It must have been exciting to work for General Motors in 1955. The company was spending millions to put on dazzling shows of industrial might, such as Motorama and Powerama. The brilliant new Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, was under construction, a facility that even today is lauded for its clean industrial design. And Pontiac, a nameplate that was rumored to be following its Oakland forebear to the ash heap of history, came out with this V8-powered beauty, the Chieftain 870 Catalina. Barn Finder Curvette found this one here on craigslist in Boring, Oregon, where it’s being advertised as “Grandma’s” 37,900-mile car, with an asking price of $20,000.
Under the hood of all Pontiacs in 1955 was no flathead six or eight, but this brand-new 287-cubic-inch “Strato Streak” V8, which offered up to 200 horsepower in four-barrel cars such as this one. Although Chevrolet often gets the credit for its light (and comparatively inexpensive) ball-pivot rocker-arm setup, it was actually a Pontiac innovation also used on the new 287. The Pontiac V8 had enough flexibility that it would eventually grow to a mighty 455 cubic inches by 1970, and it wouldn’t cease production (in its 265/301 form) until 1981. The 1955 Pontiac also used a 12-volt electrical system, and the seller says that this one “runs and drives great.”
The interior will need a little work, including a new floor covering. This car seems to have a rubber mat up front, and I’m surprised it’s not carpeting (considering that it’s not the bottom-of-the-line Chieftain 860). New carpet does seem to be available through the usual channels, so that shouldn’t be too expensive to replace. The upholstery has definitely been redone, but this is the only picture in the ad where it’s visible. There were only three interior colors available on 870s in 1955: this two-tone green, blue, or gray.
You can see from the gear selector that this is a Hydra-Matic car, not uncommon at all by 1955.
The pictures in the ad make it difficult to determine the quality of the paint. It appears to be Turquoise Blue with a White Mist upper body, a nice color combination, but this picture is a little too dark to say much about its condition.
And the outdoor pictures are taken in the rain. Based on what I can see, it looks as if the lower paint is not original, but it would take an in-person inspection to know for sure. The tires are new Coker wide-whites, so at least that expense is taken care of. Pontiac sales almost doubled in 1955 based on their all-new styling and all-new, more powerful engine. Does that make this one worth twenty grand? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Thank you Aaron for a great write-up! I never really give much thought to the Poncho ‘tri-fives’ but this is a fascinating find. Never gave them credit for the innovations on display here.
Would be interesting to find out when it was refreshed, as it looks one carpet-set short of delicious.