Inherited Chief: 1929 Pontiac Big Six

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Recently inherited, this 1929 Pontiac Big 6 Chief 2 door coupe was a great runner, but has apparently sat for quite a while now. The seller is looking to unload it quick and had this car professionally appraised. Although appraised at $9,300, the seller is looking to unload this Pontiac for $8,500. Find it here on craigslist out of Grass Valley, California. Thanks to Pat L for the submission!

Although the pictures are actually images of photographs, the car looks like a nice example. The paint is shiny, although there is a fair amount of dust. The body work appears to be straight, but it is difficult to tell if it is a repaint. Due to the shine, I am leaning toward this one has been repainted. Although this once was a sweet driver, this Pontiac is going to need some attention to be a road goer once again. Despite the lack of engine photos and interior photos, I would assume each of those areas to be in similar condition to the exterior.

These older Pontiacs were more refined in some of their design features compared to other cars of the time. Having such features as rubber frame insulators, improved shock absorbers, and mechanical brakes at all 4 corners. Although not a lot of information is given on this Pontiac, it is a nice condition car that is uncommon now in a world full of Ford Model A’s and T’s. Do you think this Pontiac is a survivor, or a restovivor?

 

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Comments

  1. Don

    Best one today .

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  2. Mitch

    It needs it’s Indian Head radiator cap replaced. I always had trouble identifying 1920’s model cars, but my Dad always said a good giveaway was their unique radiator caps.

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    • Howard A Howard AMember
      • Ed P

        Holy moly that is expensive!

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      • Wayne

        That’s what he’s asking. I’ll bet he gets no bids.

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      • Brad C

        I’d take that off every time I parked it. Wayne’s right though… doesn’t mean that’s what it’ll sell for, especially in that condition. If it were perfect NOS though, that’d probably be quite realistic!

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  3. Howard A Howard AMember

    Granted, we know none of the circumstances here, or why someone who inherited a magnificent car like this, would sell it. If it runs as claimed, this is peanuts for a car like this. I see the vultures circling already. I hope it goes to a family that can enjoy a car like this without spending a fortune. I bet it would clean up really nice. I still say interest for these is fading.

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    • St. Ramone de V8

      I agree, Howard, that interest in old cars like these is indeed fading. Values and selling prices reflect this. The market is literally dying off. I would love to get something like this Pontiac, get it running well enough to enjoy and show, and likely be rescuing it from doom. Why start with a basket case when these older restorations will show up more often? If I had space in my shop, and it was close, I’d be looking at this one. Hood ornament is art. Too bad some jerk swiped it.

      Like 1
  4. John K

    That is one handsome car.

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  5. DRV

    After riding around in the identicle sister to this big six 25 years ago , I was totally surprised at the comfort and smooth quiet ride.
    It was all original , inside and out, with even the coating on the natural wood wheel spokes.
    It makes the Model A very primative by comparison.
    The owner sold it to Geauga Lake Park who used it as a prop and let it deteriorate….sad.

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  6. DrinkinGasoline

    In 1929, Pontiac/Oakland would succumb to the plight of the U.S. economy….crash…. being that the target market was the
    “upper middle class”. By this time, Henry had well established the “T”, and was well into sales of the “A”, regardless of his reluctance in the “New Model A” which went on to record sales numbers vs. the “over engineered” competition’s offerings. I’d put this Pontiac right back where it belongs as built…I may even toss in a couple of Thompson Machine Guns in the back seat and a Fedora on the front seat, and….a hip flask under the front seat….Speakeasy anyone ??

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    • Ed P

      Old Henry’s reluctance to change let the over engineering at Chrysler take over the #2 spot in sales by the mid 1930’s

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      • DrinkinGasoline

        Very correct. It fumed Henry that W.P. Chrysler had the audacity to erect a skyscraper, let alone the prior challenge of competition…I must admit…I own one of Henry’s, one of W.P.’s and one of Harley Earl’s….as well as a “People’s Car” Type 1 Sedan. My insurance company as well as the BMV are very happy with me….annually. :)

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    • Howard A Howard AMember

      HI DG, who do think you are, Elliot Ness? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZTjQ7SLvUk

      Like 1
      • DrinkinGasoline

        Funny you should mention that Howard…I happen to know quite a bit about Mr. Ness…pictured to the right as Safety Director of Cleveland with Cleveland’s Mayor Burton posing with the new fleet of Red,White and Blue squad cars that Ness purchased.

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      • DrinkinGasoline

        This still exists in Cleveland today.

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      • DRV

        I grew up in a house he owned once in Cleveland. The small yacht club he belonged to was across the river locally where Al Capone was a member also!
        Where are you from Driningasoline?

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  7. macvaugh

    Why do you call this a coupe?

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    • Dave at OldSchool Restorations

      .
      ………………you are right, macvaugh….
      ………. This is NOT a Coupe, it is a Sedan

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      • DrinkinGasoline

        Correct. This exampe is a Two Door Sedan.

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      • Puhnto

        Exactly!

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  8. Wayne

    The ad doesn’t say the car is a runner. It says, it ran well until the previous owner became ill. Goodness knows how long ago that was.

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  9. Bingo

    Most appraisals are about double the market price. $5,000 site unseen without the radiator cap. They shouldn’t have disclosed the appraisal value. Live and learn.

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  10. Loco Mikado

    Wait until you get the price differential between a certified appraisal and the actual selling price on jewelry. A real heart stopper in comparison to cars. Lets just say if you get 25-35% of appraised value you are doing real good. Talk about a murkey world.

    Like 0

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