1957 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina 2-Door Hardtop
A History (by Doug Smith, Owner):
"I purchased this beautiful Pontiac in 1998. I found it in the State of Missouri and had it shipped west to California. All the parts were included but it needed to be partially put back together.
I decided to do a frame off restoration instead of putting it back together. The restoration process took about 2 years. When it was completed, it was actually better than original. I had it repainted in the Fontaine Blue and Kenya Ivory that it was originally painted by GM.
I also shopped all over to find the materials needed to restore the interior, finding it in the UK. The gauges are all original and work except for the clock. The radio is an original AM radio with station search capabilities which is a highly sought after item. The glass is all original too and shows very well. The interior is beautiful and original down to the factory materials.
The 347 cu in V8 Pontiac motor was rebuilt using factory original parts as was the 4-speed Strato-Flight Automatic Transmission.
All bright metal work on the exterior was either re-chromed or polished to near perfection.
Although it is an older restoration, the car has been kept in a garage with a cover over it at all times except when being used. It still looks great and has won trophies in every car show it has been entered in.
To the best of my knowledge, it has never been involved in any accidents which would have been visible when it was being restored.
Although the pictures show the car with a few aftermarket items such as wheels and tires, valve covers and oil air cleaner and filter, I have the originals for a buyer that might want it completely stock. I can also install those on request.
I believe this is possibly one of the very best examples you will find anywhere of the '57 Pontiac Star Chief. It has been driven about 1200 miles since 1998. It starts every time without fail and I would feel safe to drive it anywhere."
If you have further questions about this car you can call me at (916) 884-4558 -Doug Smith
"I purchased this beautiful Pontiac in 1998. I found it in the State of Missouri and had it shipped west to California. All the parts were included but it needed to be partially put back together.
I decided to do a frame off restoration instead of putting it back together. The restoration process took about 2 years. When it was completed, it was actually better than original. I had it repainted in the Fontaine Blue and Kenya Ivory that it was originally painted by GM.
I also shopped all over to find the materials needed to restore the interior, finding it in the UK. The gauges are all original and work except for the clock. The radio is an original AM radio with station search capabilities which is a highly sought after item. The glass is all original too and shows very well. The interior is beautiful and original down to the factory materials.
The 347 cu in V8 Pontiac motor was rebuilt using factory original parts as was the 4-speed Strato-Flight Automatic Transmission.
All bright metal work on the exterior was either re-chromed or polished to near perfection.
Although it is an older restoration, the car has been kept in a garage with a cover over it at all times except when being used. It still looks great and has won trophies in every car show it has been entered in.
To the best of my knowledge, it has never been involved in any accidents which would have been visible when it was being restored.
Although the pictures show the car with a few aftermarket items such as wheels and tires, valve covers and oil air cleaner and filter, I have the originals for a buyer that might want it completely stock. I can also install those on request.
I believe this is possibly one of the very best examples you will find anywhere of the '57 Pontiac Star Chief. It has been driven about 1200 miles since 1998. It starts every time without fail and I would feel safe to drive it anywhere."
If you have further questions about this car you can call me at (916) 884-4558 -Doug Smith