At my school it's usually called the granny car unless it's my friends who know what it's capable of. If it's in clean tip top shape then it gets lots of looks and questioning depending on what part of Chicago I'm in. People seem to really like the obnoxiously shiny bent 5's with the red calipers peeking out.
lets talk public perception
- nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 9522
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
- Location: Chicago, IL
Re: lets talk public perception
At my school it's usually called the granny car unless it's my friends who know what it's capable of. If it's in clean tip top shape then it gets lots of looks and questioning depending on what part of Chicago I'm in. People seem to really like the obnoxiously shiny bent 5's with the red calipers peeking out.
-
yonkerse
- Posts like an L67

- Posts: 1221
- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:16 pm
- Year and Trim: 2005 SLE
- Location: Soutwest Michigan
Re: lets talk public perception
This included me..and the reason my car need this to be done on it!!!! Love painted calipers!!!nos4blood70 wrote:![]()
People seem to really like the obnoxiously shiny bent 5's with the red calipers peeking out.
- Jfridge92
- Posts like an L67

- Posts: 1472
- Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:15 pm
- Year and Trim: 1999 Buick Lesabre Custom
- Location: Palm Bay, FL
Re: lets talk public perception
Being a LeSabre, mine never gets love from the ladies. However, in similarity to the bonnevilles (I've been trying to get the fiancé into one) Ashlee doesn't like the bonne or the LeSabre. She says they have "too big of a butt."
She changes her tune when big butt throws her back into the seat with a little gas pedal
She changes her tune when big butt throws her back into the seat with a little gas pedal

Joseph
Current: 2013 Infiniti G37 Journey
1999 Infiniti G20T - Sold
1999 Buick Lesabre - Race Couch - gone but not forgotten
-
nickdalzell1
- GXP Member

- Posts: 266
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:20 pm
- Year and Trim: '92 Bonneville SSE
Re: lets talk public perception
speaking of the dash, i think it is less like Batman and more like KITT from Knight Rider (Even though that was a Trans-Am, it was a Pontiac). i mean, Electronic Climate Control, Heads up Display, buttons all over the place, i mean the only thing missing is Daniels' voice and Passive Laser Restraints
1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSE (3800 Series I, 277K miles and counting! with a horrific knock sadly)


- willwren
- Retired Admin

- Posts: 65489
- Joined: Sun May 18, 2008 11:07 pm
- Year and Trim: .
93 SSEi
95 SLE (SC)
97 Buick LeSabre - Location: Oregon WCBF'04, '05, '06, '07, '08, '09, '10, '11 Survivor
- Contact:
Re: lets talk public perception
A large percentage of cars in this topic don't have the electronic climate control, hud, or all those buttons. That can be a major factor in people's perceptions.

Click here for mod list for both cars
93 SSEi, 95 SLE (supercharged) 97 Buick LeSabre Limited
PontiacDad at WCBF '04: Cruise control? That's like surrendering!
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting, rebuilding, and modifying Eaton Superchargers
- SSEiMan01
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
- Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU - Location: DeKalb, IL
Re: lets talk public perception
LMAO @ Cody
Everybody compares my interior to an airplane cockpit, after they get over the difference in legroom in the shotgun seat.
They always compliment the red dash lights, something I'm used to hearing after having so many Pontiac's with them.
Everybody compares my interior to an airplane cockpit, after they get over the difference in legroom in the shotgun seat.
They always compliment the red dash lights, something I'm used to hearing after having so many Pontiac's with them.
Last edited by SSEiMan01 on Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
James May wrote:Hello.
-
00Beast
- Retired Site Developer

- Posts: 20960
- Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 10:30 pm
- Year and Trim: '17 Silverado 1500
- Location: MN/IA
- Contact:
Re: lets talk public perception
Friend of mine rode in my car for the first time last night and he liked it, especially the red lights and gauges.
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

RIP sandrock
Sirius wrote:Think about it. You’re tooling down the road in your Prius, knowing full-well that this thing being green is as big a sham as federally mandated ethanol-enriched gas, Russia pulling out of Ukraine, and Obamacare.
- yourgrandma
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 2425
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2008 6:56 pm
- Year and Trim: '02 SSEi
Re: lets talk public perception
Red dash lights just make sense. Human eyes don't do blue well in dark.
The compliments I get just revolve around my detailing practices. Actually, people usually just complain about it. "Omg! Why can't I stand on your hood?! You're a jerk!"
The compliments I get just revolve around my detailing practices. Actually, people usually just complain about it. "Omg! Why can't I stand on your hood?! You're a jerk!"
02 SSEi-Turning money into tire smoke, very efficiently.


