When a seller uses terms like calling his or her offering one of the finest examples in the world, it quickly sets expectations to a point that they sometimes aren’t met once a potential buyer digs in and checks everything out closely. That’s how the seller of this 1959 Pontiac Star Chief here on Facebook Marketplace describes this one, and it seems to be one of those cases where they might be on the right track. This automobile is located in Ontario, California, where a mostly favorable climate helps ensure a vintage vehicle remains in good condition. The asking price of $30,000 isn’t exactly a steal, but with all the positives awaiting, this one just might capture the attention of an admirer ready to hand over that sort of cash. Super nice find, T.J., and thanks for the excellent Poncho tip here!
When the fourth generation of the Star Chief appeared as a 1959 model, it happened to be the same year Pontiac first incorporated its “Wide Track” design, pushing the wheels farther outward than before. Featuring stars as part of the package was one of the car’s signatures, and the quarters here wear them proudly, along with the unusually shaped trim piece underneath. The seller describes this one as all original throughout, and the only blemish I’m spotting is a possible dent on the right door, or perhaps it’s just a reflection. What do you think?
Also impressive is the interior, which shows some creative star placements on the upholstery. If the components in here are still the factory-installed pieces as stated, the condition is amazing, considering that 67 years have passed since this Pontiac was new. The fact that the 55,000 miles are stated as actual is undoubtedly a factor in the strong preservation, and it’s obvious that this one has been properly stored and well cared for since day one.
The 389 engine is also confirmed to be original, and the seller includes a video showing the V8 in action, which appears to be running ably. There’s no word on whether there’s ever been a rebuild, but if this one has been mechanically maintained to the same level as the cosmetics, it may never have needed to be overhauled. Even if there is some actual minor damage to the one door, I’m still thinking this 1959 Pontiac Star Chief would qualify as close to a 9 on a 10-point scale. How about you?
Take a look at the other photos in the listing, that’s a big old cave in that passenger’s door, deep enough to cause the trim strip to turn into a bridge over the Great Empty – where sheet metal used to be. For $30k? No.
All I can say about this magnificent car, is imagine the poor schmoe waddling along in the left lane in the 4 cylinder Allstate, when this fills their rear view mirror( if so equipped). Move over, pally, this car means business. The wide whites are a distraction, but not totally out of place here, the dent easily fixed, and where’s the air cleaner? Someone said they are removed to show the engine,,,maybe, but to operate a motor without one is pure foolishness.
I read, the Star Chief was on the upper end of Pontiac, costing about $3140 new, or about $400 more than a Catalina.($2700) Consequently, only about 68,000 Star Chiefs sold new, compared to almost 231,000 Catalinas that year. The “Wide Track”, which increased the stance by 5 inches, and while some say it was a gimmick, it actually improved handling. In ads, it was always made to look wider than it was, but helped sell a lot of Ponchos. Great cars, if it sells as is, that would be a miracle.
I agree for 30K ,the right door needs to be fixed!