Vehicle Description
1957 Pontiac Chieftain Hardtop
Known as the Tri-Five years in Chevrolet parlance, the 1955-57
Pontiac Chieftains were similarly styled and engineered, even
receiving their first V-8 engine in the 1955 model year. They were
revolutionary for Pontiac, and it was obvious that the division was
beginning to shed its turgid image of a solid, dependable car often
preferred by elderly motorists. Streamlining and star lighting was
beginning to emerge from Pontiac design, as was a healthy interest
in performance, all appealing to younger buyers who might
appreciate blending a little space race and road race.
For consignment, an earlier frame off restoration that still
retains its allure and mystique. It has a rebuilt 347ci factory
engine, a like new interior, wonderful Tartan Red paint, and
styling which is somewhat space age and tri-five influenced
mixture.
Exterior
Buick has a way to utilize chrome trimmings like none other and
it's used in what I like to call tasteful excess. This is evident
on the front bumper leaving the viewer with the impression their
car has "arrived", (like the debutante descending gracefully down
the steps.)! Here we see a shaver rounded styled central vertical
ribbed monstrous grillewith even more large round jet engine like
solid chromed "Dagmars" on either side. Below is a wide bumper
housing the oval turn signals and wrapping around the front
quarters. An upper lip completes the smile for the grille and just
above the hood with its inverted chrome V and central round Buick
badge on front. The headlights are within burgundy bezels and
appear as frenched, but this was the original design. The front
quarter tops have a touch of space age rocket like trimmings on
their top edge and this moves back to the curved around windshield.
A black painted roofline also uses a rear wraparound glass. Windows
have chrome trimmings for their edges aplenty. Below, laser
straight rust free steel bathed in the Tartan Red with well minded
gaps use a black ever widening trim spear to add a touch of
interest, texture and stars. The back of the car is pure tri-five
57 form, with the large V shaped fins with the oval tail lighting
in the centers, a split bumper with more jet engine "Dagmars" and
dual exiting shiny exhaust tips below. Another inverted V with
Buick round badge is on the back of the trunk rolling down to the
rear bumper. 17-inch Rev 5 spoked wheels are on all 4 corners and
looking sporty.
Interior
The nifty 50's styling continues with he black and white vinyl
interior starting with the door panels which use the color
combination very effectively. Inside black carpeting lays the
foundation for the two toned black and white benches and these are
made up of fuzzy black broadcloth insert tuck and roll panels for
the seats and half backs, then white vinyl takes over for the tops
and backs as well as a central stripe in the mid section. Black
piping is present and front and back cushions are nice and matchy
matchy. The dash also utilizes the black and white motif, throwing
in some extra chrome for the instrument bezels, and an aluminum
oval plate for the instrument section of the dash front. The top
and bottom are black metal. A tight whitey headliner is floating
above all this menagerie.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the factory sky blue painted 347ci V8 is stuffed
inside, and has been completely rebuilt by the noted restoration
shop Treasured Motor Cars. It is looking fab! On top is a 2-barrel
carburetor and on back is a Strato-Flight 4-speed automatic
transmission in Hydramatic form. 3.23 gears are within the rear
axle. All clean, all clear under here!
Undercarriage
When you purchase this car you will also need to run out and buy a
mirror to show off the underside which is fully restored, nicely
painted red and jet black rust free X framing. A clean dual exhaust
is snapping its way rearward, and I note front coil spring
suspension, and rear leaf springs. Drum braking is attached to all
4 corners.
Drive-Ability
These late 50's cars are always a hoot to drive and this one did
not let me know. With a smooth suspension and ride, nice powerful
acceleration and good solid bias free panic stopping are all the
rage with this car's drive-ability, and all in perfect working
condition.
Not your grandfather's Buick anymore with its kewl styling, neat
fins and big chrome. How can you go wrong? Red and black with black
and white two tone, it will not get any more retro 50's from this
point. We are about to go for a space age intro ride!
P757H87468
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
7-Chieftain
57-1957
H-Hydramatic
87468-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.