Restore or Preserve? 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible

Some classics divide opinions, and I suspect this 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible may fall into that category. Its tired paint may lead some to consider restoration as the best option. However, the lack of rust and overall originality will motivate others to argue that preservation is their preferred choice. Both are valid, and the seller’s candid approach suggests it doesn’t hide any nasty surprises. The time has come for the Pontiac to find a new home, and it is worth a close look to determine what you would do if you became the lucky new owner.

Pontiac’s Second Generation Star Chief enjoyed a typically short production run, gracing showrooms from 1955 until 1957. The company sold 103,212 vehicles across all body styles during the final year, with 12,789 buyers selecting the Convertible version. Our feature car is a survivor that appears to be a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. Its Nassau Green paint has deteriorated, sporting scratches, chips, and the occasional matte spot. Returning it to its former glory seems a no-brainer, but there is another option worth considering. The exterior and underside shots reveal no evidence of penetrating rust, only the dry surface corrosion that is often seen on older vehicles from favorable locations. Therefore, preserving this gem is possible without the fear that it might crumble to dust in a few years. The Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum, although the new owner may hand it to a specialist to replace the cloudy back window. The trim looks remarkably good for its age, and the tinted glass is free from significant defects.

One of the most notable changes that appeared in the Second Generation Star Chief was hidden under the hood. The company said farewell to the 268ci straight-eight engine, introducing the new “Strato Streak” V8 to the latest offering. The capacity increased during the three-year production run, with this car housing the 347ci version producing 270hp and 359 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner selected an automatic transmission and power steering to guarantee an effortless driving experience. The Star Chief isn’t fast by modern standards, but that engine provided the 4,140 lb Convertible with surprising performance. The seller’s candor continues when assessing the car’s mechanical health. They admit it drops a little fluid, but the issues aren’t bad enough to require attention. The Star Chief runs and drives as it should, with no smoke, odd noises, or other issues.

I have sometimes wondered whether I was born at the wrong time because I can only imagine driving off the lot in a new car from this era. The exterior styling is one thing, but manufacturers demonstrated an adventurous approach to interior upholstery and trim which is sadly lacking from many new models. This Star Chief features two-tone Green upholstered surfaces, along with the bright trim that was a hallmark of vehicles from the 1950s. There are only a few flaws worth noting, including a large collection of wheel cracks. Whether this is restorable is hard to say, but I suspect the buyer will probably spend time searching for a replacement to improve the situation. The front seat has a seam separation on the driver’s side, and addressing this before it deteriorates further would be wise. An upholsterer might be able to perform a repair, which I feel would be preferable to replacing the cover. Otherwise, this interior appears to need nothing.

The seller listed this 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible here on eBay in Victorville, California. A solitary bid of $29,000 has pushed it past the reserve, meaning it is only hours away from finding a new home. It would be fascinating to learn the winning bidder’s plans for this classic because there are a couple of obvious paths for them to take. To restore or preserve. That is the question. In this case, there are no right or wrong answers, only the varying opinions that make the classic world an interesting place. I hope one of our readers is the winning bidder because I would love to know what the future holds for this Star Chief.