Pontiac Chieftain (1953 – 1958) Review

For many, the 1950s were a styling highpoint for the American car industry – it was a celebration of the country’s confidence, and growing wealth of its people. Pontiac was one of many carmakers which could translate those styling cues to any of its cars – even the more ordinary. In 1953, an all-new design, the Chieftain, was rolled-out, and it featured the by-then mandatory one-piece curved windscreen, stepped rear wings and aerodynamic rear wheel covers. A wide range of two-tone paint schemes, whitewall tyres and ornate chrome side flashes topped it off.

Inside, multi-coloured fabrics, an ornate and colour-coded dashboard and a panoramic instrument panel that allowed all the car's occupants to view the gauges were a sight to behold. Buyers could choose from two- or four-door saloons, a striking two-door 'Catalina' coupé (which proved to be a big hit with collectors in later years), an odd-looking four-door station wagon, two- and four-door convertibles and a 'Custom Sedan', which came with a lower roofline and extra chrome trim.