134954 / 1979 Pontiac Bonneville

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Late '70s vintage is arguably the cleanest styling from the Malaise Era. And this Bonneville's serious Starlight Black on Camel Tan color combination is a very welcome change from the tepid palette we endure today. In fact, the car's Trans Am-worthy pigment is decidedly contemporary, proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. With that pigment comes acres of sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of spending time in a dry garage, appears straight, clean and as crisp as the day it was stamped. That solid metal lines up beautifully, featuring wide doors, which open and close with ease. Tan outlining stripes stretch nearly 18 feet down the sides of one of the longest profiles ever built. And overall, this Pontiac's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.

The popular engine for 1979 was a smooth, powerful and reliable GM 350. Topped by a requisite 4-barrel, the quiet mill glides this beast, and all its power accessories, with the silky torque of an electric motor, on its way to truly defining the word  NÕluxury NÕ. Like the rest of the car, the engine bay is immaculately preserved, from the GM Corporate Blue paint on the block all the way to the little markings and decals that are still clearly visible throughout. And on the highway, the big mill wafts along effortlessly, virtually whispering at high speeds.

The General's indestructible Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed shifts the gears, spinning a familiar G80 rear axle that's fitted with a posi-traction differential. The F41 sports suspension appears original in every way, duplicating the factory's smooth ride and reliable handling with the help of modern power steering. Power front disc and rear drum brakes are powerful enough to reel this big cruiser in at will. And original 'snowflake' wheels spin 215/70R15 Mastercraft A/S IV whitewalls around red Pontiac center caps.

Naturally, the Camel Tan interior is just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in exquisite '70s luxury. Comfortable velour seats are nicely patterned pieces that feel every bit as supple as they look. In front of those seats, a wood-trimmed dash hangs full Rally Gauges above delayed wipers, factory air conditioning and a correct Delco-GM tape deck. Below that dash, a wood-trimmed console frames a small GM shifter. And in front of the driver, an attractive, 3-spoke steering wheel spins around a tilting column and optional cruise control.

There simply can't be many Malaise Era cruisers that are nicer than this, and a classically themed Pontiac is most definitely the one to own. If you're looking for a spectacular classic that also happens to be a rather unique survivor, call, click or visit http://RKMotorsCharlotte.com for more information on this proud Poncho!