you had to part company with this beauty. It's such a classy car!

[@samkangal8428]

Everything in green, even the steeringwheel, it really looks amazing💚

[@MarinCipollina]

It's actually acrylic, not plastic.

[@Porsche996driver]

I 💚 and that bubble-top 🛸 with outer space age styling! 🛸👽

[@fob1xxl]

I was a sophomore in high school when this car came out. I loved it. My mom and dad had a 1959 that I actually liked better. I was a sucker for the twin fins on the rear. These were Pontiac's Golden Years. I sure miss them !

[@dirkbag22]

Simply sleek! I love the shape of the car front to back.

[@MarinCipollina]

Early 1960s Jet Age in all its glory/

[@slicksnewonenow]

My Uncle Dale had a Super Duty version of the Bonnie. 421/4 speed car. He called the grab-bar the "Jesus Handle"... When he'd nail that car, whoever was sitting in the passenger seat would AUTOMATICALLY grab that thing and hollar "oh, Jesus"! FUN AND GOOD TIMES!

[@BillyAlabama]

Perfect in every way!

[@erwinborgmann1425]

It's in such a good shape

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

And so is the car ! I KNOW ! 😂

[@camerrill]

Oh, I meaniss my Bonneville! It was a later model, 70ish, but it was my favorite ever.

[@williamschoemann4209]

It's beautiful. If it was mine I couldn't let it go. '61 was a banner year for GM hardtop coupes. By the way, what you call the Pontiac Vee was actually the Pontiac Arrowhead, because Pontiac was an Indian. I look forward to seeing what you choose to take it's place in your heart.

[@Mark-iy4no]

Beautiful car , Charles . Tough to let that beauty go . But I'm sure the new owner will give her the love that she deserves . Thanks for sharing

[@jannasholm7223]

My favorite 57&58 and THE 61❤

[@randysollars5350]

My first car was a '61 Boonville convertible. My grandmother got it new and I loved it when I was a child. Especially the grab bar. Ive only ever seen 2 on the road.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

LOVE!!! that color!

[@roberttucker805]

Another excellent video Charles. Keep them coming!!

[@brendakrieger7000]

Exquisite style and color💚

[@robertd8572]

Love this car - and the color is magnificent! Great videography as usual!

[@kayeninetwo3585]

Charles, I know it must've been difficult to let this beauty go. The 1961 Pontiac 2 door bubbletop is probably the nicest looking large American car from the early 1960's...my favorite, anyway. An acquaintance of mine has one that's been for sale, but it has too many rust issues, IMO, so I never bought it. Hopefully you've replaced it with something you really enjoy. Best wishes.

[@jimv7067]

Charles, thanks for sharing this gorgeous car with us and my sympathies to you in letting it go. Can't wait to see what you're replacing it with. Please keep the vids coming! I looove your channel!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Beautiful Bonneville!! Back in the day my grandfather had a 63 Bonneville, it was a blue color called Seafoam Aqua ☺

[@MarinCipollina]

When I was a young child, we had a 1962 Bonnevile, and a 1966 Bonneville.. Mom got a 1967 Grand Prix. Those were great cars.

[@gene978]

I am a car buff through and through since age 2. (long as I can remember) and I didn’t discover the 1961 Pontiacs until the last decade and you can imagine my Unique Awesome Car Radar Sensors I have built in me went off like I had just discovered a whole new Make of Cars! I had to see it in every trim and style. Thank you Charles. 👍 ps. I am having a ball checking out your Videos.

[@donaldleavy4379]

That’s truly an awesome car Chuck .. get into the dash & motor

[@armedinbama]

What a find! I don't know that I have ever seen a 1961 Bonneville coupe in my life! I cannot wait to see what could possibly replace that gorgeous automobile in your heart.

[@randorific333]

Beautiful car and condition. I hope someday you'll find a '62 Bonneville to film. I LOVE the taillights on the '62! Oh, don't forget, the Thunderbird Sports Roadsters also had a grab bar.

[@tamarafaurot]

Gorgeous!!😍😍😍😍

[@olddisneylandtickets]

As I'm watching I thought "Charles seems to know a lot about this one" and then I hear it is/was your own car! Awesome ride, amazing lines on the 61'.

[@davidallen5776]

I'd like to see a 4-door model once again. My family had a 1961 Ventura once upon a time. Even though it drove my folks nuts, I still miss it!

[@glynngreenwood8788]

What a Beautiful car.... so clean and elegant... wonderful colour.... and who doesn’t like bubble tops? And you are letting her loose..... Nooooo!! Well done! Thanks for Sharing Charles....

[@kingkrimson8771]

The Thunderbird Sports Roadster of '62 & '63 also had a grab bar on the dash

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

An absolutely superb yet bittersweet video. I can hear the sadness of letting her go in your voice. Please make sure your baby goes to a good home. Charles, you were born 30 years too soon! I can see you writing ad copy for these cars! Each of your videos uplift me every time I watch them. Thank you for sharing!

[@_charlesphoenix]

thank you!

[@richardmccaughey5928]

I think you mean "30 years too late"!

[@patrickphippspa584]

Noooooo. I almost cried! So hard to believe you sold or are selling this beautiful Bonneville. I LOVE the translucent steering wheel. What will you replace it with? Thanks Charles for your wonderful videos! I LOVE them all!

