Wow, what a nice car! Im over in the UK and have owned 40 odd cars including show winning 68 Roadrunner, 69 Charger, various 50s Caddys and Fords. But now have an mint unrestored 56 Starchief Catalina 4dr H/T, that i wouldnt trade for anything. Your 57 is so nice, wish it was over here. John.
@joncaddy Hey, John! I indeed wish this Starchief was mine..I just happened to video it at a car show! That's a great collection of cars you have....it's nice to see American iron has a place in the UK! Thanks! :) Jack
i wouldve offer that guy an arm and a leg. literally! i tell people that who are interested in my 56 that will be my casket! and of course they scowl and walk away and say kid has no idea what he has. just cause im 24 doesnt mean i dont know my shit! lol
@Eyedea818 You show very good judgment, and it's great a 56 has a good home with you! So many people let great cars slip away! Enjoy it! Thanks! :) Jack
@mako7828 Sad story indeed! It's one thing to sell to someone who has knowledge of the car, and respect for it, and another to sell to someone who has no intention of maintaining it...will just use it and throw it away.
The positive is that at least you had the experience of owning and driving the car. Thanks! :) Jack
@raconter1 sure but in fairness this area classic cars were plentiful, and I owned several, what we used for parts cars, people now are pulling teeth to get and rebuild. Im very fortunate for sure, I have my 71 charger I built from the ground up in highschool and my 68 powerwagon which need to be redone again, that was my first truck at 16. Just sold the 60 lesabre, practically gave it away.
Anyhow, nice car, love the classic old dashes, they had soul
@mako7828 I've been looking at the classified section of a 1955 issue of Motor Trend. It is amazing how many unbelievable cars were being sold at the time....like 35 Cords, 41 Lincoln Continentals...some at the price of a new car, but many at substantially lower prices..they really didn't anticipate the collector status these cars would have. As they say, hindsight is always 20/20! Thanks! :) Jack
@monarch1957 Hey, Barry! That's so true! I remember with the greatest fondness waiting patiently for new car introduction time! They were pretty good at hiding the new models until the "introduction date"! It's hard to believe now that an unveiling could draw real crowds to the showroom. They had leaked only as much as they needed to keep curiosity up, and the salesmen were waiting with order books in hand! Thanks! :) Jack
@pwnedunoob890 Hey, Michael! I can't think of a better way to learn about old cars...and get to know your grandpa real well in the bargain! Good luck in your restoration...the finished Pontiac will be a beauty! Thanks! :) Jack
So much to look at. As I've said to a friend of mine, old cars were designed & engineered by guys sitting at a table with cigarette in hand, a cup of coffee, pencil, ruler & their own imagination. Sky was the limit. Today it's computer control with little heart, & it shows.
@rever65 Indeed! It was definitely indulging in a fantasy...no sense being earthbound..this was flight, either a plane, or a rocket ship! Today, it's all about the egg shaped form and low coefficient of drag...makes for look-alike cars. Thanks!
The similarly designed 55 to 57 Pontiacs really marked a change from the previous grandfather image of Pontiac. Bunkie Knudsen removed the two silver streaks for 57, which further distanced Pontiac from a grandfather’s car. When I look at the great colors of this car I wonder why the variety color schemes of the 50s and 60s disappeared. 4dr hardtops were a new body style for 56 and it is nice to see one again in this nice condition.
@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! That is so right..the silver streaks had to go! Car companies became very conscious of who was buying their cars..and they wanted to appeal to a bigger audience! 1955 certainly started the trend of taking off the shackles..adding V8 power, and bringing startling new color and bold design into the mix. Thanks! :) Jack
@XboobtubeX Hey, Bob! Definitely agreed! The driver of a Pontiac was driving a car dedicated to an Indian Chief! Now they're dedicated to letters and numbers! Thanks! :) Jack
Beautiful 4 door hardtop styling, two-tone, gobs of chrome, bumper exhaust tips, airplane themed styling inside and out.....these were the kind of cars memories were made in. Imagine the whole family driving out to the countryside with all 4 windows down and the rumble coming from that V-8 engine. Cars of today do not induce those kind of memories.
@dodge09challenger I have to agree with you, Brian! The cars were unique..the roads they traveled were equally unique..now cars look the same, the windows are all up because they are a uniform temperature inside, and the highways all look alike in the Interstate system! Early in auto history, we were very actively engaged with the car...it was clear it didn't drive itself! We have moved to the point where the car takes over more & more of the driving function! Where's the fun?Thanks! :)Jack
I recently gained interest in this model when I saw it in the movie chronicling Jerry Lee Lewis' life, brilliantly played by Dennis Quaid. He went out and bought two brand-new convertibles in the movie after gaining fame. I remember at the time thinking of how this model has taken less public interest as of late due to the popularity of the 57 Chevy. Personally, I think that I like this better because of the rarity and fantastic detail and styling.
