1958 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina

Vehicle Location: GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Auction Type: Reserve
Mileage: 4422
Engine: 370cid/285hp 4bbl V8
Transmission: 4-Speed Hydramatic
Exterior: Red
Interior: Black
VIN: C858H4295
Party: Dealer

“1958 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina Hardtop

– California Car
– Fully Restored in 2006
– 370cid/285hp 4bbl V8
– 4 Speed Hydramatic Auto Transmission
– Upgraded Radio, Disc Brakes, and Radial Tires
– Clean, Rust Free Example

The optimism and American spirit of the late Fifties was evident in the styling of the automobiles of the time. They were big, bold, brash, and unapologetic. They were driven by people who were proud of their state in life and proud of their success, and they wanted others to know: they had a share of the American dream. Few cars of that era express this zeitgeist better than the ’58 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina hardtop, especially one with a powerful V8 engine.

Offered here is just such a Pontiac, a California car, beautifully restored in 2006. And to top it off, it’s bright red!

The car’s exterior paint is bright and glossy across all the body panels. Nothing that could be chrome was not chrome. Quad headlight trim, grille trim, massive front bumper, top-front-fender “”jets,”” c-pillar trim, window trim, extensive body-side trim, quad-tail light trim, equally massive rear bumper, all of it was executed in chrome. In every instance, this metalwork has been very well maintained here with minimal signs of aging and virtually no sign of pitting or any sort of damage. Viewed from any angle, the car makes an imposing statement. Wraparound windshield, wraparound rear window, and side-window glass are clear and free of marks; lighting lenses front and rear are free of cracks or fading. The rear fender side inserts stand out with white paint, striking trim, and the four “”stars”” denoting top-of-the-line model. As if to be sure that point wasn’t missed, the hood “”Pontiac”” lettering and the “”Star Chief”” script on the front fenders were rendered in gold. In a nod to the hot-rod culture, the steel rims in body-color on this car are void of wheel covers; thin-stripe whitewall radial tires are mounted. The Pontiac’s identifying door tag remains properly mounted.

The car’s interior is no less impressive; the dashboard alone is a stunning piece of automotive artwork the like of which will never again come to market. Body-color bright red paint covers the metal dash, while brushed-metal trim and chrome rings surround gauges, vents, and a clock, all linked together with a chrome horizontal bar. It’s an exciting, exuberant look. Seat upholstery in charcoal grey, vertically pleated fabric with vinyl trim offers a less showy counterpoint. Door trim, also in charcoal gray cloth and vinyl, includes handsome, v-shaped chrome trim. The shift lever for the 4-speed Hydra-matic (automatic) transmission is column-mounted; gear selection is displayed behind glass atop the column. Push buttons operate the heat and ventilation controls; an upgraded push-button radio is mounted. Charcoal carpeting covers the cabin floors. All the interior surfaces-fabric, vinyl, metal, glass, and plastic-are in excellent condition. Only the lovely inverted-vee Pontiac-branded steering wheel shows slight discoloration due to age.

Under the hood, the 370 cubic-inch Pontiac engine-correctly wearing turquoise engine-block paint-is topped with its 4-barrel carburetor beneath a large air cleaner. The music of its 285 horsepower can be sampled in the accompanying video link. The engine bay is extremely clean, and all components, wiring, and engine-cooling hoses are properly in place. Viewed from below, the chassis shows no damage. Due to the careful application of rust-inhibiting coating, no rust is evident on the chassis, or on any body panel. The exhaust system is free of damage or dents. Front disc brakes have been added for safety.

The sale includes historical literature and a very rare workshop manual for the car.

This bright red Star Chief Catalina lets everyone know its owner elected to go big, rather than go home. Bound to be a star at any vintage-car gathering, this automobile will draw a crowd of admirers just about anywhere it’s stopped. After all, this is a very proud piece of rolling American history.