The Pinnacle of Pontiac/Coke Bottle Design: 1965 Bonneville & 1966 Catalina - Walkaround & Drive

[@bazcar22]

My dad had a 1966 royal burgundy Pontiac Bonneville with burgundy brocade trim it was fully imported factory ordered right hand drive, as we lived in Australia. I was eight years old at the time and totally gob smacked by our new car. These gorgeous vehicles bring back the memory of this momentous time in my life. The following day my father murdered my mother, she complained it was too extravagant.

[@scottleyva8656]

I love when you're talking about other comparison cars, you show a picture of the car for reference.

[@dannyg6592]

Fabulous episode - GM styling reached its peak in the mid 1960's.

[@audieconrad8995]

What a fascinating tutorial! My father sold Pontiacs in the early '60's and owned a '62 Bonneville. These cars have a real soft spot with me. The devil is in the details - to have these cars explained through the eyes of a designer is precious. Fantastic!

[@3069mark]

A strong memory of mine is when I was 7 years old in 1965 and my father bought a new Pontiac Star Chief. It had the same "Coke Bottle" design as the '65 Bonneville". It was beige in color and had the 389 V8 engine. It had the round bezel gauges that slanted toward the driver. It was a beautiful car. When I was 8 years old in 1966 my father let me sit on his lap and drive it when we were coming home to Iowa from California. That was a big thrill for me. So I really appreciate your videos about the '65 Bonneville.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Although I am a Ford/Mercury man I enjoyed seeing the old Pontiac's as I remember them as a boy as my father was a mechanic and had his own service station. He had many customers that drove Pontiac's of all varieties including the Bonneville and Catalina. Indeed, I remember a lady customer that had a Safari station wagon. Thank you for another informative video presentation.

[@robertmills3682]

Thank you so much for adding the little thumbnail images of the different things you are talking about at the time, it really helps us visualize the look or detail you are talking about.

[@fairalbion]

At classic car shows & meetups, muscle/pony cars are very heavily represented. They are great machines, but the coolness factor of the cars in your niche is a breath of fresh air. Many thanks.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thank you!

[@michaelbrown5601]

I thought I was an automotive nerd. Nope. You guys are the real deal, there’s always something to learn each time I watch. I absolutely love this channel.

[@mitchb2305]

I know. I had no idea how possible it was to describe cars in so many words. These guys combine automotive critique with one of the great authors. Like Sallinger, or Tolstoy.

[@fehlrock]

@michaelbrown5601 I creeped around my neighborhood from age 5 going Into neighbors property looking at and into cars. I never got asked to leave ! ?

[@landiahillfarm6590]

Amazingly beautiful cars

[@tedlym.3390]

Beautiful cars. Thank you,

[@WhittyPics]

They don't make em like that anymore

[@johnchildress6717]

They are perfect but I don,t know why he mentioned the car being sensual.You could distinguish different car makes easily back then.I don t like the smiley face front fascias of the junk I see now.

[@eth39232]

When I was a freshman at Virginia Tech in 1982, I enjoyed looking at old issues of Motor Trend on microfiche and loved reading about the 1965 Pontiacs and wishing cars were still like that.

[@70sleftover]

Yeah, we already knew the time of classic cars was well past, and could only wish to see one again. Nice to learn from Marc and Adam why my young untrained eye was mesmerized by the beauty of these Pontiacs. (By the way, did Marc mention anywhere why he has a Va. Tech shirt?)

[@rickdees2411]

There are lotsa lotsa folks out there who still want the beauty of the old autos, but with Government designing autos, consumers are severely restricted to today's plastic and tin cookie cutter designed cars, tch tch

[@robferragine9265]

I have a 66 cat. as factory as i can get it. Beautiful car, solid piece of art. these cars have a grace and elegance that todays cars will never have. From the designers to the factory workers and all the parts and effort that went into these machines is just incredible.................. when my tech advanced car breaks down. I drive on the catalina.