- theax40
- GXP Member

- Posts: 268
- Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:45 pm
- Year and Trim: '03 SSEi
- Location: Western New York
Re: lets talk public perception
For real, enough with the bitching about me washing my car. Why does it matter to someone else if I like to wash it once a week? I pay alot for something thats really nice and I want to keep it that way. Is that a problem?yourgrandma wrote:The compliments I get just revolve around my detailing practices. Actually, people usually just complain about it. "Omg! Why can't I stand on your hood?! You're a jerk!"
I just saw a green '03 SLE today and it was beautiful......except for the fact it hadn't been washed in months. That's just a shame.
Last edited by theax40 on Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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99-SLE
- SSEi Member

- Posts: 157
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:35 am
- Year and Trim: 1999 Bonne SLE
- Location: Leduc, Alberta
Re: lets talk public perception
The colour I have stands out nicely when it's clean, and same with my chrome torque stars when it's not winter time. I get the odd compliment when I'm fueling up and have the hood popped checking oil etc, that it's a clean car. People that ride in it always say it's clean, even if it's "dirty" in my opinion.
And then I get called names when I tell people to stop drawing on my windows unless they wanna clean em all..
And then I get called names when I tell people to stop drawing on my windows unless they wanna clean em all..
1999 DCM SLE- COTM Jan 2012
Planned mods... FWI, Exhaust and tips,Tinted all around
She's now gone:(
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=31352&p=312104#p312104

Planned mods... FWI, Exhaust and tips,Tinted all around
She's now gone:(
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=31352&p=312104#p312104

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Saturn Simon
- Posts like an L36

- Posts: 802
- Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2011 7:59 am
- Year and Trim: 1992 SSEi
- Location: Portsmouth, England
Re: lets talk public perception
Mine gets a fair bit of attention in the UK from people who are interested in cars, but to those who aren't into cars its just a big grey car.
People who ride in it are always impressed by the dashboard and the comfortable seats.
It occured to me last night that while the Bonneville is very rare in the UK, American cars in general aren't that unusual of a sight. At one point last night I found myself driving along with two Chrysler 300Cs in front of me, a stretched Lincoln Town Car behind me, and I passed I nice '80s Camaro that was parked up too.
People who ride in it are always impressed by the dashboard and the comfortable seats.
It occured to me last night that while the Bonneville is very rare in the UK, American cars in general aren't that unusual of a sight. At one point last night I found myself driving along with two Chrysler 300Cs in front of me, a stretched Lincoln Town Car behind me, and I passed I nice '80s Camaro that was parked up too.
- SSEiMan01
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
- Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU - Location: DeKalb, IL
Re: lets talk public perception
And green is justyourgrandma wrote:Red dash lights just make sense. Human eyes don't do blue well in dark.
I have also found this to be true...Either they notice how my dashboard reflects on the windshield, or they become very aggravated when whatever they put on my car's roof falls to their feet, usually a drink, which makes it even better.yourgrandma wrote:The compliments I get just revolve around my detailing practices. Actually, people usually just complain about it. "Omg! Why can't I stand on your hood?! You're a jerk!"
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
James May wrote:Hello.
- BonneMe
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 11879
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 10:45 am
- Year and Trim: 2001 BMW 330i
ZSP Sport Pack
Moonroof - Location: Eagan, MN
Re: lets talk public perception
I buy my cars for what I need/want.
1993 Purple SE turned a few heads with the exhaust, that's it. People thought the red interior lights were cool, and it was spacious and comfy enough to load up (4 in the back anyone?) and hit up the bars.
THIS THIS THIS.
GTI: it was red, loud, fast, blacked out a little, etc. People knew I was into cars more often, asked questions about it. The transmission got questions from passengers who knew nothing about cars. Chicks would either love/hate cornering fast.
BMW: Silver with nothing to grab attention... The day I showed up with it at work after a week off, everyone wants to talk to me about it, drive it ('till they find it's a stick) or get a ride in it. Everyone thinks i'm rich, nevermind it was under $7k. I bought it because it's a sports car I can drive every day, it's kinda annoying the preconceptions I have.
1993 Purple SE turned a few heads with the exhaust, that's it. People thought the red interior lights were cool, and it was spacious and comfy enough to load up (4 in the back anyone?) and hit up the bars.
99BonnevilleSE wrote:As a Senior in high school when i had my Bonneville and everbody knew it as my "grandma car." The tuner guys hated it because it was american. The american guys hated it because it was FWD.
THIS THIS THIS.
GTI: it was red, loud, fast, blacked out a little, etc. People knew I was into cars more often, asked questions about it. The transmission got questions from passengers who knew nothing about cars. Chicks would either love/hate cornering fast.
BMW: Silver with nothing to grab attention... The day I showed up with it at work after a week off, everyone wants to talk to me about it, drive it ('till they find it's a stick) or get a ride in it. Everyone thinks i'm rich, nevermind it was under $7k. I bought it because it's a sports car I can drive every day, it's kinda annoying the preconceptions I have.
Jason Z - Exposed Autos

