The 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Convertible Coupe is a rare
original example that is in overall good condition (great for its
age!) and ready to drive! The Chieftain is powered by its original
268ci straight-eight engine paired with a 3-speed manual
transmission with power convertible top. Originally finished in
Skylark Blue and refinished black early in the 50s with a red
leather interior, this Chieftain is a very well-preserved example,
well optioned and has documented history through its lifetime. It
is rare to find an unrestored, highly original convertible
Chieftain that is in this level of condition! This Chieftain was
purchased new by Carl Carlson of Worcester, Massachusetts from
Stockhaus Motors in Worchester. The Chieftain was purchased in 1952
by Mr. Bill Leland, the great-great nephew of Cadillac and Lincoln
founder Mr. Henry Leland when the Chieftain had approximately
17,000 miles showing. The Pontiac remained with the Leland family
for roughly 68 years and spent time in long term storage from 1970
until 2010. In 1988, the engine was rebuilt, clutch replaced,
pressure plate and throw-out bearings installed when the Chieftain
was showing 76,000 miles. Mr. Leland sold the Chieftain to his
friend, Mr. Joe Cutler, knowing that Mr. Cutler would preserve the
originality and treasure the Chieftain in his collection. When Mr.
Cutler purchased the Chieftain, the odometer was showing 76,020
miles. During Mr. Cutlers stewardship, he recommissioned the
Chieftain for driving by using included extra parts and servicing
specifically to retain the originality while bringing the mechanics
up to driving standard. Work included rebuilding the brake system,
starter, carburetor, and the hydroelectric power top system.
Historical notes share that the Chieftain won the Survivor Award
for three consecutive years for the P.O.C.I National meet, won Best
of Show at a large event in Warwick, RI and has won several first
in class awards. The Chieftain was featured in a Hemmings Editorial
in August 2014 (read it from our documents!). In 2020, the
Chieftain was sold to the current owner with 80,000 miles showing
and now showing 80,889 miles. This Chieftain is a rare find that
has an impressive history with great preservation that any
collector would love! The exterior of the Chieftain is finished in
black that was repainted early in its lifetime with plenty of
chrome trim throughout! For paint that is likely over 70 years old,
it is in great condition! The paint is in overall good condition
with expected pitting, touched up rock chips and wear consistent
for its age. This Pontiac wears the years well! The chrome and
brightwork are in overall good condition with light surface
scratches, pitting toward the front, and a more noticeable scuff on
the front overriders. Its impressive that the chrome has a bright
polish and shine for being original! The Pontiac has the
illuminated Chief hood ornament, dual guide spotlights, fog lamps,
dual side mirrors, radio antenna, windshield wipers, deluxe bumper
guards, chrome fuel door guard, chrome stone guards, fender skirts,
full wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. The convertible top was
redyed early in its life and remains in very good working condition
and comes with boot cover. This Chieftain is remarkable for its age
and use. The long-term care it has received makes this a Pontiac
that is in overall good condition and ready to be enjoyed! The
interior of the Chieftain is the original red leather with tan
accents on the door panels paired with a two-tone painted dash in
black and tan. For the interior to be in all original condition,
its impressive for it to have held up so well over the years and
use! The original upholstery is in overall good condition with two
visible tears or perforations on the front bench in the front
seating while the rear seat remains in good condition. The door
panels are in overall great condition, the rubber with carpet
insets on the floor in front is in good condition and the original
carpet in the back is in fair condition. The dash is in overall
great condition, and the steering wheel has no visible cracking.
The gauges are in working condition. Features include AM radio,
clock, illuminated compass, and factory heater controls. The
Chieftain is powered by its original 268ci straight-eight engine
producing 108 horsepower paired with a synchromesh 3-speed manual
transmission. The Chieftain has a two-barrel downdraft carburetor,
mechanical fuel pump, Delco-Remy generator, 6V battery that was
replaced in 1/2026, and four-wheel drum brakes. Recent servicing in
2022 includes a new fuel sending unit, brake bearing replaced,
cleaned the head and replaced spark plugs. This Chieftain starts
well cold or warm and is lovely to drive! Included in the sale is
owner's manual, shop manual, service records, literature,
historical documentation, Hemmings magazine with editorial, and the
original keys plus extra sets. For more information and details,
please call or text Kendi Brown at 1.623.404.9042 or email us at
[email protected] . This 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe
Convertible Coupe is available for inspection at our showroom in
Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video
inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also
have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
