In the late 1950s, American car buyers started demanding more performance and style. Automakers responded with more expressive designs and V-8 power. Shapely flanks slathered in chrome ruled the day.
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Mainstream brands like Chevrolet got most of the attention, but its more upscale sibling Pontiac was also in the public eye. Cotton Owens - opens in new window or tab. piloted a Pontiac to win the 1957 Daytona 500, averaging more than 100 miles per hour for the first time in NASCAR history. His speed record on the old beach race course still stands. A 1957 Pontiac Super Chief like the one Owens drove was recently for sale on eBay.
Fast Standing Still
This big Pontiac is a stunning example that was recently repainted pearl white. It has a contrasting metallic blue top and a matching blue and white interior. It’s all about 1950s cruising.
Distinctive period touches include five-spoke mag wheels with wide whitewall tires and custom side pipes. A rear-fender-mounted radio antenna - opens in new window or tab. mounted at an angle makes the Super Chief look like it’s going fast—even while standing still.
Under the hood, the tidy engine compartment reveals that the original 347-cubic-inch V-8 engine was replaced with a newer 389 cubic-inch Pontiac V-8 - opens in new window or tab. with a four-barrel carburetor - opens in new window or tab.. Backed by a three-speed automatic transmission, the Super Chief's modern powertrain offers smoother operation than the original. The new V-8 includes a dress up kit - opens in new window or tab. with a chrome air cleaner, valve covers, alternator, and other details.
Time Warp
The interior is just as nicely presented, with two-tone cloth upholstery free of rips or tears. The recently replaced blue carpet appears in excellent condition and is protected with Pontiac logo floor mats - opens in new window or tab..
The Super Chief's dashboard features a matching blue and white fabric that matches the rest of the interior. Other details include:
- A floor-mounted tachometer - opens in new window or tab.
- An under-the-dash audio system - opens in new window or tab.
Otherwise, everything, including the chrome trim and the push-button AM radio - opens in new window or tab., looks just as it did when it left the factory.
Wide Whites and Gleaming Side Pipes
The freshened trunk compartment was carpeted to match the interior, and the spare tire - opens in new window or tab. and jack were covered and in their original location. The original service and owner's manuals - opens in new window or tab., in addition to period advertising literature come with the car. The Super Chief also has a fitted car cover - opens in new window or tab. and a freshly replaced gas tank - opens in new window or tab..
From its wide whitewalls - opens in new window or tab. to its gleaming two-tone paint and side pipes, this ’57 Pontiac Super Chief packs plenty of ’50s style. It’s not a model you see every day. No trailer queen, this well-maintained Pontiac is ready to show and enjoy on weekend drives. Cotton Owens would approve.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.