Pontiac adopted the term “Safari” to denote its wagon line starting in 1955. Originally a counterpoint to Chevrolet’s Nomad, it was introduced in a two-door body style. Comparing base models across Pontiac’s range, the Safari was the division’s most expensive car. That restrained production to under 4000 copies in its first year. This pattern persisted, with the high-priced Safari trickling out of Pontiac’s factories, while its competitors (the Nomad, the Handyman) outsold it by thousands. In 1959, buyers could opt for a Catalina Safari or the larger Bonneville Safari; sales finally picked up as four-door wagons became ubiquitous. Today’s example sits on the slightly smaller Catalina wheelbase, and it’s advertised here on craigslist for $15,900. The car is being sold “for a friend” and it’s located in Glenwood, Iowa. Thanks once again to T.J. for another outstanding tip! This Safari has had a recent repaint, but I’m suspicious of the style crease above the sills. It wavers and doesn’t mate up across panels; I’d want to run a magnet along its flanks. The leading edge of the driver’s door is gapped, too. (Am I just in a picky mood?) This example, also in white, has a crisper appearance. Pontiac’s stacked headlamps appeared in 1963 while that split grille lasted well into the 1970s.

Meanwhile, in the power department, Pontiac dished up a few flavors of its 389 cu. in. V8 depending on which model and which transmission a buyer chose. The “Trophy 8” engine in the Safari made 267 hp, and came equipped with a two-barrel Rochester and a Hydra-Matic automatic. This engine has been rebuilt and the car is said to run and drive well. Starting in 1959 and continuing for years after, Pontiac widened its chassis to put the wheels of its cars farther apart than its competitors, selling the idea on the basis of stability. But “wide track” cars also looked more aggressive and seemed to sit lower, surfing the marketing trend of “lower, longer, wider”. Power steering and power brakes round out the mechanicals, and the wagon rides on new tires.

The interior retains a few charming vintage features – the steering wheel has translucent segments, the lock for the glovebox sits on its horizontal surface, the seats are in great shape under the plastic covers. But the dash was redesigned in 1960 and grew more sedate from then on, with less distinctive gauges, rather like the exterior.

Unlike the front of the Safari, which screams “Pontiac”, the rear is less remarkable. The Catalina wagon offered two- or three-row seating, and an optional power rear window. Under the pretext of “modernization” – nearly always the excuse for a shift in styling – the squared-up styling lasted into the late 1960s, when the “coke bottle” silhouette took over. The Safari name persisted into the 1980s, often incorporating faux wood trim. Today, Catalina Safaris are hard to find and can command $30k if in near-perfect condition. Provided this one’s body and mechanicals pass muster, it’s probably priced about right.