This 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible is a beautiful 50s cruiser that comes to us from the cherished hands of southern based collectors. 1955 was a banner year for the Pontiac Motor Division, which, for the first time in the GM marque's illustrious history, produced over 500,000 vehicles. The nearly 93% uptick in Pontiac's 1955 sales is likely attributable to two primary factors. First of all, Pontiac completely redesigned its entire passenger car line, opting for a more modern looking car while simultaneously building a car that was undeniably a Pontiac. The new-look '55 Pontiacs sported lower, flatter hoods that modernized the front end profile of the car. These new hoods were also adorned with the iconic Pontiac Chief light hood ornament that were prominent Pontiac identifiers. In addition, Pontiac would revive its "Silver Streaks" hood trim that was another iconic Pontiac design element but had been shelved by Pontiac designers for a number of years. Other design improvements up front included a wraparound windshield, redesigned chrome split bumper along with chrome headlight trim and accents that elevated the luxurious look of the new Pontiacs. Down the sides, a trifecta of chrome stars and sweeping chrome beltline molding highlighted the modernized straight body lines that replaced the older-looking swooping lines. In the rear, the 1955 Pontiacs received a major "facelift" with more pronounced tailfins that were topped with "Silver Streaks" and incorporated a new round taillight design. The second major improved for Pontiac in 1955 was the addition of a new overhead valve V-8, that was lauded for its durability and simplistic design and replaced Pontiac's old workhorse straight 8. Sitting atop Pontiac's hierarchy in 1955 was the Star Chief that sported additional trim and more factory standard options. The most expensive Star Chief was the convertible model, of which less than 20,000 were produced, which makes this particular vehicle a rare piece of automotive history. Powering this '55 Star Chief is a numbers matching 287.3 Cubic Inch "Strato-Streak" V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that was said to have pushed out 200 horsepower when new. The 287 Strato-Streak engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic Automatic transmission that makes this classic Pontiac an easy car for anybody to enjoy. Riding on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires each paired with a full Pontiac wheelcover, this 1955 Star Chief has a truly classy look cruising down the road. The rear wheels are tucked behind a set of fender skirts that add to this Pontiac Star Chief's gorgeous look. A rear mounted continental kit further adds to the luxurious look of this classic 50s cruiser. The white vinyl power convertible top goes up and down with ease all with the simple pull or push of a button mounted neatly under the dash. Of course, when the convertible top is in its down position, it tucks neatly under a matching vinyl "boot" tonneau cover. A chrome side mirror is mounted on the driver's side, which makes squeezing into a tight space at a local car show or ice cream parlor much easier. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this 1955 Pontiac is another highlight of the car and is in wonderful condition. Correctly refinished in Bolero Red over Castle Gray, this Pontiac Star Chief looks just how it came back in 1955. The interior of this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible is gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in two-tone Red and Ivory vinyl. The Bolero Red painted dash, red and ivory upholstered door panels, red carpeting and steering wheel are all in great shape and appear to be in their stock configuration. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, battery gauge, oil pressure gauge and fuel gauge, along with the heater controls. The remainder of the dash is equipped with a locking glovebox, push-button AM radio, and clock. Whether you're buying your first classic convertible or you're adding to an existing collection of Pontiacs, this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*Numbers Matching 287.3 Cu. In. V8 *Single 4 Barrel Carburetor *Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission *Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Full Wheelcovers *White Vinyl Power Convertible Top *Southern History *Light-Up "Chief" Hood Ornament *Correct Bolero Red/Castle Gray Exterior *Correct Red/Ivory Vinyl Interior *Continental Kit *Stock Instrumentation *Odometer Reads: 46,183 Miles