When I saw this ’55 Pontiac Star Chief Coupe on the list of Barn Finds cars to write about, I had to snag it. That’s because 40 years ago, my twin brother bought one exactly like this, same colors and all, and spent the next three years restoring it. I remember tagging along with him to the Hershey Flea Market in search of parts (and learning how many components his Pontiac shared with its Chevrolet corporate cousin). I also remember my first ride in it after the Star Chief was restored. It was close to dusk and when Don switched on the headlights, it also lit up the amber-colored Chief Pontiac hood ornament. It was a glorious moment. Similar to what Ralphie experienced seeing the Leg Lamp aglow for the very first time. As Old Man Parker said, “It’s, it’s indescribably beautiful. It reminds me of the Fourth of July!”

I remember seeing a ’54 Pontiac Star Chief Coupe parked next to a ’55 Star Chief Coupe at a car show and the styling difference was night and day. The ’55’s were redesigned from the ground up, as their sales brochure stated, with “New Power – New Beauty – New Room – New View.” I think the styling has aged well for a 70-year-old car and showcases why sales records were broken in Detroit back in ’55. Pontiac owners could choose from 16 tasteful colors and 66 two-tone colors in 1955, and this is about a pretty as it gets. The Turquoise Blue and White Mist (which is more of a cream than a bright white) looks very sharp on this car as do the chrome bumpers, trim (including the starbursts on the front fender and doors), glass, full wheel covers, and the aforementioned illuminated hood ornament. I really can’t find any flaws on this beautiful Poncho’s exterior. What a handsome profile!

The Oh-So-1950’s turquoise and white exterior color combination is continued inside. It is tastefully color-keyed and luxurious for a top-of-the-line Pontiac, and driving comforts include power steering and power brakes. I like how the seat fabric, instrument panel, steering wheel, door panels, and carpeting harmonize together. It says upscale and colorful without being over-the-top. Like the exterior, this Pontiac’s interior is just as impressive.

Along with all-new styling on the ’55 Pontiacs, the promise of “New Power” could be found under the hood. For 1955, Pontiac said goodbye to the L-Head Inline 6 and Inline 8 cylinder engines, and hello to the new Strato Streak 287-cubic inch V8 power plant. Mileage is listed at 81,000 and the 287 is mated with a Hydramatic automatic transmission. The seller says that the Poncho is mechanically in excellent condition and that it runs and drives great with no issues.

Given its overall condition and lack of rust, this nicely restored ’55 Star Chief might be a California car. It’s currently residing in Gardena, California, and is for sale here on craigslist for $18,500. That seems like a good price given that Hagerty’s values a ’55 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Catalina as it was called (that’s a mouthful) in #3 Good Condition at $20,000. I’d like to thank numskal for spotting this beautifully restored Star Chief and sending it our way. I admire the next lucky owner of this fine automobile.