For a model that only managed a production volume of about 1,200 copies, we encounter 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safaris more often than one might expect. A me-too version of Chevrolet’s Nomad, the Safari never seemed to have engendered the following that the Nomad created. That’s all the more reason to look one over when it surfaces. This example is located in Bullhead City, Arizona and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $14,100, reserve not yet met.
The entire idea of a two-door station wagon always seemed odd to me. I suppose the concept was to add some flair and style to the lowly wagon so all of those baby-boomer parents, who were car-centric, wouldn’t feel consigned to an automotive realm of dowdiness. I get that, but a station wagon is about functionality, and removing a pair of its doors doesn’t help with that cause. But then again, as a commenter reminded me some time back, the lack of rear doors does help to prevent the kiddies from throwing them open and hopping out at the wrong or a dangerous time.
This Safari was bought new in L.A. and stayed with the original family through last year. Apparently, it has been sitting in California’s high desert since the mid-90s. And its appearance does not belie this Pontiac’s long slumber. Specifically, the paint is sunburned with minor surface rust manifesting itself on horizontal surfaces. The front clip appears to have been primered at some point in the past and there are what appear to be Bondo patches in the doors and quarters. While it’s great to see the seven distinctive stainless spears still attached to the tailgate, some of the unique driver’s side trim has been removed though it is supposedly available and included in the sale. The seller adds, “The Floor pan, Quarter Panels, Frame, Doors, and Fenders are Nice and Solid“.
For motivation, this Safari has a 270 gross HP, 347 CI, matching number V8 engine, tethered to a Hydramatic automatic transmission. The listing states, “It starts but smokes and idles rough. The transmission goes into gear but I haven’t driven it and don’t know how it shifts“. At the least, the carburetor, air cleaner, and valve covers look like replacements – beyond that, it’s hard to tell much about originality or completeness.
The upholstery was been worked hard and ravaged by the California sun – no surprise there. Nice to see, however, is the condition of the instrument panel with its original clock and radio – it’s still in nice shape though the Grant steering wheel looks out of place. The remainder of it is a mixed bag but the upscale presentation of a Star Chief Safari is still very evident with the trim/carpet treatment adorning the cargo area and the stainless ribs supporting the headliner. This two-tone interior visual feast was probably a real looker in its day.
The seller suggests, “Because of its production numbers being low its resale value could rival that of the Chevrolet Nomad where prices have been known to go into six figures restored” Yeah, maybe, maybe not. The rarity definitely plays a role in this car’s attraction and this is one that absolutely needs to be saved for what it is, not so much what it “could” be worth. It’s a spectacular example of GM’s can-do attitude from the ’50s and a stark reminder of what, unfortunately, became of Pontiac – but that’s a story for another day. So, what do you think, any takers out there?
It wasn’t to many years ago you could get a nice one of these for the current bid.
Just not worth restoring to chrome the front bumper would cost 4k
you could have 40k in a ugly old car sorry
I doubt that the front end was primer painted but more like replaced due to front end damage. Amazing how vehicles in this condition might get well over $14,000.00 dollars.
Maybe the seller meant that it will cost well into 6 figures to restore this thing. Yeah, must be…
Well it is a visual attempt to compliment a station wagon. All you need is a shopping cart full of $100.00 bills and a good full off restoration shop to bring this back to its glory days. The question remains, to what end? Unlikely you could ever recover your money, though it would be a nice car for shows, or a museum piece for the next generation of gear heads to ponder. Yet, I find myself hoping some person loaded with money will save this piece of automotive history.
God bless America
I once helped a local guy find the “Eyebrows and Spears” ( front fender and headlamp doors) remade in Stainless Steel fitting his Chevy Nomad. They cost a pretty penny!!! These were a far better alternative to the DieCast chrome plated parts that are Sooooo.. difficult to restore. Yes, a money pit to be sure. Yet, some people have so much money that it is not unusual to spend it on restoration. My business depends upon resurrections at time and materials. Without these great enthusiasts, the past would be lost. Thank you for understanding that chrome work and all aspects of proper restoration is craft that is simply NOT getting any cheaper. Pick you battles wisely. HA!
Chevy front clip and you got half a Nomad. And a nicer dash to boot.
If the floors and rockers are solid, I’d put an interior in it, paint and drive it.
I’m torn on cars like these. It would be great to bring it back as close to original but that takes money, materials and manpower. The average guy in a garage simply doesn’t have space to disassemble this down to the chassis and start the rebuilding process. Media blasting and other work is messy and requires special equipment to accomplish good results. Welding, painting, chrome plating all takes a certain amount of patience to get correct. So you’re faced with contracting out some procedures as your budget allows. To most folks this probably means a multi year budget to complete a car. Tinkering in the garage is one thing and full blown restoration or restomod is quite another. This is a case of maybe a car club tackling this project and getting the young’uns involved. At least that way hopefully the car won’t become another half finished project up for sale. Nice car with potential but I agree, at $14,000 it’s getting to be very difficult to find a budget friendly starting point. Everyone wants top dollar for the way “it could be”, but fail to understand what the buyer will have spent in cash and labor to reach that point.
“Let’s slap some goofy wheels on ‘er to distract from all the other inconsistencies!”