Tackling the restoration of a classic car can be a daunting prospect. This is especially true if every aspect of that vehicle is going to require work. That’s where cars like this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible can fit into the equation. Most of the heavy lifting has already been completed. That will leave it to the new owner to add the finishing touches to bring a sense of accomplishment to that person. If you think you could be the right person to return the Pontiac to its former glory, you will find it located in Lubbock, Texas, and listed for sale here on eBay. While there are currently 65 people watching the listing, the bidding has been subdued. A mere two bids have pushed the price to $20,100, but this is short of the reserve. There is a BIN option, which is set at $25,000.

When considering a project car, many people will find the prospect of significant rust repairs to be too daunting to contemplate. Well, that isn’t an issue here. This is a classic that is claimed to be rust-free, with the floors and frame all said to be solid. With the car having split its life between California and Texas, this comes as no surprise. The panels wear a few dings and dents, but there’s nothing present that I would consider to be a deal-breaker. The Convertible is finished in a combination of Bolero Red and Raven Black and must have been a stunning sight in its prime. The paint has deteriorated over the past 65-years, but that’s nothing that a simple repaint couldn’t fix. The owner has undertaken a fair amount of work in recent times, with the Black convertible top and the windshield both being new. The remaining glass is in good order, and while the bumpers and trim on the hood might need a trip to the platers, the rest of the trim is free from issues.

The person who buys this Pontiac isn’t going to be handing over huge wads of cash to whip the interior into shape. That’s because it has all been done. The owner has treated it to a full retrim, and the result is stunning. The upholstered surfaces complement the exterior color combination, while the black carpet and painted dash sections tie it all together. There are a couple of aftermarket gauges hanging under the dash, but these are probably a wise move to monitor the health of things under the hood. There are no other additions, with the original AM radio still holding pride of place in the dash. The only item that I might be tempted to look at would be the wheel. With the rest of the interior presenting so well, the fact that it isn’t perfect might distract some people. I would either treat it to a restoration, or I would hunt for a suitable replacement. Otherwise, I would be tempted to hit the road in this baby.

I’d be willing to bet that there are a few of you just waiting for me to break some bad news to you. Well, you’ll have to keep waiting because the positive vibes continue when we look at the Pontiac’s mechanical condition. Under the hood, we find a 287ci V8, producing 180hp. This is backed by a 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, while power steering should help to make cruising effortless. The Convertible does carry some weight, tipping the scale at 4,080lbs. That makes the 19.8-second ¼ mile ET seem pretty respectable in a 1955 context. This is the point where we find that the real heavy lifting was performed on this car. The car has undergone a full mechanical restoration and has recently been fitted with new tires and new wiring. The result is that this is a classic that runs and drives perfectly and could be driven and enjoyed immediately.

I have been involved in the classic car scene for more years than I would care to remember, and I have seen trends come and go. However, vehicles from this decade continue to be highly sought, and I don’t see this trend changing any time soon. This 1955 Pontiac Star Chief is a real beauty, and there is a heap of potential hiding in this one that could emerge without the need to outlay mega-bucks. Values have taken a slight hit during this year, but that is common across the classic scene in what has been an extraordinary twelve months. However, with signs beginning to emerge that the tide is turning, now could be a good time to invest in a classic car if you have the funds available. A straightforward project car could be a hot option, so does this one tempt you?