[@randallfrank5682]

Both of those cars are beautiful, I love the sound of the doors closing. The interior of the 65 Bonneville is wonderful. Now that I am in my golden years (75), I have come to appreciate 4 door hardtops and I would skip the coupe models. I almost bought a dark blue 1966 Catalina 2+2 hardtop in November of 1967 with the 421 ci engine and a 4 barrel carb with a 4-speed. Instead, I opted for a 1966 Oldsmobile 442 coupe in Tropic Turquois. with a 400 ci engine with a 4 barrel carb. It also had a 4-speed transmission. I went with the 442 because the original engine failed, and the dealer put a 1967 engine under warranty, so I thought that I was getting a pretty new engine. It served me well taking me across the United States twice. Both cars had what I thought were pretty nice black vinyl interiors with bucket seats and consoles.

[@gastrcat]

Fantastic body contours.... you can endlessly look at the cherry Pontiac!!!

[@josmotherman591]

That Bonneville is magnificent. And such an interesting and informative talk on the many different design features. Just....cool.

[@RootsandTendrils]

Well thank you gentlemen for a very interesting and enjoyable presentation, your guest Mr. Mark is quite an entertaining personality. I must admit my incompletely informed opinion dismissing the 4-door cars of this era as hulking, cumbersome, and aesthetically deficient, was indeed inaccurate. The Bonneville here is a Work Art, the richness of its detailing, its inventiveness, and the beauty of its natural forms, all well harmonized and creatively embellished to excite, please, and warm its beholder --is remarkable, and it is Sleek; truly a height of design achievement.

[@desertmodern7638]

Excellent segment with a favorite guest. With the exception of a 1966 Toronado that blew me away when a family friend arrived in a brand new one - apparently from several years in the future - I did not become enamored of GM products until 1969. The cleaner lines and glass area, greater horizontality and less chrome-laden interiors seemed truly modern. And then the 1971s arrived with the fuselage styling and cockpit instrument panels and I seldom looked back. So it's only in recent years that I've grown to appreciate this era of Pontiac. The superb styling and early introduction of features (such as lap vents and articulated and then concealed wipers, to name a few that I'm aware of) are a wonderful example of divisional differentiation. One wonders how many sales were influenced by these small innovations and not just the more common motivators like styling, content and price.

[@rtchrg440]

Really enjoyed the review of two outstanding Pontiacs - agreed these cars were at the pinnacle of design in mid-60s.

[@darinaadland5226]

Love the 65 and 66 Ponchos. I like the 66 Catalina the most. That 59 Chevy flat top in the background is gorgeous also!

[@bobbybuckhead]

My Dad had the fully loaded ‘66, “Navy Blue” in color Bonneville…this video brings back such precious memories of traveling on vacations and visiting families in other cities in the car🌞 …just a beautiful car!👍🏿👏🏾

[@gregmcable]

What a superb episode! Such an erudite commentary on the emphasis on design and materials that was epitomized by mid ‘60s GM. All the more poignant watching it and knowing that in a few short years it would be gone, with the rise of the bean counters and the oncoming malaise era.

[@kennethhoskins1647]

My first car while I was still in college was a used 1967 Pontiac Bonneville. It was a 4 door hardtop in turquoise with a matching turquoise interior. I felt so lucky to have it because it was built as a factory executive car (provided to factory execs as a perk) and had EVERY option offered by Pontiac that year, even a factory 8-track tape player, true stereo AM/FM radio/sound system, 8-lug wheels, and automatic temperature control. I loved that car and I wish I had held on to it. Alas, I traded it in on a brand new '75 Olds Cutlass on the day I graduated. I'm sure everyone has stories of cars they are sorry they let go.

[@DanEBoyd]

Which reminds me: Adam, how about a feature on the 8 lug wheels? Please. Our new '75 Cutlass was a Supreme two door, in light pastel blue with a dark blue landau top, and a dark blue velour bench seat interior. It was an excellent car! They sold it in late '78 with maybe 55,000 miles, to a college kid for well over $3000.

[@toddbonin6926]

Gosh, I wish I could hang out with you two for an afternoon!!! Though I'm decidedly in the FoMoCo camp (particularly the Mercury family), I love Pontiacs and (some) Oldsmobiles. The 65-70 big Ponchos were truly works of art. My mom had a '66 Bonnie - gold with black vinyl roof. It was gorgeous. Great episode.

[@Joel_E]

That '66 Catalina is a stunner. Love the color!

[@jamesrichardson559]

Found the channel three weeks ago. Fantastic since I am a product of the early 1950's. The trunk overhang on the Bonneville is massive. Of all the vehicles you have shown the Mercury's are my favorite by far.

