• Seller: M. F rancis (Contact)
• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Mileage: 54,000 Shown
• Chassis #: K8XH31828
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: Pontiac Straight 8-Cylinder
• Transmission: Pontiac Hydramatic Automatic

When it comes to genuine barn finds, this 1953 Pontiac Chieftain is a real beauty. The seller purchased the car from the original family, and it has spent forty-five of its seventy-two years in dry storage. It has undergone a partial restoration, with the buyer left with the rewarding task of adding the finishing touches. This they can do at their leisure, because this gem is a rust-free, turnkey classic. All good things must end, with the current owner listing the Chieftain exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $38,500.

America enjoyed an economic boom period following World War II, and after years of zero civilian passenger vehicle sales, buyers clamored to get their hands on the latest that Detroit had to offer. Initially, these cars were little more than mildly updated pre-war models, but the release of the Chieftain in 1949 marked a fresh start for Pontiac. The First Generation range remained in production until the end of 1954, receiving a mid-cycle update for the 1953 model year. The first owner ordered this ’53 2-Door Sedan from a dealership in Cortez, Colorado. She retained the car until selling the Pontiac to a female relative in 1963 as a daily driver. She used the vehicle regularly until around 1976, when it found its way to her son. Throughout its life, this classic has resided in three states with favorable climatic conditions, making its rust-free status unsurprising. After years in storage, a restoration has almost returned the Chieftain to its former glory. A few minor tasks are awaiting the buyer, but these could be completed as time and circumstances allow. The build included ensuring that the panels were laser-straight before the car received a repaint in its original combination of Winona Green Metallic and Milano Ivory. Faulting the appearance is seemingly impossible, because the paint shines richly, the panel gaps are tight and consistent, and most of the trim sparkles beautifully. The owner admits that the stainless steel hubcaps, a correct feature for this car, aren’t perfect. However, they still look nice and don’t detract significantly from the car’s overall appearance. The illuminated hood ornament is intact, working as it should. Spare ornaments are located in the glovebox, should the existing one suffer any damage. One extremely nice and distinctive addition is the factory visor that provides shade across the new windshield to improve visibility on sunny days. The owner confirms that the hood won’t remain open on its hinges, suggesting that they require reconditioning or replacement. Some rubber gaskets show their age, and a new antenna for the radio is also required.

Pontiac was the last General Motors marque to adopt a V8 in its model range, with this Chieftain powered by a 268ci flathead straight-eight engine. It sends 122hp and 227 ft/lbs of torque to the road via an optional four-speed Hydramatic transmission. Performance reviews from the period were universally positive, with motoring journalists praising the smoothness of the engine. The owner confirms that this car’s original powerplant is in good order, and that the sale includes an extra transmission. The car recently received a new 6-volt battery, battery cables, hoses, plug wires, and other general wiring updates. The starter, radiator, generator, and two-barrel carburetor have been rebuilt, and the air cleaner was refinished. The engine bay presentation is consistent with any daily driver of this vintage, and is one area where the buyer could make their mark, courtesy of a cosmetic refresh. Otherwise, it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.

The color and presentation theme set by this Pontiac’s exterior continues when we open the doors and examine the interior. It has received a complete restoration, and to say that it looks stunning feels like an understatement. The seats wear Green and Tan vinyl covers, while the door trims feature the same shades in cloth and vinyl. The floors are covered in new loop pile carpet, and the fresh headliner looks perfect. It wasn’t merely the upholstery that received a refresh, with the painted surfaces finished in the same Milano Ivory that is found on the roof. The wheel is in great condition for its age, the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and everything works as it should. This Chieftain should acquit itself well on long journeys, and the boredom in such cases will be relieved by the car’s factory radio.

This 1953 Pontiac Chieftain is a stunning classic that has only minor needs. It is ideal for weekend outings and would turn heads at any show or Cars & Coffee. Perhaps its greatest strength, beyond its beautiful overall presentation, is its practicality. There is room inside to seat six, making it ideal for enthusiasts with a family. Pontiac produced the 1953 Chieftain in significant numbers as manufacturers struggled to meet pent-up buyer demand following World War II. However, many were considered disposable items, finding their way onto the secondhand market or destined for the scrapyard when companies unveiled their latest-and-greatest offering. How many survive today is unclear, but this has to be one of the best examples on the market right now. That is why you may struggle to resist this classic, and I will understand if you choose to give it a new home.