What’s It Worth? 1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE "Project Car" .. Pontiac Builds A Euro Sedan
Despite the moaning and groaning from the world of classic car purists some vehicles from the Big Hair Decade the 1980′s are starting to become collectible. Not that many Chevy Citations will ever become valuable but GM despite itself produced some “knarly” rides during the years of Reaganomics.
Trying to lead itself away from the rest of GM’s Granny-mobiles Pontiac tried to “Build Excitement” as the ads of the day would brag. All new for 1987 the Pontiac Bonneville would use GM’s front wheel drive H-Platform.
Sharing suspension and drivetrains with the Oldsmobile 98 and Buick LeSabre. The only engine was GM’s rugged and peppy 3.8 liter V6 or the ’3800 V6” By 1988 with improved fuel injection the 3800 V6 was rated at a 165 horsepower.
This would also be GM’s first computer designed engine. This engine would be a GM mainstay and money maker for over a decade.
Wanting to grab a slice of the ever growing Euro Sedanmarket Pontiac introduced the Bonneville SSE for model year 1988. Sporting Bilstein Shocks with lowered springs it handled very Euro like. Other features included 16 inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires, body kit with front and rear spoliers, special dual exhaust, leather interior with front and rear headrest and large bolstered front seats.
The SSE looked the part and could deliver on its euro flare style. Car and Driver Magazine named it one of its Ten Best in 1988. Saying the “SSE drives more like an Audi than one of GM’s bland wagons” Produced between 1988-1991 the first generation Bonneville SSE sold well and proved to be very good car despite The Generals rep for poor quality in the 80′s.
Our feature 1988 Pontiac Bonneville SSE is a restoration project and is FOR SALE. It has a strong running 3800 V6 engine with a good body. Its a running a driving car. The sunroof was stuck half open and thus the interior looks like something a Wolverine chewed on. Thats the bad news.
The good news is all the parts needed to restore this piece of Pontiac History are easily available. One of the hottest segments of the collectible car market is GM Large Front Drivers form the late 1980's. This being an SSE makes it rare and desirable. Now is the time to buy a project CHEAP!! "WHAT'S IT WORTH?? FOR PURCHASE INFO CONTACT US
