For Sale: 1955 Pontiac Star Chief in Dayton, Ohio

The 1955 Pontiac benefited from more changes than any model since the Pontiac had first been introduced in 1926, as it had a reported 109 new features and three new bodies. The top-of-the-line Star Chief rode on a frame that was 11 inches longer than other models, and it was powered by one of the best engines ever used in a Pontiac, the 287-cubic inch ''Strato Streak'' V-8. This engine was smaller, more rigid, and better suited for the higher compression ratios that were coming into use after World War II. The Star Chief's ''Strato Streak'' could produce 180 horsepower and was capable of propelling the car upwards of 90 mph, which was ideal for the long, modern highways being constructed across this country.

Helping to make the Star Chief Convertible an American icon was its appearance in several episodes of the classic television series I Love Lucy, in which one of the cars was driven cross-country by the Ricardos and the Mertzes in their move from New York to Hollywood.

Along with an all-new body, the straight-eight was superseded by the new V-8 power in 1955.Typical for the 1955 Pontiacs is the design with two wide ''Silver Streaks'' running the length of the hood.