1955 Starchief Sedan with just less than 50,000 original miles. First year for V8, 287 cid, single barrel carb. Automatic transmission. 95% complete and original.
This car actually belonged to a minister of a local church (small circular spot worn on dash from "magnetic plastic Jesus"!), was purchased by a dealer where it sat for many years. I am the 2nd or 3rd owner depending whether or not you count the dealer. He found it sitting out in the early 70's and brought it indoors until I bought it 10 years ago.
All photos are of the car when I brought it home, it has been stored inside since and looks the same when it's washed up.
It has surface rust underneath and developed more from sitting indoors in a non-heated building. The dealer gave it a "slick job", replaced some metal on the lower body, added some bondo and repainted it from the mid-line down about 20 years ago.
There is more rust to be dealt with, mostly under the rear seat, it would be best to grind off all the old body work and properly redo her. She still looks pretty good as is but needs a proper body man. The frame has surface rust but is otherwise solid.
The gas tank leaked, was removed and professionally redone, it appears they did the outside with black "miracle paint" and lined the inside with white gas tank sealer. The car should have new fuel lines front to back.
The motor ran well without burning any oil but may have breached a head gasket. I purchased a full, new gasket set which comes with the car. It should be dismantled, cleaned and reassembled, should have rings, bearings etc. while it's apart.
The transmission always shifted perfectly. 15 years ago, I drove the car for about a month while brokering it for my dealer friend, at that time, the car averaged over 20 mpg consistantly, not bad for a car this size!
The interior is all original except I purchased dark green vinyl seat covers to put over the stock covers. the material and threads had become brittle and started to split. The door panels are good, the headliner okay.
The windows and seals are good except for the passenger rear which is intact but cracked.
The front suspension is a bit loose, probably needs ball joints, pitman arms etc. to be perfect. The brakes always worked well but I'd replace the lines front to back.
The wide white walls only have maybe 4,000 miles on them but are fairly old and have some cracking. They've always held air and the car is on blocks so they don't have flat spots.
This car would be an excellent project for someone who has the time, tools and money to return her to original.
Skill level would be medium, it could easily be slicked and painted again, would be a good runner / driver for an amateur after rebuilding the motor.
On the other hand, by cleaning off current rust and old body work, chances are you won't find another '55 with less than 50,000 miles original, the car could easily be made perfect.
Looking around, you can find many or all of the parts, either NOS or reproductions.
I have been told by Pontiac Club members that this car has historic value being the first year for a V8. It has gold V8 badges on it's sides to mark the change.
Possible deal for mostly cash plus trade.
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