When Pontiac released its Second Generation Star Chief in 1955, it represented more than a significant styling change. The company’s previous straight-eight engine made way for a mighty V8 that brought significantly more power and torque to the table. Naturally, this equated to a measurable performance improvement, which the buying public welcomed. Our feature car is a 1955 Star Chief that has spent considerable time stored in a barn. Its originality is unquestioned, leaving potential buyers to choose between preservation and restoration. You will find the Pontiac listed for sale here on eBay in Brooksville, Florida. The seller’s BIN is $13,000, although they leave the option for interested parties to make an offer. Barn Finder Larry D has again demonstrated the ability to spot some wonderful classics for us, so thank you for that, Larry

The seller indicates this Pontiac has been barn-kept for many years, and while its paint combination of Avalon Yellow and White Mist is now badly faded, there’s a lot to like about this classic. The panels look impressively straight for a vehicle of this vintage, with only a few repairable marks and bruises. However, the lack of significant rust may attract first-timers to this Star Chief. There may be a couple of small spots developing in the lower front fenders, but any other problems are limited to surface corrosion. The seller indicates that the floors and trunk pan are rock-solid, while there is nothing visible in the rockers, rear quarter panels, or A-pillars. The bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the remaining trim looks like it would respond positively to some work with a high-quality polish. The tinted glass is free from problems, and regardless of whether the new owner opts for preservation or restoration, this classic is sure to turn heads when it hits the road once again.

New for 1955 was the 287ci “Strato Streak” V8. This motor replaced the previous straight-eight, bringing significant power and torque gains. This car also features a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission and power steering. Comparing relative figures between the two motors is fascinating, helping to explain why the new model was a popular choice amongst buyers in 1955. While the straight-eight pumped out 127hp and 234 ft/lbs of torque, the V8 bumped those numbers to 180hp and 264 ft/lbs. The improvements made themselves felt when the owner pressed the pedal to the metal. In 1954, they could expect a ¼-mile ET of 21.6 seconds and a top speed of 89mph. The new motor slashed the ET to 19.4 seconds and increased the top speed to 104mph. We’ve reached the point where the story of this Star Chief becomes fascinating. After years in a barn, the seller revived the classic. They added new brakes and new tires, indicating that the car runs and drives. The buyer could hit the road immediately, although the seller recommends a cautious approach. It is worth noting that the car still features its original hoses, belts, water pump, generator, and other components many would consider consumable items. I would place a question mark over the perishable items after sixty-seven years and probably err on the side of caution by replacing those parts. It might undermine the originality slightly, but it is preferable to a hose or belt failure causing a catastrophic meltdown.

Opening the Pontiac’s doors reveals an interior trimmed in two-tone vinyl. It looks serviceable but has a few shortcomings for potential buyers to consider. The headliner sports some mold but no rips or tears. Many excellent cleaning products could address that issue, and it would be worth investigating that option. Some of the bright trim pieces are corroded, but none require immediate attention. The upholstered surfaces would benefit from a deep clean, although the back seat base wears a non-original cover. A complete retrim would have this aspect of the Pontiac sparkling like new, but if the buyer chooses the preservation option, some deep cleaning and a new carpet set could produce pleasing results.

Undoubtedly, the 1955 Pontiac Star Chief was a sales success. In 1954, the company sold 115,088 examples, but this figure soared to 203,404 cars the following year. This one is a gem and will leave the buyer with choices to make. It is structurally sound, and preserving it largely untouched is one option. It should also represent a straightforward and rewarding restoration, and for an enthusiast considering their first project build, it must look tempting. The next owner may elect to throw caution to the wind with a custom build, but given its overall originality, I think that approach would disappoint many enthusiasts. Hmm, preservation or restoration? Which would you choose?