For a model that only managed a production volume of about 1,200 copies, we encounter 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safaris more often than one might expect. A me-too version of Chevrolet’s Nomad, the Safari never seemed to have engendered the following that the Nomad created. That’s all the more reason to look one over when it surfaces. This example is located in Bullhead City, Arizona and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $14,100, reserve not yet met.

The entire idea of a two-door station wagon always seemed odd to me. I suppose the concept was to add some flair and style to the lowly wagon so all of those baby-boomer parents, who were car-centric, wouldn’t feel consigned to an automotive realm of dowdiness. I get that, but a station wagon is about functionality, and removing a pair of its doors doesn’t help with that cause. But then again, as a commenter reminded me some time back, the lack of rear doors does help to prevent the kiddies from throwing them open and hopping out at the wrong or a dangerous time.

This Safari was bought new in L.A. and stayed with the original family through last year. Apparently, it has been sitting in California’s high desert since the mid-90s. And its appearance does not belie this Pontiac’s long slumber. Specifically, the paint is sunburned with minor surface rust manifesting itself on horizontal surfaces. The front clip appears to have been primered at some point in the past and there are what appear to be Bondo patches in the doors and quarters. While it’s great to see the seven distinctive stainless spears still attached to the tailgate, some of the unique driver’s side trim has been removed though it is supposedly available and included in the sale. The seller adds, “The Floor pan, Quarter Panels, Frame, Doors, and Fenders are Nice and Solid“.

For motivation, this Safari has a 270 gross HP, 347 CI, matching number V8 engine, tethered to a Hydramatic automatic transmission. The listing states, “It starts but smokes and idles rough. The transmission goes into gear but I haven’t driven it and don’t know how it shifts“.  At the least, the carburetor, air cleaner, and valve covers look like replacements – beyond that, it’s hard to tell much about originality or completeness.

The upholstery was been worked hard and ravaged by the California sun – no surprise there. Nice to see, however, is the condition of the instrument panel with its original clock and radio – it’s still in nice shape though the Grant steering wheel looks out of place. The remainder of it is a mixed bag but the upscale presentation of a Star Chief Safari is still very evident with the trim/carpet treatment adorning the cargo area and the stainless ribs supporting the headliner. This two-tone interior visual feast was probably a real looker in its day.

The seller suggests, “Because of its production numbers being low its resale value could rival that of the Chevrolet Nomad where prices have been known to go into six figures restored” Yeah, maybe, maybe not. The rarity definitely plays a role in this car’s attraction and this is one that absolutely needs to be saved for what it is, not so much what it “could” be worth. It’s a spectacular example of GM’s can-do attitude from the ’50s and a stark reminder of what, unfortunately, became of Pontiac – but that’s a story for another day. So, what do you think, any takers out there?