Prepare to embark on a journey back in time as we unravel the captivating tale of the 1957 Pontiac Chieftain, affectionately known as the Tri-Five Poncho. In the mid-1950s, the Chieftain held a position in the Pontiac lineup similar to the Chevy 210, while the Star Chief boasted a trim comparable to the iconic Bel Air. With all-new bodies introduced in 1955, this model captured the hearts of enthusiasts for three glorious years. Despite sales reaching only 20% of its Bow-Tie counterparts, this ’57 Chieftain remains a testament to Pontiac’s enduring legacy. Now residing in Denver, Colorado, this original and fairly solid beauty awaits a knowledgeable and dedicated individual to revive it. Head over to eBay, where bidding currently stands at $4,050, to seize this incredible opportunity.
Spanning a decade from 1949 to 1958, the Chieftain showcased Pontiac’s post-WW2 design evolution. When the “new again” cars were unveiled in 1955, Pontiac bid farewell to six-cylinder engines and embraced the power of the V8. The formidable “Strato-Streak” engine displaced 287 cubic inches in ’55, increased to 317 in ’56, and reached 347 in ’57, as seen in the seller’s sedan. With its refreshed styling featuring “Star Flight” sculpturing and missile-shaped trim, this Chieftain exudes an unmistakable charm.
Compared to its GM cousins, finding well-preserved Pontiacs of this vintage has become a challenge due to their relatively lower production numbers. Approximately 35,000 Chieftain 4-door sedans, like the one pictured here, were assembled in 1957, adding to their rarity. While the seller doesn’t delve into the car’s past 66 years, they emphasize its originality from top to bottom. The body flaunts a solid structure complemented by the striking aqua paint, while the matching interior appears to be in decent condition, albeit in need of a thorough cleaning and upholstery repair.
The burning question remains: What lies beneath the hood of this iconic classic? With 89,000 miles on the clock, it’s highly likely that mechanical issues may have arisen. Unfortunately, the seller remains silent about the car’s running condition. Therefore, it’s safe to assume it requires attention and restoration to restore its former glory. Procuring a replacement 347 Pontiac V8 might prove more challenging than sourcing a Chevy 265 or 283 V8. Nevertheless, this incredible find presents an opportunity to breathe new life into a deserving car, offering a second (or even third) chance at hitting the open road once again.
