Vehicle Description
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Along with an all-new body, the straight-eight was superseded by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.
