Rare Wagon: 1955 Pontiac Safari
One of the greatest dramas with tackling a project build is deciding exactly what you are trying to achieve. It is common for individuals to change tack repeatedly, and sometimes the finished product is nothing like what was initially intended. That’s what makes vehicles like this rare 1955 Pontiac Safari an attractive proposition. All of those decisions have been made and executed. That will leave its new owner with nothing to do except slip behind the wheel to enjoy the classic motoring experience. Located in Salem, Ohio, the owner has chosen to list the Safari for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $20,300 off the back of some intense action. However, the reserve is yet to be met.
There’s a lot to absorb with the Safari. It presents incredibly well in its combination of Turquoise and White, and the color choice is within character for a vehicle of this vintage. The owner says that the paint is new, and it certainly hasn’t had the opportunity to collect any noticeable chips or marks. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and it appears that this wagon is close to being rust-free. The owner uses the term “minimal/no rust,” which indicates that there might be some small spots for the buyer to tackle. The trim and chrome appear to be flawless, including the distinctive pieces that run the length of the hood. The glass is just as immaculate as the rest of the exterior, with no chips, scratches, or other flaws. During the build, the owner could’ve chosen from any number of wheels to fit the Pontiac. However, the 17″ ones that this wagon wears not only suit its character admirably, but they are free from stains and physical damage.
The owner has chosen to tread a relatively safe and sensible path with the Pontiac’s drivetrain. The buyer will receive a wagon equipped with a 350ci V8, a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, and power front disc brakes. The only surprise from my perspective is that he didn’t choose to equip the vehicle with power steering. It isn’t clear what the specifications are for this 350, but it does appear to wear a new 4-barrel carburetor and custom headers. If I were a betting man, I’d be placing my money firmly on this V8 sounding pretty sweet. The owner indicates that the motor and transmission have only clocked 4,000 since a rebuild, and the overall presentation of the engine bay would seem to support this. He doesn’t indicate how well the Safari runs and drives, but the news should be pretty positive with the information that he does supply.
The theme of freshly rebuilt or refurbished continues when we take a look inside this Pontiac. The interior presents beautifully in Beige vinyl, and there is nothing for the buyer to do. The upholstered surfaces look tight and clean, while the carpet is immaculate. The positive news continues when we venture back to the cargo area because it has received the same level of attention as the rest of the interior. Not only will this interior garner attention wherever the wagon goes, but it looks supremely comfortable and well-appointed.
As well as fresh upholstery, all of the painted surfaces have received a refresh to match the exterior paint color. The owner has fitted some additional gauges into the dash to monitor proceedings under the hood, and he has done an excellent job of seamlessly integrating them. The mini console that houses the shifter is another superb touch, and it looks like the good people at Pontiac installed it. I can’t spot any form of stereo or in-car entertainment system, but the owner has added an extra touch of safety by installing a backup camera. These are a worthwhile investment, and I can’t speak highly enough of them in any vehicle.
The owner of this 1955 Pontiac Safari Wagon claims that it is 1-of-3,747 examples produced in that model year. That figure is close to the number that I have heard, although my sources show the total as 3,760. Still, what are 13 wagons between friends when Pontiac’s total vehicle production for that model year exceeded 554,000? This is a tidy and well-considered custom that is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next lucky owner. The execution appears to be of a standard that means that the buyer should not need to alter, change, or refurbish any aspect of the wagon. I talked earlier about all of the decisions that an owner needs to make when tackling a custom build, but you only need to make one with this classic; Are you going to place a bid on it? What do you say?
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Comments
You had me until the interior shot of the gear selector. Huh? Where did THAT come from. And for a power glide no less. In this case, less is more, should have left it on the column where it was originally.
Other than that, nice car, well done.
Had me at the Chevrolet engine. It’s not a Chevy. It is a Pontiac. If I were in the market why not just buy a Nomad?
Have to agree on the console. Doesn’t fit in. A powerglide? Really? A lot to like here but the powerglide really bugs me. Just saying
Pretty much the same thoughts. Nice car, I like it. BUTTTT, what were they thinking with that shift console eye sore/monstrosity thing. Swap that out and I really like this one.
Loved it until I saw the interior… I’ll pass. But I bet someone else will fall in love.
Have to agree with the Powerglide comments. When you have done that much work it seems an odd choice and may limit the audience for this car. It will certainly sell, but maybe not as quickly as hoped.
