Vehicle Description
The 1957 Pontiac Chieftain 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 vintage hardtop sedan with
true V8 power, 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. But today that admiration is all about how complete this
car looks. 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, and big
rear bumper that integrated into the tailfins - it's all part of an
impressive total presentation. But our favorite part is the side
trim. It starts at the front fender and has a rocket-like shape
that looks like it's firing us off into the jet age. And within
that is a large rear section that also forms the taillights - oh
yes, the stylists were in charge during this time. It's quite an
attractive and complete setup, and the value price means you can
decide if you want to update the paint, update the bodywork, polish
the chrome, or any personal touch that you feel like elevating. But
we like the look of a driver-ready and driver-quality car that
impresses from day one. And the reason why this Pontiac is so
distinct is because it needed to be a premium offering. You could
get the same cool pillarless hardtop sedan profile at Chevrolet,
but a loaded Bel Air still wouldn't come close to this premium
Pontiac's price. And the cost distinction back then keeps an
example like this a true rarity today.
The pillarless hardtop design means you can roll down all the
windows, and that's a nice idea on this one. After all, the custom
color combo of red and white makes for quite an attractive
distinction that you'll want everyone to get a good look at.
There's plenty of room for family and friends. In fact, you'll love
going places with them just so you can watch people admire all four
doors open at once without a B-pillar in the way. It's not perfect,
but it's impressive, right down to details like the classic Pontiac
logo on the floor mats and the working AM radio. So the feeling
here is all about an easy-to-enjoy cruiser.
What really makes this such a great cruiser is under the hood. This
was the first generation of the new V8 motor built by Pontiac for
Pontiac. Enlarged to 347 cubic inches for '57, this year-correct
block has a tidy style in the dark engine bay. It's a strong runner
and the Hydramatic automatic transmission is a smooth shifter. We
are adamant about how this one really is a true driver-ready
cruiser, and so there are even subtle upgrades to help further
that. That's why the classic-looking whitewalls hide a modern
touring tire. And not everyone will see that the headlights were
upgraded to LEDs, but you certainly will know the difference at
night.
This is the kind of classic that's right for someone who wants
road-ready distinction. And the value price should also be
attractive to someone who wants an impressive base to upgrade it
with a personal touch. So it's the kind of attractive deal that
won't stay here long, call today!