[@guilfordcigarman]

When I was very little, my mom had a '61 Ventura bubble window two door. It was painted in Florentine Blue, and the color has permanently stuck in my mind...

[@jkmsaturn]

The Bubbletop jumped on a surfboard & voila! You've got a Pontiac!

[@toxicman2145]

1961 was a golden year for GM. They forgot the absurdity of 58-60 and came up with clean and modern designs.

[@MarinCipollina]

All the 1961s from GM were drop dead gorgeous. They all look good today in terms of style.

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Pontiacs of that era were absolutely fabulous with such magnificent details I miss my 60 Laurentien Don’t sell it!

[@markjohnston3502]

Nice. My mom had one in blue. Traded in for a '64 Buick Wildcat.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

60 years later the styling still thrills. Today's cars look like Godzilla's offspring.

[@hcombs0104]

They are timeless.

[@moparedtn]

Awww Charles, why sell her? Such a beauty...

[@johnlavender242]

V W Bug had the Grab Bar too.

[@ivorwm2291]

Dreamy

[@francispotter5300]

Thanks for your videos Doug in Ga

[@_charlesphoenix]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephangonzales7105]

I like the 61, beautiful color and roof line, however the front grill was once described as a "buck tooth hillbilly" I grew up with a 62 Catalina, now that was a stunningly designed car!

[@hcombs0104]

The front end of the '62 models were more aggressive-looking than the '61s.

[@richardmccaughey5928]

I humbly disagree. Front to back, there has never been a better looking full-size American car than the '61 Pontiac "bubble tops"!

[@KingDavidinPhoenix]

Yes, GM did a great job back at that point, before I was born. LOVE that color too, green is my favorite

[@_charlesphoenix]

Same here!

[@asteverino8569]

Sweet car and colors! Bye bye, Bon Bon. I had a Pontiac taken from me. My ‘72 Le Mans was totaled while parked at the curb, one night. I still dream about finding it and that it’s okay to drive.

[@guywill7875]

That is an Orchestra of mint green

[@Tfontaine209]

Green dream💚

[@JGarcia77]

Charles- I’d love to see you do a segment on the ‘76 Coupe DeVille or the ‘76 two door Electra 225 coupe. Actually any two door, mid ‘70’s, full-size GM will do. I know I’m nuts but I love those gas guzzling luxury land yachts..

[@_charlesphoenix]

If only I could find those cars !!!

[@discerningmind]

Poor Pontiac, those parting words were so harsh "nothing lasts forever". I'd have felt better if he said "your new owner really needs you".

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Take note! This is not a lemon-sucking 61 Plymouth.

[@frankvellake2077]

one of my all time favorite cars until the 71 trans am.

[@gabrielvalentino6282]

Charles, look at that spear... I know!

[@brober]

Sad you have to let your baby go. As bellissima as she is I'm sure she'll find a good home.

[@James-ik8yz]

BIG. I Know

[@richardmccaughey5928]

The '61 Pontiacs were among the best looking full size American cars ever. One reservation however. The Ventura and Catalina had better proportions than the Bonneville. The rear deck and overhang were too long on the Bonneville. My favorite is the Ventura,

[@MarinCipollina]

All US cars had excessively long rear ends, it wasn't just Pontiac, and the 1960 model year were even worse on that issue. Pontiac fixed that with the Grand Prix in 1962 which rode on a Catalina chassis. Quite stylish.

[@richardmccaughey5928]

@@MarinCipollina I was speaking specifically about the Bonneville in comparison to the Catalina and Ventura. All three shared the same "greenhouse" but the longer wheelbase and decklid of the Bonneville didn't do the "bubble top" any favors.

[@davidkastin4240]

​@@richardmccaughey5928 Hello Richard. Fun Fact; All Bonnevilles are longer than the Catalina, Ventura and the Grand Prix ✌️

[@LouisSantos-vu4kr]

Das ist eine schone auto.

[@MSMTV]

Lets see the engine and trunk

[@_charlesphoenix]

Oh u will !!! ...

[@Pisti846]

This was such a sad video, there was just none of the usual joie de vivre in your delivery.

[@_charlesphoenix]

cuz I was saying goooodbyyyye ...

[@nobusmanrbbj]

We kneww...

[@caravaggio495]

59 is nicer

[@donaldleavy4379]

Good fer you Chuck let it to someone else.. DONT SELL IT TO A MILLENNIAL PLEASE.. ITLL GET CHOPPED.. really there trashing classic cars . It’s beyond gross .

[@dontellgucci1117]

Please don’t think I’m being an azz I’m a Libra but the Pontiac V is not actually a V I won’t say because maybe you’re being politically correct 👎 but us old guys who know what its always been

[@_charlesphoenix]

What is it?

[@trudygreer2491]

Charles, I believe Donn'tella is referring to the Pontiac Arrowhead emblem.. a cultural misappropriation? who can say..

[@nobusmanrbbj]

Pontiac was an Indian chief so that could well be a stylized arrowhead?

[@kingkrimson8771]

@@trudygreer2491 If the woke saw the lighted Indian head hood emblem Pontiac used in the 50's they'd have a seizure