Always a favorite, the 1955 Pontiac was a stylistic gem that came at a time when General Motors was on an upswing of design across its divisions.
The Pick of the Day looks to be an exceptional example, a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door hardtop described as a “frame-off restoration job” by the Morgantown, Pennsylvania, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
The advertising dealer goes into the history of the division (“The brand was named after Pontiac, Grand Chief of the Ottawa Native Americans, who was famous for his rebellion against Fort Detroit (the British) in 1763.”) as well as in-depth descriptions of the design and trim on this example.
“This beauty has wonderful lines, snappy 2-tone colors and correct interior,” the dealer notes. “Lots of horizontal chrome and black-banded trim, big bumpers front and rear, and a curved rear window complete with chromed B pillar and gleaming surrounds on all window trimmings. Oh, and did I mention it runs like a Swiss watch?”
The Chieftain looks quite regal in its gleaming red-and-black two-tone paint job, with the lavish array of intricate chrome pieces shining like new. Anyone who has attempted to restore one of these Pontiacs knows the vast complexity of its chrome bits, and this one looks like it was done right with the required fastidiousness of detail.
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“Topping the red hood and leading the way for the smiling grille and large bumper below, a jet with a glass chieftain head provides the ornament,” the dealer says in the colorful description. “Flanking this on either side is bands of horizontal ribs running the gamut of the hood and looking much like a package wrapping for you to open and enjoy.”
Photos with the ad also show the fine condition of the interior, engine compartment and underside. The Pontiac has its correct 287cid V8 valve-in-head engine fed by a Carter WGD 2-barrel carburetor. The engine is backed by a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission and 3.08:1 ratio rear end.
The dashboard glistens with chrome accents.
“An original-looking dash gussied up with black paint, and wide chromed bezels with inserted gauges and levers gives my eyes mid-1950s dreams, it’s that nice,” the dealer says.
The asking price for this lovely example of a special year for Pontiac is $36,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
