For most of the 1950s, the Chieftain was Pontiac’s entry-level model. Like other GM cars, the B-body platform produced longer, lower, wider, heavier vehicles in 1958, including the Chieftain. Ironically, the 1958 model year would be the last for the Chieftain – the name was retired in favor of the Catalina in 1959 and beyond. This seller’s 1958 Chieftain Safari is a restoration project that was started but stalled out many years ago. Located in a warehouse with lots of other vintage automobiles, this Poncho wagon is available here on craigslist for $10,500 near San Diego, California.

During the 1955-57 model years, Pontiac used the Safari name with its version of the Chevy Nomad Sport Wagon. It was sold as part of the Star Chief series, but low sales (like the Nomad) led to the demise of the body style after three years. Going forward, the Safari name was used with all Pontiac wagons, regardless of the platform or series. In 1958, there were two versions of the Chieftain Safari wagon, six vs. nine passenger configurations. Out of 15,118 Chieftain wagons, the six-passenger was about two-thirds of production, and that’s what the seller’s wagon appears to be.

We’re told this Pontiac is a project that had some work done many moons ago before efforts went dormant. It has a 370 cubic inch V8, but we don’t know if it has a 2-barrel (probably) or 4-barrel carburetor. There was a difference of 30 horsepower between the two. It has Pontiac’s Super Hydra-Matic transmission. The seller says the wagon is solid and has been repainted, but it’s not a show-worthy finish and was probably done some time ago.

The front seat is missing, but the split rear seat was reupholstered and covered with plastic for protection. Beyond that, we don’t know what else will be needed besides carpeting. There can’t be many of these 1958 transports left, so if you want one that could become a daily driver with some effort and expense, is this unfinished piece of business for you? BTW, thanks for the tip, Barn Finder Barney!