In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the Nomad, a 2-door sport wagon, as part of the Bel Air lineup. Its sheet metal differed from other Chevy wagons from the cowl back. To defray production costs, Pontiac offered its version of the Nomad, the Safari, as part of the Star Chief family. Neither wagon sold in big numbers, so the concept was gone by 1958. The seller has a ’57 Safari in rough shape and possibly stored in a loft. Fairly complete, this Humpty Dumpty is waiting for restoration and re-assembly. Located in Flemington, New Jersey, this Poncho is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,900.
The 1955 Pontiac Safari was the most expensive car in the lineup, complete with leather upholstery. Unlike the other Star Chiefs, it was built on the Chieftain platform to align with the wheelbase of the Chevy Nomad. While the Chevrolet version only found 22,000 buyers between 1955 and 1957, the Pontiac saw just 9,000 deliveries over the same period. If you’re looking for one in any condition today, the Safari is likely the scarcest. But does that make it more valuable?
In its final outing in 2-door trim, the 1957 Safari came with a 347 cubic inch V8, upgraded from 317 the year before. You could also buy a 4-door Safari that year called the Custom Transcontinental Safari, which didn’t find that many additional buyers (1,900 vs. 1,300). Both the Safari and Nomad names would be used after 1957, but on “regular” 4-door station wagons. We don’t know the history of this Pontiac, but we gather it’s been up in the air for some time.
The seller says this wagon is fairly complete, but the photos won’t help you figure out what’s missing. The front clip was removed, but the seller says the fenders and such are there. The floors, rocker panels, and quarter panels need work, likely due to corrosion over time. The roof is good, perhaps one of the most important components. If you’re looking for a project, this one will keep you and your wallet busy. Plus, how are you and the seller going to get it down from its perch? BTW, thanks go to Russell Glantz for the tip!
How the heck did they get it up there in the first place!?!
We’re not seeing the freight elevator off camera. Anyhoo, This one is far too incomplete and in poor shape. Where are all the missing parts?
They are missing.
Seriously??? Is this some sort of “Candid Camera” spoof???
Burn down the barn, with this wreck in it!
Where’s the other half of the car?
Old Jed tied a chain around it and lifted it up there with the backhoe many moons ago. He moved away now so we is not sure how to get it down.
Flemington NJ ,I believe there was a dirt oval race track back in the late 60 ‘s.
Yes Flemington fairgrounds had a 5/8 mile D shaped clay track the big block modifides racing there was some of the best on the east coast I attended weekly for many years watching Billy the kid Pauch piloting the Trenton Mack Bulldog express
As far as this car goes almost not enough left to even consider it a parts car hope the glass is present
Bring your own fork truck deal! The biggest hurtle would be the glass. Although it is worth putting it together as a custom, forget about restoring to factory condition. It wouldn’t be worth the effort, unless your grandpa owned one or something like that. It is a great start.
Crusty.
rarer than a chevy for sure. some parts will work but there are some specific parts that are poncho only. would be nice to see it done but you are looking at 50k+ to do it
The most amazing thing for me isn’t where it is now. It is the fact this car originally came with leather upholstery.
You can tell who has never worked on a farm.
Lots of big barns have a dirt ramp to the main level where hay wagons would be pushed up by a tractor, and then the hay heaved from the hay wagon up to the lofts for storage.
Or the barn is on slope.
Ground level was for the dairy cows.