1957 Pontiac Star Chief

This 1957 Pontiac Star Chief convertible was previously restored and repainted in different colors than stock. On the outside, it features chrome bumpers and trim, 14-inch wheels with BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall tires, a power-operated top, rear fender skirts, and a Continental kit. Interior amenities include two-tone vinyl front and rear bench seats, power steering, and power brakes. Under the hood is a 347ci V8 connected to an automatic transmission. Refinished in Tartan Red and white with a white fabric roof over a red and white cabin, this second-generation Star Chief is available now from a dealer with a clear title.

The second generation of the Pontiac Star Chief came out for the 1955 model year in a variety of body styles with updated sheet metal and an assortment of V8 engines. By 1957, the Star Chief had been restyled. This convertible from that year was not originally Tartan Red and white, but was resprayed in those colors during a previous restoration. Accents include chrome bumpers, metallic side trim, brightwork on the rocker panels and the rear fenders, which are equipped with body-color skirts, and a Continental kit. A power-operated white fabric top with a plastic rear window covers the passenger compartment and fits under a matching boot cover cover when lowered. The selling dealer notes that the chrome and stainless trim is in excellent condition, but that there are a few small dents in the left front fender that need to be addressed.

A set of 14-inch wheels with Pontiac-branded knockoff-style covers and BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall tires connect the car to the road. Given the unknown age of the tires, the selling dealer suggests replacing them.

The cabin is furnished with red carpeting, red and white bench seating in both rows, matching door panels, and a body-color dashboard with metallic trim. Amenities include power steering and brakes, a column-mounted automatic shifter, and a glove compartment. The door sills were replaced within the last three years. According to the dealer, the AM radio lights up, but does not produce sound and the electric antenna does not operate. Additionally, the clock is inoperative.

Instrumentation consists of a gear selection indicator, a 120-mph speedometer, and gauges for the battery charge, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The odometer shows 83K miles, but true mileage is unknown.

The hood features padding replaced within the last three years and covers a 347ci V8 connected to an automatic gearbox that the previous owner believes is the car's original 3-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission. The dealer notes that the engine starts at the turn of the key, but that there appears to be a leak from the top seam of the radiator.

In addition to the hood pad and door sill plates, the driveshaft U-joints were replaced in the last three years. Corrosion is noted on a rear lateral support component. Additional photos of the underbody are available in the picture gallery to the right.