Vehicle Description
If you've got a little brother who was more popular than you, then
maybe you can relate to the plight of this 1955 Pontiac Chieftain
Catalina Coupe De Luxe. Typically priced much lower than a
comparable Chevy Bel Air, you get similar styling in a bigger
package, more horsepower from a 287 cubic inch "Strato Streak" V8,
and a more mature and refined look that might appeal to those of us
with a bit of gray around the temples.
1955 was a crucial year for Pontiac, ushering a completely new
design for its already successful Chieftain, and examples like this
2nd generation Catalina (hardtop) Coupe De Luxe (trim level and
continental kit) were instrumental in starting off Pontiac's Tri-5
excellence with a bang. The A-Body was so new and revolutionary,
Pontiac boldly proclaimed: "Everything New But Its Wonderful Name",
and designer Paul Gillan was universally lauded for his beautiful
creation. Crisper, smoother, nearly three inches lower than its
predecessor, it features lots of trim, a flashy hardtop profile,
and enough familiar DNA to make it a handsome alternative to the
more common Chevy. Flashy two-tone paint jobs were all the craze in
the 1950's, and we absolutely love how the upper White color sweeps
down to the middle of the front doors, then back across the trunk
to give the illusion of greater length. The contrasting Nautilus
Blue is a perfect choice for any lover of the era, and the two
colors really hug the curvaceous sheetmetal that remains in great
shape. Any signs of use are hard to find, although this isn't some
perfect show pony. This Poncho was meant to be driven. It fits
together quite nicely, with good gaps and doors that close with
reassuring solidity, and since there are practically zero
reproduction pieces for this car, you know it has led a good life
to look this good today. Trim and brightwork are somewhat more
restrained than on the Chevy, although the trademark side and hood
trim is a dead giveaway that you're looking at a Chieftain. A small
fortune went to the chrome shop, where the bumpers, grille, and
other ornamentation were restored to excellent standards,
especially those super-cool taillight housings and trim pieces. And
because this is a De Luxe trim level car, you get a big continental
kit out back, along with fender skirts over the rear tires,
finishing the elegant look perfectly.
One look inside and you can see why so many people fell in love
with the simple elegance and beautiful design of Pontiacs from the
1950s. The refreshed two-tone seats have been reupholstered in
factory correct Code 259 gray cloth and black faux leather, using a
pattern that's right for the era and remains all-day comfortable.
The chrome-laden and slick-black dashboard is all stock, hiding
behind that incredibly cool dual-ringed, jet-age steering wheel,
which is in fantastic restored condition. Thick carpets on the
floor use a plush weave and nap while the matching two-tone door
panels tie the whole cabin together wonderfully. Original gauges
are crisp and clear inside a that amazing bezel, and one look above
at the taut headliner lets everyone know that nothing was
overlooked during the rebuild. Out back, the neatly finished trunk
was painted to match the white portion of the car and offers a
reproduction mat and full-size bias-ply spare tire and jack set
that are stowed away in the factory position.
The Pontiac was only a little bigger than the Chevy, but the 287
cubic inch V8 was definitely stronger than Chevy's 283, and factory
performance rated at 180HP is downright impressive. Add in the
factory-style Rochester 2-barrel carburetor and original air
cleaner set-up, and you have a low-profile cruiser that can run
with the best of them. It's nicely finished with Pontiac Dark Blue
engine enamel, black-painted inner fenders and blue firewall, and
factory components everywhere you look that give this '55 massive
curb appeal. It's backed by the virtually indestructible GM
Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission whose crisp shifts are a
true mechanical pleasure. It starts quickly and pulls hard through
the gears with only a whisper of V8 soundtrack from the single
exhaust pipe out back. A sanitary frame undercarriage reinforce the
idea that this has always been a solid car, and with chrome wire
wheel covers and 215/75/15 whitewall radials, it rides and handles
superbly.
It's hard to call a Pontiac unusual, but this Chieftain Catalina
Coupe De Luxe will stand apart from the vastly more common Chevys
and Fords, and for all the right reasons. Call today!
