Still No Picture

One of the Mud Bay blog’s initial posts was about a 1958 Pontiac that is seen occasionally on Rocky Point Road. Recently I learned a bit more about the car, although I still don’t have a picture. But take my word for it, the black sport coupe is gorgeous.

Tuesday afternoon as I was returning home from the QFC I noticed that the pristine Poncho was waiting to turn onto Marine Drive from westbound Kitsap Way. Because the car was probably headed home, I figured that this was my chance to learn where the owner lives. I ducked into the Kitsap Bank parking lot, waited a few beats, and then pulled out several cars behind him. All of us took a right onto Rocky Point Road. Then one by one the other cars dropped out leaving just me and the Pontiac. Although I hung back as far as I could, I’m sure the driver spotted my amateur tail before long.

I followed the Pontiac to where the driver turned into a driveway and that was that. I’m not sure what I expected—perhaps that he would park near the road where I could easily take a picture. Or better that he might stop and with a friendly wave say something like “What would you like to know about the car?” The north end of Rocky Point isn’t like that. It’s hilly with lots of long twisting driveways leading into the woods. The Pontiac disappeared down one of them. I watched as the electric gate closed behind it. Clearly the owner values his privacy.

So what did I learn? The long black chrome-laden sport coupe is a Bonneville—a separate series and the top-of-the-line for Pontiac in 1958. I don’t know if it has the Pontiac tri-power setup (three carbs) or is one of the rare fuel-injected cars. That would require a much closer look than it took to read the model name, which is spelled out in block script across the trunk. Plus a peek under the hood.

I also know where the car is garaged. Although the driver could have been visiting a friend, it’s probably a safe assumption that he lives there since he knew the code for the electric gate. I suppose I could stake out the driveway entrance or make a cold call, but what am I going to say—that the Mud Bay blog needs a picture? It’s not as if I’m a contributor to the Curbside Classics column on The Truth About Cars web site.

For now I’m still hoping for a chance meeting somewhere in town or at a local car show. Now that I know where the Pontiac lives I have a great opening line for a conversation. If I’m driving my 1955 Bel Air, it should be that much easier.