Clearcoated Original Paint Original Interior 347ci V8 Chrome Chrome Chrome

1957 Pontiac Star Chief Description

1957 Pontiac Star Chief

In 1956, the Native American head design was retired by Pontiac. In order to appeal to youthful consumers looking for affordable performance vehicles, the old-fashioned Native American profile was replaced with a subtler, elegant emblem: a downward-facing, red arrowhead known as the "Dart." While traces of the new logo began appearing in 1957, including the stars along the Star Chief model's body, the badge didn't officially debut on the Bonneville's split grille until the 1959 wide track model. While there's no official explanation what the star means (apart from paying homage to the Star Chief) or why the logo is red, many speculate it's a nod to symbols prevalent in Native American art. Before the 1950s, Pontiac did flaunt many Native American names and iconography in its lineup.

For consignment a time capsule if you will in the form of a 1957 Pontiac Star Chief. Oh, mind you that is not rust you are looking at that is original paint that has been clear coated to preserve its fine patina that took 62 years to come to maturation. This unit is a 2-owner car and has a consigner stated 40,729 original miles, but we cannot confirm this, so we will have to take their word! Check out this original.

Exterior
Draped in Limefire Green Metallic and sporting a highlight belt line spear with Seacrest Green, chrome stars, and a large rear chromed spear that melts into the finned taillights, this car drips 50's design. More Seacrest Green is seen very faded on the hardtop. Complete with oval taillights, and matching oval in bumper exhaust exits as well as chrome bezels that come to a point on the fins, and I'm now impressed. Lest we forget the large and in charge front bumper and grille combination with rounded vertical curved slats and dual front flattened dagmars leading the way. A nifty little detail is the Starchief badging on the front quarter in your grandmothers handwriting directly above the trim spear. 4 original style wheel covers are seen all around.

Interior
A swing of the door and what to my wandering eyes does appear but original door panels in pastel green vinyl and making more use of the spear in their design. Moving to the seats in Olive Green Pattern Cloth & Pastel Green Leather there is a large unfortunate tear that is on a temporary fix with several strips of black duct tape. Also, possible water damage has soiled the fabric. The large rear bench has the same pattern and also shows stains and a patch of tearing on the driver's side. All this damage is unfortunate as replacing this interior with the original fabrics and leather may prove difficult, but it would be very kewl indeed! Original carpet covers some of the floors and is faded and stained green. This car is in need of new front floorboards. The headliner in door panel matching pastel green is in nice condition with snazzy metal dividers. Dash is overall fair with some missing attachments that are now just holes in the lime green top and front with a lower chromed panel with glovebox.

Drivetrain
The presumed original, 347ci V8 in original condition is in the unrestored engine bay. A 3-speed Hydramatic automatic is attached to the back of the engine.

Undercarriage
With plenty of surface rust, and as noted invasive rust on the front floorpans, the car still maintains overall structural soundness. Some invasive rust is also seen on the lower inner doors.

Drive-Ability
This car starts, and runs smoothly, as well as shifts smoothly. The suspension is a bit soft and could use some upgrading but rides smoothly.

So, you say you want all original, and here is a perfect 62 year old example. Still runs, has the exterior clear coated to preserve it in all its patina glory, and a kewl patterned interior. Let's call it a running, sealed barn find.

VIN Decode
P857H11419
P-Pontiac Michigan
8-Star Chief
57-1957
H-Hydromatic
11419-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
ST 57 2839SD- Catalina Custom Sedan
BODY P3888-Pontiac MI Build #
TRIM 237-Olive Green Pattern Cloth & Pastel Green Leather PAINT SST-Limefire Green Metallic, Seacrest Green ACC BAKXGJX BA-Heater, Defroster, Deluxe Radio, Manual Antenna, Oil Bath Air Cleaner, Full Flow Oil Filter KX-Custom Lounge Latex Foam Cushion G-Windshield Washer JX-Padded Instrument Panel

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.