1958 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Hardtop
The Pontiac Star Chief is an automobile model which was manufactured by Pontiac between 1954 and 1966. It was Pontiac’s top trim package on the Pontiac Chieftain, with later generations built on longer wheelbases, and serving as the foundation platform for the Pontiac Bonneville. The car was easily identified by its chrome star trim along its sides, a feature all Star Chiefs were equipped with.
The 1958 Pontiac Star Chief is a pretty big deal. It was a one-year-only style that had less than 13,400 hardtop examples produced. So to have this rare treat so nicely preserved/restored in its correct two-tone, and to have it all so affordably priced, makes for an irresistible classic.
Part of what was making Pontiac the performance leader during this time was their V8 engine. Enlarged to 5.7L for ’58, this Magenta block fills the engine bay with a powerful presence. And this impression is backed up by a Holley four-barrel carburetor that feeds the rumbling dual exhaust. But more than just powerful presence, the motor has all the right features an owner wants to see. Not only are the tidy belts, wires, and hoses a nice sign of maintenance, but also the aluminum radiator is a great addition to keep this big V8 running cool for years to come. Add in a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, and you’ve got a great cruising classic.
The interior is no less dramatic in its two-tone Pearl White with a very 1950s glow. There is plenty of brightwork to go with these colors, and in fact, the door panels feel like works of art all by themselves. The dash and instrument panel are as ornate as the exterior trim, with textured stainless steel surfaces framing the round gauges and secondary controls. Everything looks crisp and clear, which is another small miracle with this car. When you slip behind the factory wheel, it reinforces the 1950’s fascination with jet propulsion. And you can take the whole family with you into outer space thanks to a trunk so massive that even the full-size spare hardly takes up any room.
Powerful, rare, and highly desirable, this Star Chief hardtop is the car you’ve been seeking for years. Don’t let another one slip by. Put this awesome and affordable cruiser in your garage today.
