Vehicle Description
1957 Pontiac Star Chief
In 1956, the Native American head design was retired by Pontiac. In
order to appeal to youthful consumers looking for affordable
performance vehicles, the old-fashioned Native American profile was
replaced with a subtler, elegant emblem: a downward-facing, red
arrowhead known as the "Dart." While traces of the new logo began
appearing in 1957, including the stars along the Star Chief model's
body, the badge didn't officially debut on the Bonneville's split
grille until the 1959 wide track model. While there's no official
explanation what the star means (apart from paying homage to the
Star Chief) or why the logo is red, many speculate it's a nod to
symbols prevalent in Native American art. Before the 1950s, Pontiac
did flaunt many Native American names and iconography in its
lineup.
For consignment a time capsule if you will in the form of a 1957
Pontiac Star Chief. Oh, mind you that is not rust you are looking
at that is original paint that has been clear coated to preserve
its fine patina that took 62 years to come to maturation. This unit
is a 2-owner car and has a consigner stated 40,729 original miles,
but we cannot confirm this, so we will have to take their word!
Check out this original.
Exterior
Draped in Limefire Green Metallic and sporting a highlight belt
line spear with Seacrest Green, chrome stars, and a large rear
chromed spear that melts into the finned taillights, this car drips
50's design. More Seacrest Green is seen very faded on the hardtop.
Complete with oval taillights, and matching oval in bumper exhaust
exits as well as chrome bezels that come to a point on the fins,
and I'm now impressed. Lest we forget the large and in charge front
bumper and grille combination with rounded vertical curved slats
and dual front flattened dagmars leading the way. A nifty little
detail is the Starchief badging on the front quarter in your
grandmothers handwriting directly above the trim spear. 4 original
style wheel covers are seen all around.
Interior
A swing of the door and what to my wandering eyes does appear but
original door panels in pastel green vinyl and making more use of
the spear in their design. Moving to the seats in Olive Green
Pattern Cloth & Pastel Green Leather there is a large unfortunate
tear that is on a temporary fix with several strips of black duct
tape. Also, possible water damage has soiled the fabric. The large
rear bench has the same pattern and also shows stains and a patch
of tearing on the driver's side. All this damage is unfortunate as
replacing this interior with the original fabrics and leather may
prove difficult, but it would be very kewl indeed! Original carpet
covers some of the floors and is faded and stained green. This car
is in need of new front floorboards. The headliner in door panel
matching pastel green is in nice condition with snazzy metal
dividers. Dash is overall fair with some missing attachments that
are now just holes in the lime green top and front with a lower
chromed panel with glovebox.
Drivetrain
The presumed original, 347ci V8 in original condition is in the
unrestored engine bay. A 3-speed Hydramatic automatic is attached
to the back of the engine.
Undercarriage
With plenty of surface rust, and as noted invasive rust on the
front floorpans, the car still maintains overall structural
soundness. Some invasive rust is also seen on the lower inner
doors.
Drive-Ability
This car starts, and runs smoothly, as well as shifts smoothly. The
suspension is a bit soft and could use some upgrading but rides
smoothly.
So, you say you want all original, and here is a perfect 62 year
old example. Still runs, has the exterior clear coated to preserve
it in all its patina glory, and a kewl patterned interior. Let's
call it a running, sealed barn find.
VIN Decode
P857H11419
P-Pontiac Michigan
8-Star Chief
57-1957
H-Hydromatic
11419-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 57 2839SD- Catalina Custom Sedan
BODY P3888-Pontiac MI Build #
TRIM 237-Olive Green Pattern Cloth & Pastel Green Leather PAINT
SST-Limefire Green Metallic, Seacrest Green ACC BAKXGJX BA-Heater,
Defroster, Deluxe Radio, Manual Antenna, Oil Bath Air Cleaner, Full
Flow Oil Filter KX-Custom Lounge Latex Foam Cushion G-Windshield
Washer JX-Padded Instrument Panel
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.