Until 1957, the Star Chief was a top-line Pontiac automobile. That’s when the Bonneville was introduced as a limited production convertible with fuel injection. Because that was an expensive car, buyers were few at 630 copies. But you could still get the Star Chief as a drop-top with carburetion, and the seller’s car is one of them. Located with the same family since new in Rohnert Park, California, this original car runs but needs a full makeover. $13,100 has been cast in the bidding war so far, with no pesky reserve now to deal with here on eBay.
Despite more than 12,700 copies of the ’57 Star Chief convertible being built, when was the last time you saw one? You’re much more likely to run across a 1957 Chevy Bel Air drop-top because they have been more popular with collectors. The Star Chief had a shorter wheelbase than the Bonneville, more in line with the less expensive Chieftain. This moniker remained a Pontiac fixture through the 1960s and was eventually phased out.
The seller’s father drove this Pontiac off the dealer lot when new, nearly 70 years ago. We’re told the odometer reads just 2,821 miles, but since it was used as a daily driver for many years, we suspect the counter has turned over. The paint resembles Seafoam Green, and it’s the finish that was applied at the factory oh so many moons ago. There is bound to be some rust after all these years, but the photos saw a solid car overall.
Running condition is not mentioned, so we assume the 347 cubic inch V8 engine and automatic transmission are up to par. The interior may not have faired quite as well and will need work, such as replacing the cracked steering wheel. The original radio has been extracted, and we don’t know if it may be in the trunk. This once-stately automobile is no doubt an heirloom that the family has finally decided to part with. It could be a stunner once again!
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