The 1957 Pontiac is often in the shadow of the iconic full-sized Chevrolet of the same year - opens in new window or tab.. But the Pontiac is a pretty automobile in its own right—as you can see by the 1957 Catalina Star Chief two-door, two-tone hardtop that was recently listed on eBay.
Interiors were sumptuous, with '50s flair.
You’re not likely to find a more pristine or better-equipped version of this edition of the Star Chief. It could be a convertible, and it lacks a continental kit - opens in new window or tab.. But most of the other option boxes are checked.
It has a 347-cubic-inch, 290-horsepower V-8 with triple two-barrel carburetion and a Hydramatic transmission. There are other great features: a WonderBar radio, deluxe heater, a power antenna, and under-the-hood and trunk lamps.
This is not the highest trim level available in ’57. That would be the Star Chief Custom Bonneville, a loaded car that featured then-novel fuel injection, plus all the options (including the continental kit). GM made only 630 units in 1957. Depending on options, they could cost more than Cadillacs of the era. The Bonneville name derives from speed runs on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Meanwhile, the Catalina dates to 1950, and the Star Chief Catalina to 1954. It was the equivalent of Chevrolet’s top-tier Bel Air.
No B Pillar
These cars, including the four-door versions, were called “hardtop convertibles” because they had no B pillar. Roll the windows down, and the whole sides were open to the elements. Even the wagons of the period got this treatment.
The car on offer displays 77,557 miles, but that doesn’t matter much after such a thorough restoration. These cars were very ornate, with liberal use of chrome and add-on decoration. You either go for that kind of thing, or you don’t, but the Pontiac is relatively tasteful. Think of it as a master of the then-new Interstate system, capable of taking the nuclear family on multi-state vacations.
A huge trunk was part of the deal.
The beauty of cars of this era is that they can keep up with modern traffic. So they make great cruisers. The downside is the lack of adequate safety equipment, including airbags, crumple zones, and disc brakes.
Comparable cars are priced between $20,000 and $60,000 on the collector market, with the condition a key determinant. A nut-and-bolt restoration is, obviously, the pinnacle.
Full-sized ’57 Pontiacs were kings of the road and made an excellent alternative to more frequently-seen ’57 Chevys.
eBay has an extensive selection of Catalina Star Chief parts, from hood hinges to hubcaps. There’s also a consistent supply of Pontiac Catalina cars for sale - opens in new window or tab.. It’s a well-supported car because it was a GM product from the 1950s—when the company ruled the roost with huge volumes.
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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.