1957 Pontiac Chieftain

This 1957 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door hardtop is a custom build with a 425ci V8 from a 1979 Cadillac that is paired with an automatic transmission. This Chieftain was subject to aesthetic modifications including lowered rockers, Frenched headlights, and a 3-inch lowered suspension. Customization extends to the interior where an Air Tique HVAC system, a Kenwood head unit, and a custom center console have been added. Finished in white over a reupholstered two-tone green and white cloth interior, this second-generation Chieftain is located in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and offered with a clear Texas title.

The Chieftain debuted as a 1949 model and rode on the General Motors A platform with a 120-inch wheelbase; a second-generation model launched six years later. Cosmetic updates came with each subsequent year, including “Star Flight” styling that adorned the 1957 models, bringing revised bumpers and redesigned rear fenders among other design cues. This Chieftain 2-door hardtop is a customized build that incorporates a 1979 Cadillac chassis. The frame, floor, trunk pans, and other components from the Cadillac were retrofitted. Updates to the body include lowering of the rockers by 3” and the installation of lake pipes on each side. Customization further extends to the Frenched headlights, modified hood with integrated tachometer, dual spotlights, tailfins lengthened by 13 inches, continental kit, modified parking lights, fender artwork, and dual antennas.

Narrow-whitewall tires are mounted on wheels with chrome wire covers and red Pontiac center caps. The suspension has been lowered by 3 inches with custom springs and features rear air shocks.

The interior is retrofitted with split-bench seats from the 1979 Cadillac, in addition to the tilt/telescoping steering column and the steering wheel from the same donor vehicle. Upholstery was redone in 2-tone with a green wavy pattern, white piping, and a white headliner. The same materials are used on the door panels and kick panels, and the 2-tone dash features green trim across the face. Amenities include Air Tique heat and air conditioning and an upholstered custom center console with a Kenwood audio head unit, rear air shock controls, and storage.

Instrumentation is provided by a 120-mph speedometer, a custom hood-mounted 8K-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for voltage, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The 5-digit mechanical odometer reads just under 6K miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The replacement 425ci V8 was sourced from the 1979 Cadillac donor vehicle along with the associated wiring. The engine bay is dressed with chrome valve covers and a chrome-finished air cleaner. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a column-shifted automatic transmission.

In addition to its 425ci V8 engine, this Chieftain uses the frame from the 1979 Cadillac donor vehicle.

The seller has provided two videos showcasing the vehicle.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 9/24/21 3:30PM: Photos of the restoration have been added to the gallery.