2001 BMW 330i - Titanium Silver - Sport Package - 3 Pedals - Koni Yellow/H&R Sport
2006 Volkswagen GTI - (gone) Tornado Red - DSG, Stage II~280hp/325tq
1993 Pontiac Bonneville - (gone) Purple Pearl H4U/SLE. Loud

2001 BMW 330i - Titanium Silver - Sport Package - 3 Pedals - Koni Yellow/H&R Sport
2006 Volkswagen GTI - (gone) Tornado Red - DSG, Stage II~280hp/325tq
1993 Pontiac Bonneville - (gone) Purple Pearl H4U/SLE. Loud
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PRD2BDF
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 4277
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2008 12:56 pm
- Year and Trim: 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc
- Contact:
Re: lets talk public perception
At least you have them. When people ask me what car I have, I say a Saab. They'll go "what's that?"BonneMe wrote:It's kinda annoying the preconceptions I have.
Possible alternative responses:
a) Your mom
b) A spaceship
c) A hovercraft
d) A thingy
e) Your mom on her back

- redmetrix
- Posts like an LN3

- Posts: 450
- Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:16 pm
- Year and Trim: 1997 SLE factory L67, stock
1992 SSEi
1990 GP SE - Location: Sherwood, WI
Re: lets talk public perception
The first time a friend road in the SLE he was baffled that it was a 97; he said that "it smells like new" inside, lol. Was rolling up to a stop sign in a neighborhood and a young lady said "I like those rims." Pulled in to a used car lot one day to check out a 96 Park Ave Ultra; the salesman tells me that the Buick has the supercharged 3800 and I tell him yeah that Bonneville is supercharged as well and he's like "but it's an SE" and I told him how it was ordered that way and showed him the 1 in the vin. I popped the hood and he took a few pictures of the car. Pulled in to a salvage yard and a guy complimented the car and I told him I park it during the winter and he said he could tell.
Chris
97 SLE with L67 (1 of 354!) * 90 Grand Prix SE * 1992 SSEi * 99 Buick Regal * 2006 Chevy Uplander
97 SLE with L67 (1 of 354!) * 90 Grand Prix SE * 1992 SSEi * 99 Buick Regal * 2006 Chevy Uplander
- jmal843
- SLE Member

- Posts: 85
- Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:08 pm
- Year and Trim: 2001 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI
- Location: SC
Re: lets talk public perception
I've always liked Bonneville's old school to the retired 00+'s. Growing up with my dad and being an Air Force brat I gained a true fancy for cars that you did not see everyday. I remember I wanted a brand new 00 SSEi when I graduated high school, instead I got a 98 Monte Carlo Z34 since it was easier on the pocket for me at the time since I insisted on taking on some responsibilities.
In 06 I went on the prowl for a GXP but after so many searches it was not possible and bought an 06 Impala SS. Anyways, in 09 I finally found my high school sweet heart, and I'm not talking about my wife!
Ive had my down times with her but thanks to you all I have saved money to keep her maintained to perform above the standards that i bought her in. Now all I need to do is put some time aside to install some of mods that been sitting in the garage for the longest.
As many of us know we get respect when the car is clean, especially when the few that are seen are beat down. I rarely see other SSEi's in my area, the SE is what most folks have whenever you do see them, and the SSE is just as rare. I've seen one GXP around here and it belongs to an older lady, maybe someones grandmother, but she definitely doesn't drive it like one. Some people may say nice grand prix at the pump, or parking lot and I acknowledge them with a thanks, it's a Bonneville.
To wrap this up, usually most of my looks come at stop lights and even though i have debated on debadging my first love, the SSEi Supercharged panel badge lets onlookers know that it is not an old man's car. I know when someone is looking hard enough b/c not too far from the badge the cross drilled and slotted rotors stand out quite nicely with the red caliper paint and I usually get a nod of respect or a glare of what is this guy driving. Either way I don't open her up to often, and their has been one handful of people who have rode to experience the whine. To this day it doesn't matter what car you drive b/c once you're in love with it you make it yours, and what you do to your car will always separate it from the rest! LONG LIVE BONNEVILLE 
As far as women go, in the south the clean rides get the stare, chrome can bring them home, and paint will make them faint. I can careless now, b/c those days of having cars that attracted women was an expense of it's own. Don't we all know!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
As many of us know we get respect when the car is clean, especially when the few that are seen are beat down. I rarely see other SSEi's in my area, the SE is what most folks have whenever you do see them, and the SSE is just as rare. I've seen one GXP around here and it belongs to an older lady, maybe someones grandmother, but she definitely doesn't drive it like one. Some people may say nice grand prix at the pump, or parking lot and I acknowledge them with a thanks, it's a Bonneville.
As far as women go, in the south the clean rides get the stare, chrome can bring them home, and paint will make them faint. I can careless now, b/c those days of having cars that attracted women was an expense of it's own. Don't we all know!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL
jMal843

