For someone who loves cars as much as I do, meeting a rare and special machine can have unintended consequences.

No one would blink if you were so emotionally affected by an opera or fresco, but to be weak-kneed by a car? A Pontiac from the 1950s?

Like most art, the effect on the viewer is one of the many mysteries of the world.

Reviewing this Bonneville Sport Coupe today is quite an emotional affair.

Pontiac was trying desperately to spring-board their brand from obscurity into the greats of automobiledom. They needed a flagship — something to draw the eyes of buyers and critics alike. To date, the Pontiac achievements list was woefully lacking in staying power or real chart-toppers.

As a startup business, we can relate to much of this ambition.

Not exactly clear why this big brick of a Bonneville Sport Coupe is rustling up such emotion today a week and 65 years after this pistachio-green coupe was made.

Perhaps it is knowing that this was Pontiac’s big breakthrough. Their big achievement to really turn on the afterburners and reach peak potential.

Is it repeatable today for a struggling car news website? Probably not.

So there it is. Our sit-down moment in the art museum.

Weak knees. Wet cheeks.

Ready to be rocketed to 200-mph and beyond.

Great artwork provokes a powerful response. And an achievement like this stunner from Pontiac feels within our grasp, but just out of reach.

1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe

Lot 137

1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe

To be auctioned on Saturday, March 14, 2015

Sold for $82,500