“Chieftain” is an auto model name, like Super Chief, that likely wouldn’t be used today. But back in 1954, when this Chieftain four-door sedan was built, it was a moniker that represented a stout, quality-built car. The seller tells us that this Poncho was desert bound for 30 years – it looks it, but now it’s a daily driver. Hmmm, intriguing. Phoenix, Arizona is where this Tin Indian calls home and it’s available, here on craigslist for $6,100.
Pontiac’s tagline in ’54 was “Dollar for dollar, you can’t beat a Pontiac!“. Research indicates that the base price of a Chieftain four-door sedan was $2,010 and I really can’t attest if that was the best deal going back then, but OK, I’ll run with it. Besides the Chieftain Custom and DeLuxe (I’m not certain which one this is and it’s not identified), there was the Super Chief at the top of the totem pole and the Chieftain Special for budget-conscious buyers. Pontiac came in sixth place in the ’54 production race with 287K units of output. GM had three marques in the top five that year with Chevrolet in number two, Buick in four, and Oldsmobile in five – pretty good shootin’!
Yes, this Chieftain looks like a desert car that sat for 30 years but as rough as its appearance is, it does look sound. The seller mentions many new parts that have been installed and there is evidence of electrical components, an exhaust system, and brakes. The seller suggests, “but needs some more loving to take it to the next level” – yeah, like some paint.
Under that distinctive stainless hood strip is a 127 gross HP, 268 CI, “straight-eight” engine performing via a Hydramatic automatic transmission. This would be the last year for a straight-eight as Pontiac, along with Chevrolet, would join the rest of the GM clan in ’55 with an overhead valve V8. The seller considers this Pontiac to be “very dependable” and, as previously mentioned, it’s used as a daily driver so it should be reliable.
The interior is suitably worn but still presents rather well. It all looks original except for the addition of seatbelts. I’m actually surprised that the seat buttons are all still attached and haven’t popped off after 69 years of use (OK, maybe just 39 if this car truly sat for 30 years). A ’50s Pontiac trait is the large, circular dash-mounted radio speaker fronted by a heavy, chrome-plated grille, it’s one of those little brand-identifying touches that were so common at one time in the past.
Market segmentation will be the key to selling this car, as in, who’s going to buy it? Its biggest drawback is its extra set of doors. Yeah, I know there are buyers that like four, but two are definitely preferred from a demand and pricing perspective – and research will prove that. Then there’s that desert patina look – it may appeal to some but I imagine most would prefer a decent paint job. A daily driver? I think a basically stock 69-year-old car would get old after a while, especially if one has been driving anything remotely modern. But, using it as such, is a testament to its reliability and that will definitely add to its appeal, wouldn’t you agree?
I know this car and owner personally and it is solid. Excellent deal on a dependable old pontiac.
Dang I swear that looks just like Pontiac that sat in my friends parents backyard for 25-30 years.Man that thing was filthy ugly back then just like this one.I immediately thought of my friend Eddie on Alamo in Tucson AZ.I thought his older brother had finally hauled it out of the backyard around 2010 maybe.Could be it?
Let’s all stand up and give this guy a round of applause for using this as a daily driver.
Clarification: The car shown here is a Chieftain Deluxe; the base series in 1954 was the Chieftain Special, which didn’t have the chrome sweep spear (just a nameplate saying ‘PONTIAC” on the front fender). The top series for 1954 was the Star Chief, which boasted a longer wheelbase and an extended trunk and was trimmed similarly to the Chieftain Deluxe. In addition both Chieftain and Star Chief had Custom hardtops with fancier interior trim. (I daresay the one above survived well in the Arizona heat!)
For those as you say “I imagine most would prefer a decent paint job”, wouldn’t it be better to invest in interior 1st? I mean, it’s where you sit and breed. Nature’s signature as this one is so nice, it should not be touched, car is original only once. Not to mention that “a decent paint job” costs 10.000 easily, and you are still sitting in falling apart interior.
I don’t see the interior falling apart? Cool that he drives it everyday though.
sit and breed ?
Sure, ain’t it nice?
C’mon people….4 doors rule!!! in so many ways!!
Love those 6 volt batteries. This Pontiac needs an LS, suspension work with wheels and clear coat that body
Probably difficult to find parts.
Early 50s GM stuff is all over the place in junkyards that save old stuff.
My first car after Vietnam was a 1951 Pontiac 4dr with the straight 8 & 3 on the tree. I used it to commute to college – about a 40 mile run each way. I averaged about 22mpg on the cheapest Simas Brothers regular. Part of my commute involved a stretch of freeway with ferocious crosswinds it was not uncommon to see vans, VW beetles, and box trucks being blown out of their lanes at 60 mph. I was cruising in the left lane through one of these events, feeling like the car was in a parking lot, when I glanced down at the speedometer and noticed I was doing nearly 80 mph. I guess the weight of the straight 8 kept her planted. If I lived elsewhere, I might be tempted by this car – the only caveat I can think of would be to either use a lead substitute in the gas, or have the valve seats replaced with hardened ones to compensate for the unleaded gas, and avoid ruining the engine.
As a youth, I drove a similar, 1953 model the entire winter of 1969-70. A great car for dating (if you get my drift), it ran flawlessly despite its advanced age even then. Yet the harsh shifts and sounds characteristic of the early Hydra-Matic transmission proved an annoyance. I sold the car to a neighbor who proceeded to drive it for several years.
Neat old car for not much money.I like the fact it can be driven daily if you choose. I would drive it but not as my daily just a few times a week. I don’t care for so much rusty patina I would paint it myself and enjoy it.
If Kansas City can call its football team the “Chiefs,’ then Pontiac could call its models “Chieftan” and “Super Chief.”