[@rodneyfletcher9565]

Adam, again two of my favorite years of Pontiacs. These cars are just beautiful.

[@mikecaseymotors]

Thanks so much for this walk down memory lane. My Dad had a 66 Olds 98 and my uncle 65 or 66 Catalina. So well done guys!

[@brucebelitz3451]

I've always loved the stacked headlights, two very nice cars!

[@lorieandpatrickdavies7483]

My dad had a 1965 Pontiac Parisienne (a Chevrolet powered B platform car, that had a lot of Bonneville styling cues), probably his favourite car and the only one he ever expressed regrets selling. I can recall sitting on his lap as a very little boy, and steering the Parisienne down our winding driveway while he controlled the accelerator and brakes. The car was an attractive light green colour (probably Artesian Turquoise) with a combined vinyl and cloth interior (likely Medium Turquoise). I still remember playing Lego in the backseat while we rocketed along well above the speed limit (my dad had a heavy foot). The car suited him, and it served our family well. I can't recall him having any issues with it. He traded it in after it reached 100K miles on a new 1976 Pontiac Lemans, which basically fell apart in a few short years. He was so disappointed that the quality of the 1960s Pontiacs did not continue with the 1970s models, which sadly was a trend for the US car industry overall. Great episode, and I enjoy your channel.

[@andypittman9850]

I really enjoyed this segment. I am as old as the 65, but it is in better shape!! Marc's eloquence of design explanation is certainly a wonderful contribution to your wealth of knowledge. This was 37 minutes of my time well invested.

[@ludovicoc7046]

Love these W I D E - T R A C K Pontiacs!

[@larskars5835]

Great to listen to an analysis from a well-spoken professional designer. I always liked these Pontiacs (between 1963 and 1968). It would be great to hear more from Marc on this…

[@325xitgrocgetter]

Reminds me of an episode of My Three Sons or I dream of Jeannie since both were sponsored by Pontiac. Great cars and great history.

[@markesanderson6381]

Adam, your '66 Catalina has been my FAV car of yours since your launch. But man, this comparo made it tough! Those round guages in the '66 and front headlight cut outs w/ chrome - and - it's a Bonneville instead of a Catalina - but alas - I'd still give up my firstborn for a drive around the block in the Catalina. So simplistically elegant. The color! Love the night drive videos - lights, signals, instrumentation, all fun as well. Thank you for your amazing presentations.

[@cybair9341]

I love these discussions around styling, aesthetics and design. Thank you for this pleasurable video.

[@Bflobaz]

My dad had the 1966 Bonneville ... what a road car for a trip! The trunk was so huge, an NBA player couldn't reach the spare tire with both feet on the ground. Yes, to this day, the 1965-66 models remain my favorite of so many top-notch vehicles.

[@bhf614]

Many thanks for this video! My Dad had a 1967 Pontiac Catalina. The cars in this video were my favorites when I was a kid in the early 70s. Of all the cars he owned, his favorite was the 1967 Catalina.

[@GarthGoldberg]

My dad had a '66 Bonneville convertible, white with a red interior. What a long low barge. He sold it for $500 in about 1971. Nobody kept cars for fifteen years back then. A five-year old car was old

[@poseyhollow]

Of all the cars I have seen in your collection, the 1965 Bonneville and 1966 Catalina are by far the finest cars in your collection. With that being said, the 1965 Pontiac's headlamps, hood, grille, and bumper are a work of art.

[@pupwizard3888]

Both of these cars are gorgeous! I am embarrassed to say that I had no idea there were cars made by Pontiac that had such graceful lines. It makes me wonder what else I don't know....

[@richroj]

I love that Bonneville Adam, it goes on forever ! I notice the absence of full wheel covers and right side mirrors !

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Great video. My parents had a 1970 Catalina Station Wagon that served as the family "truckster" well into the early 1980's. My mom loved that car!

[@tigerman3]

Love the Pontiacs! My buddy had a '67 GTO when I was in high school. What a cool car and it was fun to drive!

[@KingDavidinPhoenix]

Both of these cars are absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you, wonderful video!!

