The Pontiac brand is one of the most iconic and beloved American auto brands of all time. From muscle cars to SUVs, this company has long been a favorite among drivers across the country.
Despite its long-standing popularity, many may not be aware that Pontiac has also produced pickup trucks in the past. So what year did Pontiac make a pickup truck?
The answer to that question is actually quite simple — Pontiac first introduced its pickup truck line in 1959 with the introduction of the Bonneville Sport Wagon. This truck was produced for two years before it was replaced by the new-for-1961 Tempest Pickup. This model was based on the Tempest sedan platform and featured a rear panel door that opened up to provide access to the cargo bed.
The next significant offering from Pontiac came in 1967 when it released its first full-size pickup truck, aptly named the Bonneville Pickup. This model featured an enlarged cab and a longer wheelbase than previous models, as well as an improved suspension system and a powerful V8 engine.
The Bonneville Pickup proved to be a popular choice for drivers looking for a reliable work vehicle and remained in production until 1971 when Pontiac discontinued its pickup line entirely. The company did make a brief comeback in 1988 with its Safari Pickup, which was based on GM’s S10 platform but only lasted one year.
In conclusion, Pontiac made its first pickup truck in 1959 with the introduction of the Bonneville Sport Wagon. This was followed by the 1961 Tempest Pickup and then finally by 1967’s full-size Bonneville Pickup, which was produced until 1971 when production ceased entirely. A brief comeback occurred in 1988 with the Safari Pickup but this only lasted one year before being discontinued again.
