Car: Pontiac Bonneville Hardtop

Year: 1966

What makes it special: The Pontiac Bonneville was built from 1957 to 2005. They were full-sized, with the exception of a brief period of mid-size between 1982-86. The brand was introduced as a limited production performance convertible during the 1957 model year. The Bonneville and its platform partner, the Grand Ville, are some of the largest Pontiacs ever built.

What made it famous: Starting in 1965, All GM “B” body cars were dramatically restyled. Swooping rooflines, rakish fender lines and the “Coke bottle” profile contributed to making one of the most popular body styles ever produced. The Bonneville got the new styling, with plenty of bright trim on the lower body sides and on the rear deck. Inside, new upholstery and instrumentation were featured. Bonneville models were standard equipped with Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions. Other options included power steering and power brakes as well as air conditioning. Other popular options included power windows, power seats, radio, cruise control, and 8-lug aluminum wheels that included integral brake drums for improved stopping power. The Bonneville also had more powerful standard V8 engines than other full-sized Pontiacs including the 389 cu in or 400 cu in V8’s with 4-barrel carburetors with many optional V8 offerings available including Tri-Power, with three 2-barrel carburetor options on both the 389 cu in and 421 cu in V8’s that offered up to 376 hp through 1966.

Why I would want one: For such a large car, it still had a very sporty look to it, and loads of style.

Fun fact: In station wagon body styles they reached just over 230 inches ong, and at 5,000 pounds and more were also some of the heaviest cars produced at the time. Also, they came with a Jetaway 315 and also were available as hearses.

Car: Volvo PV544 Sedan

Year: 1965

What makes it special: The Volvo PV is a series of two-door, four-passenger models made up of the PV444 and the PV544 from 1947 to 1966. During World War II‘s  early stages, Volvo decided that a new, smaller car that could deliver good fuel economy would assure the company’s future. A raw materials shortage during the war drove home the point that an automobile should be smaller, and also complicated Volvo’s ability to mass-produce the product. In 1944, when the car was finally introduced, response was very positive and orders poured in from the Swedish population. It was another three years though, until 1947, before series production began.

What made it famous: In 1958, the PV544 was phased in. Subtle differences included the introduction of a curved one-piece windshield to replace the two panes of flat glass, larger taillights, and a ribbon-type speedometer. The next significant change occurred when the B16 was replaced by Volvo’s new B18 engine, initially developed for the P1800 sports car. This 1.8 L engine had five main bearings. Single and twin carburetor versions were offered, designated B18A and B18D, respectively. A 3-speed manual transmission was also supplanted by a 4-speed unit in the 544.

Why I would want one: I’ve always loved these. They have the looks of a 1940’s era American car, but have the sound and performance of a sports car.

Fun fact: The PV quickly earned a reputation for being strong and rugged, although the design was considered outdated from early on. The PV also competed successfully in the American SCCA class but also internationally, with a second-hand PV544 memorably winning the Safari Rally in 1965.