We don’t encounter early fifties Pontiacs all that often on BF, so when I spied the listing for this 1953 Chieftan Deluxe convertible, it quickly caught my attention. And, it’s just not the rarity of this model, it’s the stellar condition too, that makes it review-worthy. This fabulous-looking Deluxe 8 convertible is located in Willoughby, Ohio, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $26,000. We have T.J. to thank for this tip!

Pontiac’s 1953 model lineup consisted of Chieftain Special and Chieftain Deluxe trim levels, with Custom and Deluxe “Catalina” two-door hardtops heralding the lineup. The Chieftain Deluxe and Specials were further delineated as “six” or “eight” series cars, depending upon what resided under the hood. As for the Chieftain Deluxe “Eight”, only 17K units were assembled in ’53 with body styles including two-door sedans and convertibles, as well as four-door sedans and station wagons. Pontiac placed fifth in the 1953 domestic production race, knocking out 419K copies.

The seller describes this Chieftain’s exterior by stating, “Body paint, in an Ivory color, could still be rated in about a 9 out of 10 condition, even after 30-plus years since restoration.” Also mentioned is the soundness of the convertible top and the proper operation of its folding mechanism. The seller adds that this Pontiac has won local car show awards, including “First Place”, “Best Of Place”, and “Best Of Show”.

In ’53, Pontiac was still relying on a straight-eight engine layout, not adopting a V8 until 1955. In this case, it’s a 125 gross HP, 268 CI flathead powerplant married up to a Hydramatic automatic transmission. The seller claims, “This automobile starts, runs, and drives as the original standard.”  Also mentioned is a rebuilding of the brake system and an electrical system conversion from six to twelve volts.

The interior’s excellent condition reflects that of the exterior – it’s like new. The white portion of the two-tone vinyl upholstery is spotless – no mean feat to maintain, and clearly reflects limited top-down exposure. The instrument panel is a work of art with its heavy use of chrome plating and prominent circular speaker grille – a hallmark of Pontiacs of this era.  I would actually expect to find a dash/instrument panel of this design in a higher-brow car, perhaps a Buick, so kudos to Pontiac for putting as much glitz inside as they did outside. Additionally, the seller adds, “Lights, turn signals, horn, and gauges all work, with the exception of the clock.”

When I mentioned glitz, there is certainly no shortage of the shiny stuff adorning this Poncho. In a few short years, it would be considered overdone, and the extensive stainless trim traversing the hood and trunk lid would be gone, but for ’53, Pontiacs stood out and were immediately identified by that visual trademark. So, if you’re interested in an automobile that’s a bit of the seldom seen, and immediately recognized as not the usually encountered Ford or Chevy, this Chieftain convertible might be one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?