A rare 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Safari wagon with a 421 Tri-Power V8 and unique factory-ordered options captivates enthusiasts at MCACN 2024.
Station wagons may not hold the same allure as muscle cars or luxury sedans, but some models, like this 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Safari, transcend expectations with rare configurations and standout performance. Spotted at the 2024 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN), this particular Safari blends unassuming station wagon practicality with extraordinary special-order features, making it a true one-of-one classic.
The Bonneville Safari, part of Pontiac's B-body full-size lineup, was no ordinary grocery-getter in its heyday. While the standard 1964 model came equipped with a 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) Trophy V8, this Safari boasts the optional 421-cubic-inch (6.9-liter) Tri-Power V8, the range-topping engine of the time. With three two-barrel carburetors, this powerhouse delivered 350 horsepower, making it one of the most potent wagons of its era.
Safari production was limited to just 5,844 units in 1964, a mere fraction of Bonneville's total output. The 421 Tri-Power engine, already a rare choice, makes this Safari even more unique. Experts estimate that only a handful of such configurations were built, with possibly fewer than 50 surviving today.
What truly sets this car apart, however, is its factory-ordered interior. Unlike most Safaris, which featured standard bench seats, this car came with bucket seats and a center console—an unusual and likely special-order feature not typically available on the Safari model. This combination, coupled with the high-performance engine, cements its one-of-one status.
Though its exterior is heavily weathered, showing signs of decades of storage, the interior is remarkably well-preserved. Featuring two-tone blue upholstery, the cabin exhibits only minor wear, an impressive feat for a car that spent over 40 years off the road.
Originally purchased in Vanderpool, Texas, the car was parked in 1977 due to an electronic ignition issue. Rediscovered and rescued, it has since been brought back to running condition.
The car's faded paint adds an air of mystery to its history. Its current yellowish hue may be the result of aging Cameo Ivory paint, or perhaps it was originally painted in the rare Alamo Beige. Either way, this adds to the intrigue surrounding this unique Pontiac.
The 1964 Pontiac Bonneville Safari is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of American automakers during the golden age of performance. With its rare Tri-Power engine and one-of-a-kind interior configuration, this survivor exemplifies the intersection of utility, style, and performance. Enthusiasts at MCACN marveled at its story, and it stands as a reminder that even station wagons can command respect in the collector car world.
