The Chieftain was Pontiac’s entry-level car built from 1949 to 1958. The last year was a one-off in that the GM B-body platform was redesigned in 1959 to be slimmer and trimmer in the same vein as the “Forward Look” Chryslers. The seller has a beautiful ’58 Chieftain Catalina Sport Coupe that’s close to show quality (per the photos). Located in Vancouver, Washington, this white over blue Poncho is available here on craigslist for $27,558. Thumbs up to “Curvette” for the nifty tip!
General Motors scrapped most of its 1958 models after a one-year outing. The Chieftain was Pontiac’s bread and butter car, accounting for more than half of sales in the downturn year, which was ’58 (economic recession). 26,000 copies of the Chieftain Catalina Sport Coupe were built, just like the seller’s car. This two-tone example is like the one my family owned in the 1960s, except that it was a 4-door sedan (but wearing the same paint combination).
Pontiac increased the displacement of the Chieftain’s engine to 370 cubic inches in 1958. Horsepower differed from 240 to 270 depending on carburetion and compression ratio. The automatic transmission was a Super Hydra-Matic, which we assume is in the seller’s beauty. This automobile looks to have been restored, but no such references are made at 75,000 miles. The brakes have been converted to discs (front or both ends?), and the 370 V8 employs dual exhaust.
New parts include the generator and voltage regulator, and the Pontiac has been treated to a tune-up. The body and paint are clean, and the interior looks quite attractive and comfortable, too. This should be a turnkey vehicle from all appearances, but the seller suggests you stay away if you want to go for joy rides or hand out low-ball offers. Better bring cash if you want to set up an appointment to assess the vehicle.
This is a beautiful car both in design and condition. You can see the similarity to the Chevy cousin in it I personally have always liked.
Great looking car with the color combo. Not a lot of these to be seen. As usual, lacking photographs of the underside & too bad some of the interior ones aren’t brighter.
I think the price is fair as the brakes have been modernized for one thing. Not a lot of cosmetics need to be done. Sharp car & GLWTS!
Russ, another great writeup about an excellent turnkey entry into the classic car hobby. You can drive it home, although I do not think I would tackle the 3000 miles to my house..
I just saw a car exactly like this one, yesterday in our July 4th parade. It’s owned by a car dealership owner and it’s a beautiful car. Wish I had this car!
I cannot find it on Craigslist!?
My first car was a ’57 Pontiac Chieftain I bought in ’65. – It was an excellent car and loved every minute of driving it. One of the things that stood out to me about it was the dash layout — much better – more aesthetically pleasing and its layout more logical – than anything else GM or any other car maker had that year. The ’58 Pontiac had a new design for the dash and it too was far better than anything else on the market. It seems Pontiac aimed to have the best looking dash layout for many years – well into the 60’s and beyond. This ’58 Chieftain looks to be worth every penny being asked for it. I would certainly love to have it!
very nice looking car looks to be correct and beautiful color combo, a little pricey but if all checks out might be worth it…