01 SSEi
20% Tint/Yellow Fog light Tint/clear headlights/60 SMD Xenon SwitchBack TurnSignal/SSS Ultra H&L Beam/SH Fog/clear tails w/Amber LED Signals/SSS Reverse Bulbs/Autolite 605 Plugs/180 t-stat/Power Stop C/D Front Rotors/EBC Ultimax Slotted Rear Rotors/EBC Red Stuff Pads/Intense FWI/MagnaFlow Hi Flow Cat
Standing By-Aeroforce Interceptor Scan Gauge/Tuned PCM/3" Stainless Steel Downpipe/Plog/Resonator Delete/Dual Slant Tips


01 SSEi
20% Tint/Yellow Fog light Tint/clear headlights/60 SMD Xenon SwitchBack TurnSignal/SSS Ultra H&L Beam/SH Fog/clear tails w/Amber LED Signals/SSS Reverse Bulbs/Autolite 605 Plugs/180 t-stat/Power Stop C/D Front Rotors/EBC Ultimax Slotted Rear Rotors/EBC Red Stuff Pads/Intense FWI/MagnaFlow Hi Flow Cat
Standing By-Aeroforce Interceptor Scan Gauge/Tuned PCM/3" Stainless Steel Downpipe/Plog/Resonator Delete/Dual Slant Tips

- John Deere Boy
- Retired Moderator

- Posts: 2474
- Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 1:07 pm
- Year and Trim: 1993 SSE
Member since Nov 2003 - Location: Centerville, IN
Re: lets talk public perception
The age of mine with its condition get more compliments now than 10 years ago. Now it's rare to see one without rust and faded clearcoat.
- clm2112
- Retired Gearhead

- Posts: 2156
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 9:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 1990 Bonneville LE
- Location: Fayette City,PA
Re: lets talk public perception
answer: "I've got two subs, a Pastrami and a Roast Beef. Why, you hungry?"SSEiMan01 wrote:I actually got asked once by a McDonalds employee what kind of subs my car has...
Meanwhile, my Bonnie gets no love. Really, only members of this group get it. To everybody else it is just another means of transportation and draws no comments.
Bye Bye 1990 Bonneville LE... Now it belongs to my daughter
In the Garage: 2009 Subaru Outback, 1987 Camaro, 2006 SV650S, 1995 Regal 182 "ASANAGI", 1962 Ford Galaxie 500, 1995 Ford F150 XL 4WD, 1953 Farmall Cub
In the Garage: 2009 Subaru Outback, 1987 Camaro, 2006 SV650S, 1995 Regal 182 "ASANAGI", 1962 Ford Galaxie 500, 1995 Ford F150 XL 4WD, 1953 Farmall Cub
- SSEiMan01
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
- Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU - Location: DeKalb, IL
Re: lets talk public perception
Was talking with a friend yesterday and he says that with all the 3800's his family has owned, (including a S1 L67 Olds 98
Last edited by SSEiMan01 on Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily
James May wrote:Hello.
-
nickdalzell1
- GXP Member

- Posts: 266
- Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:20 pm
- Year and Trim: '92 Bonneville SSE
Re: lets talk public perception
Mom: "is that a Oldsmobile or Buick?"
does not help it has a similar front grille to a Buick on the same body style, with the 'circular arrowhead' badge being the one thing different.
does not help it has a similar front grille to a Buick on the same body style, with the 'circular arrowhead' badge being the one thing different.
1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSE (3800 Series I, 277K miles and counting! with a horrific knock sadly)








