1957 Pontiac Starchief Purple

This two-door 1957 Chief Custom Safari Station gon is one of only 1,292 built and has often been referred to the Nomad since the two cars share most parts from the firewall back. That Nomad commonality is also why Safari wagons are very rare—many were cannibalized for Nomad restorations. This ’57 Safari was modified by previous owners who replaced the original 347-cubic-inch V8 with a 428-cube big-block from a ’68 eville. The interior features the rare factory air conditioning controls and dashboard vents. The original interior was leather but newer cloth upholstery is currently installed. The seller states that this Safari is in “very good condition.”

• The original 347-cubic inch V8 was replaced by the previous owner when he restored and modified the Safari. The 428-cu.in. OHV V8 came from a 1968 eville and was rebuilt. It’s topped with a four-barrel carburetor and is cooled by an aluminum radiator and an electric fan. The engine is said to start easily with a smooth idle and no smoke.
• The automatic transmission is a to-Flight Hydra- c that has been rebuilt and shifts smoothly.
• The non-factory purple paint is reported to be “shiny and glossy” by the seller. The trim tag code HQQ indicates that the primary color was originally Charcoal Grey with the secondary color being Silver Beige.
• The tailgate appears to have the correct shorter cables that were necessary to prevent the tailgate bars from contacting the bumper.
• The ” ” tailgate letters are present and the tailgate bars aren’t pitted (a common problem).
• The chrome parts have been rechromed, according to the seller.
• The glass has minor blemishes and scratches but the seals are good with no leaks, per the seller, who adds that the windshield wipers have been converted to electric operation.
• The interior features a newer bench seat upholstered in gray cloth but the trim tag code t Chief Custom Safari wagon is the sibling of the Chevrolet Nomad wagon.
• The seller knows of no current rust or any prior rust repairs.
• The engine has been upgraded with a 428-cu.in. big-block from a ’68 eville.
• This Safari is one of just 1,292 two-door models produced.
• The car has the rare-for-1957 factory air conditioning.

The seller states this vehicle will be sold on a clean New ico title in his and his wife’s names. This 1957 Chief Custom Safari Station gon is a rare survivor of a limited production run of 1,292. With big-block power and functioning A/C, it appears ready for summer vacation season.