Pontiac Bonneville V gallery (1971–1976)

The fifth-generation Bonneville spanning 1971-1976, marked by colossal dimensions, pillowy ride comfort, and 5-mph bumper regulations.

All photos 53 I 10 1957–1958 II 0 1959–1960 III 0 1961–1964 IV 29 1965–1970 V 0 1971–1976 VI 0 1977–1981 VII (G-body) 0 1982–1986 VIII (H-body) 0 1987–1991 IX (H-body) 0 1992–1999 X (G-body) 8 2000–2005

The fifth-generation Pontiac Bonneville arrived for 1971, marking the largest and heaviest iteration of the nameplate ever produced on GM's full-size B-body and C-body platforms. Available body variants encompassed two-door hardtop coupes, two-door convertibles (discontinued after 1975), four-door hardtops, pillared sedans, and Safari station wagons. Under the vast hood, buyers found exclusively large-displacement Pontiac V8s, primarily the standard 400 cubic inch (6.6L) V8 and the optional 455 cubic inch (7.5L) V8. Due to stricter federal emissions mandates, unleaded fuel requirements, and the transition to SAE net horsepower ratings, power figures declined across the generation from nearly 300 gross hp down to 185-200 net hp. The GM 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic became the sole transmission offering throughout production. Significant redesigns arrived in 1973 and 1974 with massive government-mandated 5-mph energy-absorbing bumpers, redesigned grille meshes, and revised taillight housings. Delivered throughout the US and Canadian dealer networks, it represented the pinnacle of traditional American land-yacht luxury.