Pontiac Bonneville (Series 262). 1971–6 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop sedan, 2-door hardtop coupé, 2-door coupé. F/R, 400, 455 in³ (V8 OHV). Gargantuan Bonneville, with large trunk space and terrible gas mileage, plusher than Catalina, the B-body shape below in the US. Longer wheelbase than Catalina for 1971–2, but the extra length (2 in) was ahead of the front doors. Rust claimed many of the 1971 to 1973 models. Wheelbase reduced to match other full-size Pontiacs for 1973 (124 in, then 123·4 in in 1975). Two-door restyled for 1974, with a Colonnade roof; in 1975, it gained a B-pillar (though keeping frameless doors) and opera windows. The four-door hardtop also gained an opera window for 1975. Rectangular headlights from 1975. With the Grand Ville’s sales dipping after the fuel crisis, the line was effectively renamed Bonneville Brougham in 1976. Average reliability, worsening for the last two model years.

Manufacturing location: Pontiac, Michigan, USA

Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Bonneville | Predecessors: Pontiac Bonneville (1965–70), Pontiac Grand Ville | Successor: Pontiac Bonneville (1977–81)