Family values and Pontiacs pass to next generation
While growing up, Chris Vegas' family was all about Pontiacs.
When the Chicago resident was born, his mother was driving a Charcoal Blue 1966 Tempest while his father drove a Fontaine Blue 1966 Ventura. Vegas' grandparents also piloted Pontiacs.
“Grandpa was the one who really got me into cars,” Vegas said. “He had a genuine love of design. Wherever we were, we'd play a game where we'd try to name the years and makes as cars went by.”
Even though just a boy, Vegas became quite proficient at this special family pastime. “Each one was unique and fascinating to look at,” Vegas said. “It was easy to spot the differences.”
When Vegas got his driver's license, his grandfather gave him his two-toned blue '79 Grand Prix. “My grandma always liked coupes and had picked this one out new. She had very good taste,” Vegas said.
While still a teen, the car already had a huge sentimental value to Vegas. “I have many fond memories of my childhood in that car; taking trips to Wisconsin, Michigan, and even Disney World … and that was with the whole family of six in it!” he said.
As the enthusiast got older, his passion for Pontiacs deeply intensified. Over the years he has purchased several more, including his first and only “new” car, a 1996 Trans Am WS-6, which he still owns today.
When 2005 rolled around, Vegas set out to find a vintage Pontiac that would stir up those early childhood motoring memories. He came across this 1966 Bonneville in nearby Lombard.
“As soon as I drove it, I knew I'd buy it,” Vegas said. The vehicle had been a Western-states car all its life and had only been relocated to the Midwest for a few months. It was originally sold in Lancaster, California, and spent time commuting to Edwards Air Force Base in that state.
Now decades later, the Bonneville's factory Cameo Ivory paint was covered in a “not so elegant” Pearl White color. After taking ownership, Vegas opted to change the hue and enlisted the help of the crew at TriPower Automotive in Libertyville. He selected a blue similar to that of his dad's old Ventura.
Except for the dashboard and rear package tray, which both “took a beating in the desert sun,” he said, the interior is all original, as is the chrome brightwork and trim. Underhood, the stock 389 V-8 was swapped for a freshly rebuilt Tripower 421-cubic-inch V-8 engine.
After spending time driving it, Vegas wanted to dial in the feel of the massive muscle machine. He added a rear sway bar and a quicker-ratio steering gearbox to improve the handling of the heavy cruiser. “Now, things like highway entrance ramps are actually fun to take at speed,” Vegas said. “And maneuvering parking lots isn't a chore.”
Vegas is keen on making his ride perform flawlessly on the highway as big plans are in store for the year ahead.
“The dream is to travel the full Route 66 with Dad and me riding together. I know the ol' Bonneville is just chomping at the bit to go!”
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