With the immense popularity of the “Tri-Fives” during the period of 1955 through 1957, it was easy for buyers to get sucked in and head straight for their Chevy dealer to choose a model that would suit their needs nicely, sometimes without considering or maybe not having awareness that some other close corporate cousin offerings were also available. The two-door Pontiac Chieftain wagon was similar to the Chevrolet Nomad, with the seller of this one here on Craigslist pointing out that in 1957, the company applied the Safari moniker to every wagon in its lineup. Some work or possibly a complete restoration is going to be needed before this one’s ready to hit the road again, so head on over to Reno, Nevada, and check this Pontiac out in person to see if it’s a good project for you. Don’t forget to bring along a trailer and $15,000, as that’s the amount the seller is hoping for.
T.J., thanks so much for your excellent tip here! The owner describes his wagon as an unmolested and solid survivor, with decades of storage since it was last driven. No details are provided as to where it’s been sitting, but the outside sheet metal still looks fairly decent for the most part, with some visible rust beginning to peek through near the lower extremities on the passenger side. For those into patina, the outside appearance is at a strong point, but this one seems more deserving of making a few panel repairs and spraying on a fresh new coat of paint.
It’s hard to tell if the upholstery and padding are just extremely worn or if some varmint has been chomping on them, but regardless, the seats are both going to need lots of attention. A replacement steering wheel will also need to be sourced, but the gauges actually look pretty good, though it’s unknown if they will still function. The depth of rust on the floors is difficult to speculate just from the photos, but hopefully, it’s mostly on the surface, and perhaps those panels will be salvageable.
The seller states that the 347 was running at the time this wagon was parked, and while he confirms the V8 will still turn over, no additional details are provided as to its current state. The only news regarding the transmission is that it’s an automatic, and with decades having passed since either component was operational, it may be time to consider a complete rebuild for both. There’s plenty of work ahead for the next owner, but two-door wagons are fun, so hopefully somebody out there will be willing to put forth the effort needed to bring this one back to life. Are you finding this 1957 Pontiac Chieftain Safari promising project material?
One small correction: The Pontiac 2dr. Chieftain wagon was not the equivalent of the Nomad. That was the 2dr. “Safari”. This model was more in line with the 150 wagons, hence the upright greenhouse roof/pillars. It has extra side trim because Pontiacs were one step up from a Chevy.
Yes, all versions of the 57 Pontiac wagons were referred to as Safaris. It gets confusing sometimes. The 2 door Nomad cousin was part of the Star Chief Custom series (1292 produced), and the base 2 door wagon was a Chieftain as mentioned (a little under 3000 were produced). I owned a Star Chief version many years ago and never understood why the Chev always got more attention. The Pontiac version was much classier in my mind.
You beat me to it. Still worth restoring though.
!5K, and it only needs everything, ummm, I think I’ll pass
But it is so rare!
I had a Transcontinental 4dr Safari in the 80s, had extra aluminum side panels under the spear, roof rack and leather interior. I bought it and a Custom Safari wagon as a package deal, I got the 2 door and my brother got the 4 door. Only 1894 were produced as it was a mid-year model.
I see it has the radio delete package! I cannot even begin to imagine what that interior would cost!
Hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like just a hole in the dash. Maybe someone took the radio or the rare delete plate itself.
It was meant as sarcasm.
I bid $500 for that wreck.
OMG! This is one of those cars that makes me wish I had an unlimited income to build whatever I want, no matter what it costs. I would love to do this car. Of course it would be my way, that may not suit everyone, but I am rich “In this scenario” so I can do whatever I want. Trust me if I do it you will love it!
This car is rare, unique and desirable, especially to Pontiac Wagon enthusiasts. Two door wagons have a special appeal, even though this needs everything, at some price point, nowhere near $500, it will attract a buyer.
Steve R
Neat car, but $15k is WAY too high of an ante to start pouring money into it.
People always say Radio delete when actually the radio was a option,so you didn’t have to delete something that was not there…. IMHO
I was somewhat surprised that Pontiac tooled up to make special rear quarters for the Custom Safaris, but for their other wagons (55-57) they used Chevy bodies. A ’55 Chevy body for the ’55 Chieftain and ’56 Chevy body for the ’56 and ’57 Chieftain. Everything else on them was Pontiac. The Canadian version also had a sedan delivery model, but was more Chevy than Pontiac. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of these left, but I’m not seeing 15 grand. Then again a lot of us can’t understand why nickel candy bars cost a buck.
I think this would be a nice project car if only I had the garage and money to do it. I love any 2door wagons.
I love the car, but not the vacuum wipers! Car is close (for a change) but priced to high for a project requiring a full restoration.
The box under the dash is a radio speaker, so most likely had a radio. Same speaker I had on my ’57 Chieftain 2 Dr HT. I bought a motor and trans for mine that was also a ’57 that had sat on an engine stand for 5 years that I know about, and more before that. We installed it, fired it up; sounded and drove fine – good motors!
I was surprised to see “Safari” on the back quarter.