[@CarDocBabaPhilipo]

Worked on many of those in the 70’s. Solid cars that protected you and your family 👍❤️

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Magnificent cars, best time to be alive was in the 1960's. My next door neighbor bought that same Beonneville in the same color and with a black interior in '65. I remember walking around the car admiring it from all the angles. My dad had a '62 Falcon so the Bonneville was quite a departure from the austerity of the Falcon. That Bonneville was the first car I drove in that had AC, I still remember I sat in the back seat and I was not big enough to see out the window.

[@DanEBoyd]

I got to relive that feeling of not being able to see out the windows in 2010 or so, the first time I rode in a fifth generation Camaro. When I was little, my parents told me one day that I no longer had to ride in my car seat! I was thinking, "aw, hell yeah, I'm really growing up now" till I found I couldn't see out, and take in the beauty of the roads, circa 1970. I must've kvetched up a storm, because they put the car seat back in for a while longer. That car seat was constructed of chrome tubing, with upholstered padding for the seat and back, and wrapped around the hoop which folded down in front of me. It joined with the vehicle's seat via two chrome bars which inserted between the seat and the back. I guess/hope they wrapped a seatbelt around it to secure it.

[@arnepianocanada]

You two are super comedians! That opening improv is a delight. Then 9 & 10 years old, I was transfixed by new '65-6 Pontiacs; they still are faves today among US output.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Marc has really added a valuable perspective to your videos Adam. Another great video. From 1965 thru 1975 I feel this is the pinnacle of the domestic automobile.

[@RareClassicCars]

I would say 65-72

[@richardmorris7063]

Nearly every family had a 4 Dr sedan in the 60-70s.Pick up trucks were used by farmers & deliveries services.How time has changed!

[@cdstoc]

Thanks for inviting Marc for another video. I've loved the '65-'66 Pontiacs since they were new, but I have even more respect for their design and quality after watching your videos.

[@Leawoody]

Loved this. My grandmother had a 1966 Catalina hardtop until 1973 in a very dark blue, almost black with blue interior. It seemed like such an elegant car to me as a kid.

[@SeaTravelr123]

Wow. Probably my new favorite video. I loved the 63-66 Pontiacs above all others. The descriptions of the designs was wonderful. In high school I made a running list of the difference and always split my affections between the years. The smoothness of both 64/66 and the detailed angles of 63/65. I currently have 3 of the 4. ❤️❤️

[@CJColvin]

Adam, gotta love the Pontiac styling as well as Coke Bottle styling in general on alot of mid to late 60s and early 70s cars.

[@scottking4931]

Thanks to Mark for is Excellent explanation on these Pontiacs. They are just amazing vehicles and owning 2 of them in mint condition is great. The 66 does have a cleaner front end but I am still partial to the 65 Bonneville Brougham as my grandparents had a 65 in Turquoise with black roof and interior.

[@javahedz]

OURSTANDING discussion of the styling nuances of these two beauties, from someone on the inside! I smiled all the way through!!

[@ashleygordon3467]

Fantastic video - love the in-depth discussion about the design - love both but the details of the ‘65 grille and headlights are wonderful. What I can never get over is the fact that not only was design so full of details, but how they came up with annual updates with all these details across entire product lines. Also the care that was taken to offer so many interior variations each with immense colour choice. Then there were all manner of factory options. Mind boggling and they must have had huge design departments to cope.

[@2001rams]

Of your cars, these are my two favorites. In the world of GTO's, the Bonneville's and Catalina's have been overlooked. These cars are the best examples of why they should no longer be so overlooked. Not only was Pontiac a performance leader in the 1960's, they were also the style leader so I am sure other makes of cars at the time were always checking to see what Pontiac was doing. Great show on Pontiacs but also have to note that very nice 59 Chevy. Thanks again.

[@RyanMoran1992]

Of these 2, I especially love the Bonneville. One of the most beautifully designed cars. I own a ‘70 Plymouth Fury 3, with a design I also love - The Lincolns of this era however are my absolute favorite designs. Elegant and timeless

[@richardmorris7063]

I like the 66 Riviera for their cool shape but give me a suicide door early 60s Lincoln drop top & I'm happy.

[@giggiddy]

Woo!!!!! Marc!!!! Yep, this has become my favorite channel. Can't get enough of this stuff. Its somewhat addictive, actually.

[@petermandics1517]

Adam, please always welcome Mark back by unpopular demand; his masters classes in design are riveting and I can't believe how much I've learned about some of my favorite cars. You guys are great.

