Vehicle Description
The 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible is a pretty big deal. It
was the final step into Pontiacs transition into both premium and
performance. So when you can get your hands on a very correct
convertible with a tri-power V8, then you know this is quite an
attractive offering.
The Pontiac division was heating up during this era, and this car
is a big reason why. It had an instant presence on the streets when
it arrived in '57, and that has only grown in the last seven
decades. It was born a black car (always desirable) but this was
also given a restoration about a decade ago. Now it has a full
upgrade to a well-done red. Plus, the brightwork is key to a cool
'50s classic, and this has a ton of it. The long grille that
integrates into the wraparound bumper, factory wheel covers,
classic badging, artful side mirrors, and big rear bumper showing
off the continental kit - it's all part of a striking total
presentation. But our favorite part is the side trim. It starts at
the front fender introducing a white streak for a hint of two-tone.
It has that perfect rocket-like shape that looks like it's firing
us off into the jet age. And within that is a large rear section
with namesake stars and trim that also forms the taillights. So
yes, the stylists were absolutely in charge during this time. But a
Pontiac like this had to this impressive. You could get a cool
convertible at Chevrolet, but a loaded Bel Air drop-top still
wouldn't come close to this premium Pontiac's price. And the cost
distinction back then made this a rarity that only get more unique
with age.
The white convertible top and whitewall tires look nice against the
red to help give the exterior the all-American appeal of a
Coca-Cola bottle. So with this much charm on the outside, we're
glad to see the roof power down and continue this two-tone style.
This car has been under the same care since the restoration, and so
the quality endures. The carpeting is near perfect, the two-tone
door panels are clean/complete, and the two wide rows of bench
seats make this comfortable for family and friends. There are even
well-placed upgrades, like the color-matched seatbelts and an
upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo hidden away in the glovebox. You'll love
slipping behind the white factory steering wheel, and it combines
with the smooth red dash to continue this car's two-tone
appeal.
While we love how this one looks inside and out, what makes the '57
car so important is the motor. Pontiac was in the early days of
making its own OHV V8s, and this was enlarged to 347 cubic-inches
for '57. Plus, it's the debut year for the triple set of
dual-barrel cabs. So it's really great to see a period-correct
block with a Tri-Power setup under the hood of this classic. We
even have photos to show that this was rebuilt likely around the
time of the rest of the restoration. Add in a Hydramatic automatic
transmission, power steering and you've got a great and powerful
cruising classic.
The sale comes complete with the service manuals and title
documentation. This is the classic convertible with rarity, beauty,
and power. That's why you know you have to be quick to get this
Star Chief home. Call today!!!
