It was a year of lasts in 1954 at Pontiac Motor Division; it was the last year of the basic 1949-54 bodystyle, although there had been some changes along the way, and it was the last year for Pontiac’s long-lived inline flatheads, both six and eight. It was also, however, the first year for a new line topper, the Star Chief. With an extra eleven inches of length added to the rear (compared to a Chieftain) and a two-inch longer wheelbase, Star Chief owners could advertise their upscale status by pointing out how much longer the deck of their new Poncho was. The original owner of this one must have been proud, and it’s still a car that many of us would like to drive. Hardworking Barn Finder T.J. sent us the link to this ’54 from craigslist in Orange Park, Florida, and the owner is asking $26,500.
Powering this “Maize Yellow” beauty is the 268-cubic-inch straight-eight, producing 127 horsepower and 234 lb.-ft. of torque with the optional four-speed Hydra-Matic, which this car has. Pontiac achieved the extra five horsepower over the synchromesh cars by way of higher compression ratio: 7.7:1 compared to 6.8:1. The heat shield under the carburetor is a factory piece, meant to keep that stubborn exhaust heat from soaking the carburetor and causing hot starts. The engine compartment is in excellent original condition, and you know you’re dealing with an older car when you see one of those long, narrow batteries running parallel to the engine.
The seller says that the interior is “mostly original” and has a “working clock and radio (with updated wireless bluetooth),” which is an interesting update, because 1954 was also the last year of the 6-volt electrical system in Pontiacs, and the seller makes no mention of a 12-volt conversion.
The seller does mention that there is a “matching aftermarket cover on the front seat,” but if it’s covering worn original upholstery, that will be a significant expense to make right, if you’re so inclined. With a car this nice, I’d be inclined myself.
The trunk includes a few goodies that the owners certainly displayed at car shows, including a sales brochure, which is always nice to have for anything you own.
The Star Chief also has “very good chrome all around,” and it “runs and drives excellent.” This vantage point shows off the extra length a Star Chief buyer got over the Catalina buyer, and even considering the extra $100 to $200 a Pontiac buyer would spend on the fancier model, the Star Chief was a sales winner; 115,088 Star Chiefs were built compared to 149,986 Chieftain Eights. Not bad. Being that I don’t see too many ’54 Pontiacs of any stripe at car events, I’ll say this has to be one of the nicer ones to survive, and if you want a big Pontiac from an important year of lasts and firsts, this one might suit you well.
“She’s a beaut!” Clearly still six volts (three caps on the battery), so the radio is likely running off a transformer is my guess.
So tempting!
Huge battery!
Adding bluetooth to a 6 volt radio likely doesn’t need a change to 12 volts. Bluetooth works with ~ 5 volts or less (semiconductor transistors typically operate with only a few volts). For example, I can charge my cell phone from the 6 volt cigarette letter in my 6 volt 51 Pontiac.
On the other hand my 54 Hudson is converted to 12 volts and I kept my stock 6 volt radio. I used a 12 volt to 6 volt DC to DC converter for the radio. You can also get 6 volt to 12 volt DC to DC converters. DC to DC converters are efficient, cheap and readily available including at Amazon.
That is great information, Gary. Thanks for sharing it.
Prime candidate for strapping an old leather suitcase to the decklid, with stickers all over it. Run Route 66 out to the West Coast, then make my back to Florida via Southern Rockies, Grand Canyon and many other beautiful places.
Made a run close to what you described in a ’52 convertible while in college. Big old straight 8 just purred at 80 mph. Nice car here.
That rear 3/4 view really shows off the extra length of this model. I agree that the front seat upholstery needs to be addressed, that’s the only thing that disappoints me about the presentation of this car.
Great looking car and I love the color!
He oughta have the front seat recovered and then raise the price $10K!
Our family’s first car was a 1954 Pontiac 4door sedan. But this was in south Saskatchewan. Canadian Pontiacs had the same front end, but from the center post back was all Chev, except for the trim. It was powered by a flathead 6 and automatic trans. Absolutely gutless but smooth and reliable and would start in our freezing prairie winters. Dad wanted me to buy it when he moved up to a ’65 Chev but I had a 1951 Merc at the time which was wayyy better looking.
odd color. love lighted Indian on the hood. best part of the car
Bet you could get 4 of your best friends in the trunk for a drive in movie!
Uncle had the same car; HATED it! It was built following the Hydramatic plant fire in Livonia and was equipped with DynaFlow. Poor thing couldn’t get out of it’s own way. It lasted for 2 years and was replaced in ’56 by a new Sedan deVille with the correct tranny.