[@leightonfarms4962]

what a lovely Chevy sitting along the curb. Excellent commentary on the Pontiacs. Thank you Gentlemen!

[@DisabilityExams]

Great looking cars. Love the 421 4bbl with handling package.

[@JackF99]

What an informative episode. It brought out the fact that the coke bottle effect is driven by the styling of the of the rocker panel area. Many cars had always had that profile on the top of the fenders (as a remnant of the days when fenders were separate from the body). Only the coke bottle cars mirrored that down below.

[@andrewmoens8614]

Thanks, for the exceptional tour by Mark.... Gorgeous Pontiacs. I was dozing off, while listening, excellent and most educational information.

[@billcrowder6477]

I had a '67 Pontiac Grand Prix convertible. It was so fun to drive

[@sergioleone3583]

I REALLY enjoy these design critiques/expositions, whether they are with Mr. Wayne Kady or with your buddy Mark here. GREAT stuff.

[@terry3193]

Glad to see Marc in the video. He's not only extremely knowledgeable, an expert, and articulate but he has fun personality which makes for a fun video. I love both cars.....beautiful! I like the front end of the '66 with the cleaner stacked lights and grill over the '65, however I like the wider slab and lines of the '65 Bonneville. I also really like the rear end treatment of the '65 with the wide profile and brightwork. The lines and sculptured sides remind me of the '69 Mercury Marauder that had the fender skirts and the rear end treatment was also similar to that of the '65 bonneville horizontal tail lights. Great video and 2 stunning GM specimens. Thanks for sharing and take care!

[@HelvisCamaro]

Superb video! Love the tours with actual automotive employees. This video, the Cadillac videos, very nicely done!

[@wesalexander2693]

Thank you for a wonderful video and retrospective of two beautiful cars. My father had a 1966 Bonneville convertible in the same color as the Catalina in this video. I still remember the day he purchased that car, I thought it was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. The rear overhang was another matter - the car would scrape the tail transitioning driveways to streets and vice versa, to the point that he had a trailer hitch installed to act as a protector! But those were the days of very distinctive, high style design and color matched interiors, nothing like the homogenized shapes and bland interiors of today's cars. As an automotive aficionado you could easily tell the make and model of cars at night by the light shapes and configurations.

[@SSV-i-c-e]

Wow what a great story.cool way to,start a rainy Sunday morning in nz.love this Chanel your doing great work Adam 🇳🇿

[@wdshepherd1]

'Just discovered you guys today and really enjoy your in-depth discussion of styling. Growing up, my father was a 30 year and out Pontiac auto worker. As a kid, I could never understand how come he couldn't afford a Pontiac, but drove Ramblers! I plan to watch your whole series.

[@70sleftover]

Funny, my dad was a chemist working for big chem corporations and he took Consumer Reports' advice and bought a '60 Rambler, which he traded in for a '65 Chevy Belair (with a straight six and the first automatic I think he ever had). Later we added a second car - probably the best-looking car my parents ever owned - a '71 Buick Skylark (with a 350 V8!). That was a splurge it seems in comparison but my dad was just not into cars much, certainly unwilling to spend extra $ to purchase - and fill the tank of - a full-size car when they were at their largest and heaviest. He and my mom would probably say they were raising us kids and the car was secondary, which I can appreciate now. But I forever had to dream of riding in these beauties that Adam (and Marc) shows us.

[@aprilsf2410]

Thank you for your in-depth presentations and commentary on design. My father worked at Pontiac Motor Division (tool and die, skilled tradesman) for 34 years (third shift) and I would look forward to his annual updates on how the next year’s models were going to appear, as he was the guy making the dies that made the metal stampings. He owned many Pontiacs, from the ‘56 Star Chief with a Continental Kit to a ‘59 Star Chief four-door sedan and the list goes in. In 1965, our garage was graced with a brand-new Bonneville Safari (Midnight Blue with gray Morrokide interior) with every available option - including an under-dash mounted Delco 8-track tape player. A stunning automobile!

