Pontiac Chieftain 400 V8 1955
General description :
ORIG. COLORS IN & OUT, 455 V8, AUTO, PWR STEERING, GREAT DRIVING '55 PONTIAC!
Fans of Pontiacs and American motoring history want to take note of this car. The 1955 Pontiacs like this Chieftain hardtop coupe had a new V8 and new styling that was a turning point for the company. So when you find a restored example that retains its nicely coordinated factory color combo, a larger version of the revolutionary V8, and it's all at a value price... it's time act quickly.
The Chieftain was the entry-level Pontiac in 1955, but it looks anything but basic. The unique front bumper design and iconic "silver streak" hood give this plenty of distinction without losing the all-American '50s style. Add in lots more trim, a flashy hardtop profile, and enough familiar DNA to make it a handsome alternative to the more common Chevy. You can tell there has been some investment that has gone into this significant Pontiac over the years. The turquoise is correct for this car, and it has the kind of smoothness and shine that comes from a modern respray. It's also now joined by a terrific white that separates alone the trim line. The curvaceous sheetmetal remains in great shape with good gaps and doors that close with reassuring solidity. These Pontiacs were starting on their journey to becoming GM's performance brand, and so this coupe hints at that with the addition of 15-inch Cragar SS wheels.
One glance inside will convince you that someone really spent some time a few years ago coordinating the restoration on this coupe. The turquoise and white two-tone from the outside is masterfully continued on the interior. This combo looks fantastic on the button-top seats, which tells us a there was a serious investment here. The overall appearance matches quite nicely on the door panels, carpeting, and dash, for a true uniform appearance everyone loves at car shows. Pontiac's gauge package was one of the most handsome of the day with nice symmetry and a half-circle speedometer prominently mounted in the middle. The amount of the brightwork on the dash means upgrades like the AM/FM/cassette player and trio of auxiliary gauges do a fine job of blending in with this largely original interior.
More of what makes this Pontiac great is under the hood. 1955 was the first year of the new OHV built by Pontiac for Pontiac, and this powerplant was how the brand began to establish its reputation for providing performance in the GM lineup. But while the first version only displaced 287 cubic inches, this one celebrates the time when Pontiac got deeper into the horsepower wars with an enlarged Buick 455ci V8. There are a few signs that this is a later motor, but most people peeking inside will find it hard to recognize the performance upgrade from just looking in the engine bay. After all, the correct light blue block and all the gloss black components just look like the product of a careful and original restoration. But you'll certainly feel and hear the upgrade thanks to the Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and rumble of the dual exhaust. There's even power steering and a two-speed automatic transmission to make it's easy to enjoy this vintage Pontiac to the fullest.
Authentic, powerful, and uncommon – you're looking at an exceptionally desirable vintage coupe at a very affordable price. That's why you know you have to be quick to get this Chieftain home. Call today!!!
Features : Defrost, Heat, Power Steering, AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/0578-tpa/1955-pontiac-chieftain
1955 Pontiac Chieftain 400 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lutz by Streetside Classics for $19995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : Chieftain Model Version : 400 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1955 Sub type : Coupé Location : Tampa
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About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.