If you love early 1950’s styling and lots of chromework, Pontiac’s Chieftain was the car for you. They were stylish and well-appointed, with ample amounts of trim and lots of unique options. Reader John O’s father has a collection of barn finds that need to go, including this 1953 Pontiac Chieftain two-door. It’s going to need work, but it’s complete and could be a great project. It’s still in the barn in Fort Wayne, Indiana waiting for a new owner to rescue it. If that person is you, be sure to bid on it below!
From John – This 1953 Pontiac looks as if it came straight out of one of the Godfather films. The interior is in decent shape. Most of the body is intact and in good shape as well. There are some rust issues that have been highlighted in the photographs. There appears to be some surface rust on the underside which has also been captured in the photos. The title is in hand and keys are with it.
With a big straight eight under the hood, this was quite the machine when new. John hasn’t attempted to start the engine, but if the 72k miles on the odometer are correct, it might not be in bad shape. As long as it isn’t seized, you could probably get this one running with minimal work.
You can find additional photos below and if there are any specific areas you’d like a closer look, let John know and he will take photos and send them over! While there’s rust to be repaired, this actually could prove to be a fun project. Just think of how great you’d look cruising around in this Pontiac, just add a fedora and you’d look like your straight out of the 1950s!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmh_Zg1U-B8
- VIN: P8X58153
- Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Title: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Fuelish.Pursuits bid $1,500.00 2019-10-30 10:59:58
andy@fatmansgarage bid $800.00 2019-10-28 16:00:33
Dayne333 bid $725.00 2019-10-27 08:53:28
dj2sdad bid $675.00 2019-10-26 09:53:48
Bump52 bid $575.00 2019-10-25 22:16:58- andy@fatmansgarage bid $505.00 2019-10-25 15:51:15
- Bump52 bid $455.00 2019-10-25 15:11:07
- andy@fatmansgarage bid $350.00 2019-10-25 13:59:23
- Dayne333 bid $110.00 2019-10-25 13:50:33
- Bump52 bid $10.00 2019-10-25 12:52:10
It seems like all the cars slept with the fishes. They would be nice restored though.
Any intel whether it’s a Hydramatic or manual…?
Engine is probably stuck. Otherwise, why would you put a new battery on the car and not start it? Engine photo shows a brand new 6-volt battery.
Is the 59 Ford (red) next to the Poncho for sale?
@Barry L Klotz – All of the cars are at auction and ending soon: https://barnfinds.com/auctions/
The rust is awful, these cars might only be good for parts. Indiana is a highly humid environment, the storage was terrible. Can’t tell if it’s a concrete floor of dirt.
@Duaney – You commented on the rust found on the other cars in the collection already, so I will reiterate that John, the seller, isnt trying to hide anything. He is just trying to find new homes for his dad’s cars and this is better than sending them off to the crusher.
Here is a link to a video I shot to give you a clear picture of what you are looking at. Pardon my heavy breathing. I kicked up a lot of dust today. Barnfinds will embed this but I want to add it here in the meantime. Thank you for watching.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmh_Zg1U-B8
John has pulled the reserve on this one so it will sell to the top bidder!
Congrats Fuelish.Pursuits! We will be contacting you shortly.