[@stephenlawn159]

Holy cow this takes me back to my 2nd car. 65 Bonneville Brougham, which was the luxury interior package that featured overstuffed seats, door pulls that were similar to the dash grab handle on the Bonneville, and a rear center arm rest. Mine was a 389 4bbl (which would burn the tires, one at a time for as long as you kept your foot down) Black on Black with light blue interior. 4 door coupe just like this one. Always thought they were better looking than any Cadillac. At 5'8" tall I could lay on the front seat, and my head & feet didn't touch the doors. It had an air operated trunk release button in the glove box. Changing a rear tire meant cranking the bumper jack to the very last notch. Best drive-in movie car ever!! 4 in front, 4 in back and/or 6 in the trunk. Haha! Thanks for the video guys, great job!

[@DSP1968]

Another great design analysis from you and Mark. I especially appreciate Mark taking the time to discuss the other concurrent car designs and how they all influenced each other -- I think perspective is key for those who were not around when these cars were new (or slightly used). Thank you, gentlemen!

[@joemackey1950]

I really like the details that are pointed out, some things I might not notice, or pay much attention to, such as the headlight area between the two cars, etc.

[@dominickcolasanto6582]

Absolutely spectacular condition and immaculately clean beauty's you are a worthy caretaker of these historical gems. Very enjoyable travel back in time to the sixty's hearing the detailed explanation on the styling ideas wow! Thanks Guys!!!

[@slyguyaction]

Absolutely GORGEOUS cars. Wow! Thanks for sharing these with us.

[@johnsjohnson448]

Mark is terrific! I enjoy his stories and your videos. Thanks for sharing the History and a look at these two great automobiles which were prominently featured on "I Dream of Jeanie."

[@L4sleeko]

I always feel right at home on this channel listening to all the details and exchange of ideas.

[@petersilecchio4417]

Great Video. When I was 17 our tenant died and the wife gave me their 1965 Catalina in 1976. I drove it all over for another 6 years. Had Drum Brakes in the front and they always gave me a problem. Love watching all your Videos.

[@tarkus522]

Love these videos with Mark. His insight from a designers view is great. Also like his insights as to cost of items. Love both cars but have always preferred the 65s just a little more than the 66.

[@richardmorris7063]

They took out the details more each yr.You can see it just in the headlights.

[@vincentbasso4903]

Really enjoyed the video. I think these cars are the most striking of the 60's

[@fleetwin1]

Love Mark's "designer vocabulary", it is amazing how we bought into all those subtle cues back then. Heck, I still buy into them today. Today's designers could learn alot from these cars.

[@donk499]

Sorry, guess his name is spelled "marc".

[@GeelongVic7140]

Adam, Marc's commentaries on styling and production considerations are always well appreciated gems giving great pleasurable enhancements to your video productions. This was another amazing and outstanding video, this time of your two outstanding Pontiacs. Thanks to both of you.

[@KO-pk7df]

I see your Bonneville has the Reverb option with the AM/FM radio. We had one also, made it sound so cool or if you had it adjusted right and hit a bump it made it sound like a tiger in the tank! I really love having you guys artistically explain to me why I love the looks of these cars. Like taking an online course in automotive design, thanks.

[@mikemantho9426]

Great stuff you two! The Bonneville is just perfect in every way.

[@FLYEAL]

Fantastic! Marc is a great guest, as always. The depth of knowledge depth with respect to detail and history could easily extend to 60 minutes. Viewers/subscribers might appreciate a similar retrospective (with Marc) on a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe which you briefly referenced on the 'graphically' driver-oriented dash.

[@kayemtee5312]

Thank you for this. My grandfather bought a brand new 1965 Bonneville two-door coupe when I was ten years old. I still think it was one of the most beautiful American cars ever made. The question for the GM engineer is why no manufacturer will ever make such a gorgeous vehicle again. Why should we need to go back almost sixty years to find distinctive cars that were instantly recognizable?

[@RareClassicCars]

A lot of it is related to safety standards, regulations, aerodynamics, etc.

[@rickdees2411]

@@RareClassicCars Sigh, yes, today's cars, have so much safety, emissions and fuel economy etc., designed into them, that, really, cars are no longer designed by manufacturer's engineers, they are actually designed by the Government. Truly, consumers can still buy what they want in a car, but.....only from a selection that is mandated by Government. I still prefer my daily driver, a well-maintained 74 Chevy Monte Carlo!

[@tambarskelfir]

By popular demand, Marc is back!

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

Fascinating insights into a very interesting era in automotive design! My '65 Buick Electra 225 ragtop also had real wood veneer on the dash. I couldn't say what kind of wood, but it was darker shade than what's on your Bonneville's dash.

