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!
If I was any closer, and didn’t have enough projects to last a lifetime, this Poncho would be in my shop!
That rear seat looks ORIGINAL with the then popular clear plastic covers still on them.
“the split rear seat was reupholstered and covered with plastic for protection. ”
is not correct.
The split rear seat was used for the 9 passenger wagon. The complete small section, including the seat, tilts forward to allow passengers to enter and exit the rear third seat. The unit is hinged to the floor at the front of the seat frame.
So this may be the rarer nine passenger version.
Cool wagon. It sure looks like a Rochester 2 bbl. carburetor to me. Another vehicle that gave up it’s air cleaner to an air cleaner collector! Not being a 1958 Pontiac collector. I don’t know how tough it will be to find a front bench seat. But if you are just looking for a driver quality car. A couple of bucket seats will do. (Sounds sacrilege doesn’t it?)
So, day dreaming, I think… if I was as wealthy as some of the people on this forum…. and I could pay cash for a new car and I made plenty of money and had a half million in the bank and realized that money is no good unless you spend it….
I would love to spend what maybe $20,000 $30,000 on this car. It has such great utility and if you stare at it… you can see it is pretty. It is automotive art like is no longer done due to aerodynamics. Turn it over to a custom shop. Sound proof it. Custom upholstery it. Do what ever it takes to make it ride like a pillow on a cloud. Put in a modern motor and transmission etc. Give it a subtle paint job, rechrome it. If it could then be trusted as a daily driver, wow. I doubt I would ever be able to sell it for what I paid … you know, kinda like buying a new car. Unless I win the lottery… I guess I will stick with my 2012 Chevy Cruze! hahaha
the twin to this just went thru mecum last week i think it sold for around 30k but not sure on the hammer price. you need to get this for less than the ask and be able to do most of the work yourself or you will be upside down real fast
Very cool car! Btw it’s a 2 barrel going by the picture. Peace!
Can anyone identify the white four door sedan on the Pontiac’s left?
40’s Packard…
A 1940s Packard would have had suicide doors. This does not.
Any number of pictures of 4 door 40’s Packards with non-suicide doors.
SMS fabrics might help with the door panels and seat Upolstery if you can’t wait that long.