- Seller: Ralph W
- Location: Jackson, California
- Mileage: 25,110 Shown
- Chassis #: P856H37546
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has added more photos of their car. You can find them in the gallery below.
The Star Chief was a model of Pontiac built between 1954 and 1966. In its earlier days, it used the Chieftain’s platform (with a longer wheelbase), a higher level of trim, and the V8 engine found in upscale Bonneville. After a redesign in 1955, the 1956 Star Chief was only minimally changed, using a bigger powerplant than the year before (317 cubic inches versus 287). As is often the case, the seller doesn’t have time to restore this ’56 Pontiac sedan from Jackson, California. So, it’s available here on Barn Finds Auctions.
As a Pontiac styling hallmark at the time, the 1956 Star Chiefs had a set of “Silver Streaks” that ran the full length of the hood. The Star Chief was the inspiration for the Safari Sport Wagon, Pontiac’s version of the Chevy Nomad which also ran from 1955 to 1957. It sold in even smaller numbers than the Chevrolet, so it, too, was gone in 1958. Some 18,300 copies of the Star Chief 4-door sedan were produced in ’56, including the seller’s family automobile.
We understand that the seller bought this Pontiac from the family of its dearly departed owner. Unfortunately, no history accompanied the car so not much is known about its 67 years (so far) on Planet Earth. Mechanically, some tinkering will be needed as the linkage to the carburetor is frozen in position and there are also some issues with the wiring (no power to the coil). It looks as though the carburetor has been covered so that debris doesn’t find its way in, the original air cleaner is in the trunk. The engine will turn freely when the ignition is fired off, but the vehicle otherwise does not run.
Fortunately, this Pontiac is a straight car and still wears its original paint, patina, and all. So, rust should not be a big factor in working on this Poncho. We’re told that the left front fender was replaced at some point, suggesting that the rest of the sheet metal is from the date of manufacture. The interior is fair (considering the car’s age), but the headliner and carpeting are missing. The seller also notes that the door panels will need attention. Overall, this looks like a solid car to get back on the road. Will you be the one to help it along?
Bid On This Auction
Quadsman bid $1,500.00 2023-09-25 12:42:31
Boomer bid $950.00 2023-09-24 12:17:00
JOSE bid $599.00 2023-09-23 10:05:36- Quadsman bid $100.00 2023-09-20 16:38:55
i will buy that car 750$
My first restoration was a1956 Ford 4 door town sedan in Phoenix in 1976. Car cost 500 bucks. These old desert rust free rides are fun to do. The important thing is that you love it. The look, sound , the feel. Just a little at time and in no time you have a cool ride. Go for it I say. No brainer.
This should be driven to rusty acres. That’s a cool old boat.
Don’t get the rusty acres part.? This car shows in pictures paint on all floors along with trunk floor. Only minor surface rust. No patch panels needed anywhere.
Looks to be in good shape for the shape it’s in.
Never realized until I saw the picture of the full wheelcovers how close in design they are to a 1959 Ford wheelcover. Ford made the spoke area around the center more curved. Otherwise the two could easily interchange and not be noticed by a casual observer. I considered purchasing a 1955-56 Pontiac twice, and twice ended up buying an MG Midget instead. Around these parts you just don’t get rust-free mid 1950s sedans to spend your restoration dollars on.