[@kevinkeswick1243]

I really enjoyed hearing your friend Mark explain the concepts behind the design of these cars. Growing up I wanted more than anything to be a car designer. I think I had natural talents but it was not to be. I always enjoy listening to the professional car designers discussing how it is done.

[@keithb9272]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!! My favourite car of yours had always been your Catalina. But this Bonneville?!? She is now my new favourite. The detail and lines are bloody perfection!! Thank you and your friend for the tour and learning experience! (as always!)

[@Smokr]

A facinating tour of two beautiful pieces of mobile technological art.

[@paulbruno8327]

Thanks Adam and Mark for making this video! I was hoping you would ironically. Happy Father’s Day everyone and enjoy your weekend!🏁

[@sooverit5529]

Gloriously beautiful cars, as you've said, really the last of the best. Everything is of such quality, beauty and unparalleled exquisite design.

[@jameslowry4299]

I am loving these interactions with designers lately, fascinating insights into car design that I never considered before. Great content.

[@jongoffinet8511]

I’m not very familiar with the 1960s era pontiacs, but wow Adam, those two examples are real beauties! The style these older cars ooze is all but gone in todays world. Love the channel, and always excited to see new uploads from you. Thanks so much!

[@rwg520]

Really like Marc's discussion of these two gorgeous cars. I like how he resists the temptation to find Pontiac influences in all other makes and brands. It's sort of interesting the way certain styling cues seem to pop up on various makes and models simultaneously. Considering the usual 3 yr. lead time, it does seem less likely that one make influences another, so much as certain trends are simultaneously interpreted by the various designers for the different makes. One example is how the '69 Cougar side swoop was identically seen on the Buick Skylarks. The Cougar designers hoped that the people would see that the Cougar's interpretation was unlike the Skylark's. But now, armchair car designers will say that one or the other influenced the copier. I have to admit, though, in spite of being a Mercury guy, the '63-'66 Pontiac full size cars were all stunning!

[@xqqqme]

The body line on the '69 Skylark could not have been a copy of the "swoop" on the same year Cougar....or vice versa. Instead, Buick was reflecting their own heritage in an homage to the brand's "sweep spear" which many say started with the 1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera hardtop (some say it started in 1942 but, in any case, it went back a ways).

[@DanEBoyd]

@@xqqqme Buick did it first, with zero doubts. Not sure what Ford was thinking for '69 and '70 - but it still worked on that Cougar. Looking at the '67-'68 Cougar, I guess they might've viewed it as simply adding a curve to, and raising up, the skeg line. Perhaps it was some secret homage... It is also interesting that Pontiac seemed to draw some inspiration from the Buick theme with the '73-'77 Grand Prix and Lemans. both of those cars' character lines hinted at the old pre '50s fenders. The Monte Carlo too, and from its inception, now that I think about it. And additionally, after seeing Wayne Kady's drawings for the '71 Eldorado, I would argue that the entire '73-'77 A body lineup drew inspiration from the dual cowl and the boat-tail drawings/sketches with their very-sharply pronounced fenders. The Cutlass didn't really evoke early fenders much at all. This comment is interesting to me, because the '67-'68 Cougar and the '68-'69 Skylark are on my short list of favorite car designs, along with the early '60s Riviera and the '71-'72 Grand Prix.

[@xqqqme]

@@DanEBoyd The closest I can come to any of this is that my mom had a '65 Buick Wildcat 2-dr (thus the fastback) and, being from the GM gene pool of the era, it had a vaguely Coke bottle "hip" (though not symmetric) and then an essentially straight character line and horizontal rocker panel trim. And it has the "W" line of the front end that Marc pointed out on these Pontiacs. Truthfully, I've never been a fan of American car styling, er, uh, design (and I'm 68 now). I give all due credit to Bill Mitchell's first Riviera. But I think you'd be stunned to learn what was the only other American car of the Sixties that turned my head: the first-gen ('68-'69) AMC Javelin.

[@tj81164]

Love having Marc on the videos, giving the design esthetic of your cars, Adam. Two spectacular examples of Pontiac beauty!

[@rockeerockey6941]

Thanks for taking me back, we were Pontiac people in the 60's

[@bestpilot98]

Beautiful Bonneville, and fascinating conversation. Thanks fellas!