MotorTrend’s “Roadworthy Rescues” returns with a classic car revival story. In “The Barneville,” gearhead guru Derek Bieri takes on a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville, a once-proud cruiser now relegated to rusting away on a Michigan horse ranch. For Bieri, this isn’t just a restoration; it’s a rescue mission.
The Bonneville’s condition presents a serious challenge. The transmission needs replacing. That means custom-fabricating motor and transmission mounts. For a guy who usually works with salvaged parts and ingenious DIY solutions, this will be a test of Bieri’s skills. It’s one thing to cobble together a working vehicle; it’s another to rebuild a classic to its former glory.
The goal is ambitious: to get the Bonneville roadworthy enough to cruise down Woodward Avenue, the legendary Detroit-area street known for its classic car culture. It’s a fitting destination for a resurrected icon, a symbolic return to the Bonneville’s rightful place among its chrome-plated brethren.
This episode isn’t just about fixing a car; it’s about reclaiming a piece of automotive history. Will Bieri succeed in bringing this forgotten beauty back to life, or will the Bonneville remain a rusting relic of the past? Tune in to MotorTrend this Wednesday at 9:00 PM to find out.