“Tri-Five” Poncho: 1957 Pontiac Chieftain
In the mid-1950s, the Chieftain was akin to the 210 in the Chevy lineup as the Star Chief was more like the Bel Air in terms of trim. All new bodies were introduced in 1955 (along with Chevrolet) and ran for three years (Tri-Five?) with sales at about 20% of that of the Bow-Tie folks. This ’57 Chieftain looks original and fairly solid, waiting for someone with “knowledge and time” to get it back on the road. Located in Denver, Colorado, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where bidders are holding at $4,050.
Being an all-new design after WW2, the Chieftain kept a place in the Pontiac portfolio from 1949 to 1958. When the “new again” cars were revealed for 1955, Pontiac had dropped using six-cylinder engines and the V8 was now the way to go. The “Strato-Streak” engine displaced 287 cubic inches in ’55, 317 in ’56, and 347 in ’57 (like in the seller’s sedan). So, a comparable Pontiac of the day should have been a tad peppier than its corresponding Chevy, Styling was refreshed in ’57 with “Star Flight” sculpturing which included missile-shaped trim on both sides.
Overall Pontiac production was 343,000 automobiles vs. nearly 1.4 million Chevies in 1957. So, nice Pontiacs of this vintage are harder to find today than their GM cousins. A Chieftain 4-door sedan like the one pictured here was one of about 35,000 assembled. The seller imparts little about what this ’57 Chieftain has been up to for the past 66 years. We’re told it’s original from head to toe, but that’s an often-overworked word. The body and aqua paint look sound, and the matching interior may be okay although a good cleaning and upholstery repair is advised.
The big question is the car’s mechanical health. At 89,000 miles, something is likely amiss, yet the seller does not comment if it runs. Therefore, it would be safe to assume it does not and you’d better plan on doing what it takes to sort that out. A replacement 347 Pontiac V8 is harder to source than a 265 or 283 Chevy V8. But this looks like a good car that deserves a second (or third) chance.
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Comments
The car has been repainted with plenty of over spray. The wheels also question the car’s originality. Behind the left wheel the rear quarter panel suggests an application of body filler. At the current bid this might be a bargain but I’d be hands on before making a bid.
I must be looking at different pictures?
Bit of a gouge in the left rear door, but I don’t see obvious overspray. Never the less I would be going after every ding and rust spot before a complete re-paint. I think this car is worth the effort, because it’s just more interesting than a ’57 Chevy, quad cab or not.
Overspray????? Wheels????? I think you need glasses.
You must be looking at different pictures. And I’ll thank you to reply with a little respect, I didn’t disparage you.
How about a Pontiac 350 or 400? That is, if the 347 isn’t junk.
I would rebuild what is there and leave it all factory original
Aren’t the 55-57 years made by GM all candidates for ball joints and timing gear replacement by the time you get 50K miles (or less) on them?
I love the 57 Pontiacs.
57 Pontiacs didn’t have ball joints. They used king pins.
For sale in Lakewood, Co for $13,500.
The Star Chief interior was much more upscale than a Bel Air.
the bidding is at 2200.00? it’s 1:15pm on 6/14/23
But the least attractive body style, Chevy or Pontiac, of the tri-fives. Compare to the 4 door “hardtop ” which really looks good, ’56 and `57.
Paucity of information. I don’t understand why people put vehicles on EBay and then attach a few mediocre pictures and a couple of sentences of almost redundant description. No pictures of engine or underneath. Two pictures of interior and nothing showing the rear seat area. Doesn’t mention anything about the running condition. Lazy seller IMO. Must not really want to sell it. Makes you wonder how much response you’d get if you tried to contact them. Just my two cents worth.
in 1955 they did not drop the 6 cyl for the v8 ohv they dropped the flathead straight 8 for it in 1954 Pontiac never had a 6 cyl they where all flathead straight 8
Interesting, and I concur about Pontiac engines
When I was a little shaver, my Mom and Dad traded our 55 4dr Chevy for one of these 57 Pontiacs, same color but their’s had full wheel covers. They traded it in in 62 for a Pontiac Tempest with the 4 cyl in front and the transaxle in the back… that was a mistake. The night before they traded it, I sat behind the wheel and was sad that I’d never see it again.
Odd. My 57 pontiac had Ball joints. I watched thim being replaced
Ended up selling for 3900. Looks like auction was reset at some point.