For Sale: 1952 Pontiac Chieftain in Lithia Springs, Georgia

This 1952 Pontiac Chieftain convertible does everything right. It's got an honest '50s look that takes no liberties with the original design, but underneath there's a thumping big block V8 plus a handsome and tasteful interior, making it the ideal cruiser that's up for anything you'd like to do.

At first glance, nobody will realize how special this car really is. Paint and bodywork are very stock, and while a red convertible is hardly a sleeper, nobody will ever guess the firepower living within. The burgundy paint is called Monte Carlo Raspberry and it looks wonderful, with just the right soft gloss that works so well on older cars like this. Someone invested a lot of time and effort in this finish, which is relatively fresh and shows almost no signs of use. Door gaps are excellent and all the sheetmetal is original, so you know this car has led an easy life. Even more remarkable is the chrome and stainless trim, which is comprised of original and NOS (new-old stock) parts, so the detailing is crisp and you don't see any of the usual pitting and deterioration you get on older trim pieces. The beautiful speed streaks still wrap around the hood and the gorgeous Chief Pontiac hood ornament is crystal clear, beautifully preserved, and actually illuminates. Out back you'll recognize the round taillights, as they're quite popular with hot rodders, and only the modest chrome exhaust pipes give anything away.

Getting a glimpse of the interior, you'll know something's up, because it features black leather buckets from a late-model. They work rather well and with a custom center console in the middle, it becomes a first-class cruiser. It's also been tastefully updated with a tilt steering column with a 4-spoke wheel, white-faced gauges, and a console-mounted Lokar shifter. The original dash is completely intact, and while most of the switchgear has been upgraded, it has awesome details like the center-mounted tachometer, which was originally the radio speaker, plus some discreet vents for the A/C system. The rear bench also seems to have been borrowed from that same late-model vehicle, and it's amazing how well it fits here, making this a comfortable 4-seater. Custom door panels continue the Chief Pontiac motif, and the windows are now power-actuated. A snug-fitting black convertible top fits well and looks great, and stows under a matching black boot. The trunk has also been fully upholstered and is big enough for a nice, long road trip.

The original flathead six is gone, replaced by a thundering 468 cubic inch V8. Rebuilt less than 100 miles ago, it runs superbly with the kind of effortless torque that makes this luxury ragtop feel comfortable in any conditions. The block was painted Pontiac Turquoise just for effect, and the rest of the workmanship is quite good. You'll note the accessories are tucked in close to the block and all the wiring and plumbing is neatly routed. It's backed by a sturdy TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and a modern front clip that includes power steering and power disc brakes. It's nicely detailed, with clean black paint throughout, plus a custom dual exhaust system that's suitably quiet so it doesn't give the secret away too soon. There's a new gas tank out back and even correct bias-ply wide whites on the original wheels and hubcaps to complete the illusion.

This is really a beautifully built car that does everything right. Fast, smooth, competent, and just plain beautiful, it's exactly the right way to build a resto-mod. Call today!