If you want a 350 it should be a Pontiac 350. The drive train and shifter kill it for me.
to Adam’s 1st 3 sentences or so – restoration, rest0mod, full on customize: changes mid process usually mean the builder has not done their research well, poor due diligence. “I think I’ll go this way, nah – how bout this, hey wait a sec…this? um, er, …ah…duh…?” Unfamiliar w/the model, its capabilities, components, poor project budgeting, wrong personnel or technique, in-experience, poor planning, etc. It is a more inclusive job than just being a mechanic. That job itself is hard enuff~
To the vehicle itself – are these coming to their end as icon? Like the Model A has the public moved beyond due to aging of the target buyer? Some (again the “A”?) never loose appeal, is this one (late ’50s early ’60s Italian, C1 vette ’56/60, Delehaye, etc)? Curate well, only time (as all ways) will tell~
I don’t agree with what they’ve done with the drivetrain. Should have tried to remain stock. The shift lever looks atrocious. My opinion, they have totally destroyed the worth of this vehicle.
Beautiful car-but- the 350 sbc and Powerglide ruin it for me. The bizarre floor shifter just adds insult to injury.
Beautiful car. I like every bit of it, even the floor shifter the snobs don’t like.
What is your opening bid?
My first car was a ‘56 Belair with the 2 bbl V8 and an automatic. That box wasn’t nicknamed Powerslide for nothing. A T350 would have cost the same in this build. My Chevy didn’t have PS either, and that’s another questionable decision. The console? No.
C’mon, this body I prefer more than the Chevy Nomad. I have a Pontiac 400 and a Turbo 400 I could put in it. Probably be more fun with a 4 speed or maybe retrofit a more modern manual transmission. Console would be easy enough to redo. The rest of the car is in great shape for the money. Cross reference cost of a comparable Nomad 2 door wagon and the Pontiac is ore rare. Seen a few at car shows and they always garner alot of attention. Price is getting up there for the changes I would make though. Maybe just drive it the way it is for now and do the engine trans swap over the winter months…if you can afford the buy in price.
I too found having the Powerglide pretty odd. Weren’t Pontiacs originally equipped with the 4 speed PNDSLR Hydramatic? Anyways, it at least needs a TH350.
The Pontiac Safari is really a beautiful ’50’s style statement. But I have to agree that some rather strange build choices compromise this one. Agree with others about the drivetrain. Nothing wrong with the SBC for almost anything and it has a lot of advantages. But a Pontiac engine would be more in keeping with the overall vibe and, like others, I can’t really see the rationale for using a PG. All of the chrome looks great, but why paint the rear bumper overrider? As for the interior, I’m not a fan of the console and the tall shifter. And, for me, one of the elements of a car from that era that gives it a big dose of character is the steering wheel. The generic-looking wood-rimmed steering wheel here would be a strong element of dissonance when sitting in the driver’s seat and looking out over that hood and dash.
Prior planning prevents pxxx poor results. All restorations or redos must have a theme start to finish or you end up with a ‘pizza’. To personalized for resale.
Overall, a very clean build. But why not use a Pontiac 350 and trans? Adding PS and vintage air would also be nice too. Seems like he used that mini console and shifter to give it the look of being a manual but he missed the mark. IMO. A great find in any case.
That front seat belongs in a basement rec room with wood paneling.
Beautiful car.
Shop-class console.
And seeing that mask hanging there is just like opening the newspaper and seeing yet another person getting jabbed in the arm.
If you’re going to spend the money on a strange console and shifter, you may as well go all the way and do a proper manual transmission. It also looks strange with that plug on the column where oem shifter was.
Some odd and rather poor choices for the restoration. I would rather it was kept “stock” and not gussied up with oddball gimmicks. It misses the mark for me.
I don’t understand these would be restorers.The powerglide was a poor choice ,but the sbc is a major improvement over the pontiac 350. A better engine for less money, how can you lose.
All the work changing various parts on this car, yet it’s still wearing the original vacuum windshield wiper motor! I guess his plans didn’t include running it on a track in rainy weather!
I’m with a few others on the shifter , it’s ugly as hell. I own a 55 safari and at first it was gonna be a427 bbc with a 5 speed. But used a Pontiac 400 and a 200 4r and I’m glad I did By the way it’s for sale $45000.The car is all new from paint, glass wheels and interior . Thanks