@1SteedRunner Hey, Steve! That has always seemed to be a problem for Pontiac..recognition for its version of bodies they shared with Chevrolet..The Nomad took all the glory while the Safari was equally nice, in my opinion. Shopping in 57, I would have chosen the Pontiac over the Chevy! Interesting facts about Jerry Lee Lewis! Money and flashy cars seem to go together! Thanks! :) Jack
@drewerz01 Hey, Mike! Yeah...I love the styling accents on this car...it went further than the 55 and 56 models..but was careful to not go overboard. The use of color played a very important part in these cars! Thanks! :) Jack
Only if Pontiac and Oldsmobile didn't get axed! However they hadn't built anything as nice as this in decades. Would be awesome if we could get some cars that atleast had some similariities to the classic 50's cars since we get alot of musclecars that are quite retro. And i'm thinking more stylish than the Chevy HHR and Chrysler PT.
@CDTbossy Hey, Christian! GM let these makes go down hill for years...very little investment, and no real attempt to have them distinguish themselves among the other divisions. So the final result was a watered down corporate car with no distinct personality. Instead, they wasted millions on Saturn, then did the same thing to them after the initial flash. Now they are busy copying Japanese &
Korean cars! Doesn't anyone have original ideas at GM?! I agree with you! :) Jack
@1DRock37167 Hey, Daryl! I know....such detail is non existent today. Instead, they want to add electronics that drive the car for you! Thanks! :) Jack
Cars in those day paid attention of detail something that is lost in todays cars thats why I keep my 2 old cars as you will never see that again and you pay 10 times more that the 50's for a plain car.
@monarch1957 That is so true...I have the feeling that most new cars are designed by committee, and that committee meets at all the car design studios..nothing seems original anymore! Thanks! :) Jack
Nice car man I just got a regular cheiftian I'm stoakrd on it
KILLER2289 6 months ago
@KILLER2289 Hey, Jelly! These are awesome cars...they seem pretty rare, too...nice choice! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 6 months ago
Super, just SUPER! Thanks Jack Buddy!
gene978 8 months ago
@gene978 Hey, Gene! Glad you like! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 8 months ago
Wow, what a nice car! Im over in the UK and have owned 40 odd cars including show winning 68 Roadrunner, 69 Charger, various 50s Caddys and Fords. But now have an mint unrestored 56 Starchief Catalina 4dr H/T, that i wouldnt trade for anything. Your 57 is so nice, wish it was over here. John.
joncaddy 1 year ago
@joncaddy Hey, John! I indeed wish this Starchief was mine..I just happened to video it at a car show! That's a great collection of cars you have....it's nice to see American iron has a place in the UK! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
i wouldve offer that guy an arm and a leg. literally! i tell people that who are interested in my 56 that will be my casket! and of course they scowl and walk away and say kid has no idea what he has. just cause im 24 doesnt mean i dont know my shit! lol
Eyedea818 1 year ago
@Eyedea818 You show very good judgment, and it's great a 56 has a good home with you! So many people let great cars slip away! Enjoy it! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
@raconter1 yes sir, sold my mint 57 chieftain when I need some cash 20 years ago to some jack ass who wnated it for a daily driver
mako7828 1 year ago
@mako7828 Sad story indeed! It's one thing to sell to someone who has knowledge of the car, and respect for it, and another to sell to someone who has no intention of maintaining it...will just use it and throw it away.
The positive is that at least you had the experience of owning and driving the car. Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
@raconter1 sure but in fairness this area classic cars were plentiful, and I owned several, what we used for parts cars, people now are pulling teeth to get and rebuild. Im very fortunate for sure, I have my 71 charger I built from the ground up in highschool and my 68 powerwagon which need to be redone again, that was my first truck at 16. Just sold the 60 lesabre, practically gave it away.
Anyhow, nice car, love the classic old dashes, they had soul
mako7828 1 year ago
@mako7828 I've been looking at the classified section of a 1955 issue of Motor Trend. It is amazing how many unbelievable cars were being sold at the time....like 35 Cords, 41 Lincoln Continentals...some at the price of a new car, but many at substantially lower prices..they really didn't anticipate the collector status these cars would have. As they say, hindsight is always 20/20! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
Beautiful car Jack at least you could tell right off it was a 57 they changed every year then.
monarch1957 1 year ago
@monarch1957 Hey, Barry! That's so true! I remember with the greatest fondness waiting patiently for new car introduction time! They were pretty good at hiding the new models until the "introduction date"! It's hard to believe now that an unveiling could draw real crowds to the showroom. They had leaked only as much as they needed to keep curiosity up, and the salesmen were waiting with order books in hand! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
@pwnedunoob890 Hey, Michael! I can't think of a better way to learn about old cars...and get to know your grandpa real well in the bargain! Good luck in your restoration...the finished Pontiac will be a beauty! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
So much to look at. As I've said to a friend of mine, old cars were designed & engineered by guys sitting at a table with cigarette in hand, a cup of coffee, pencil, ruler & their own imagination. Sky was the limit. Today it's computer control with little heart, & it shows.
rever65 1 year ago
@rever65 Indeed! It was definitely indulging in a fantasy...no sense being earthbound..this was flight, either a plane, or a rocket ship! Today, it's all about the egg shaped form and low coefficient of drag...makes for look-alike cars. Thanks!
:) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
The similarly designed 55 to 57 Pontiacs really marked a change from the previous grandfather image of Pontiac. Bunkie Knudsen removed the two silver streaks for 57, which further distanced Pontiac from a grandfather’s car. When I look at the great colors of this car I wonder why the variety color schemes of the 50s and 60s disappeared. 4dr hardtops were a new body style for 56 and it is nice to see one again in this nice condition.
cheddyrod 1 year ago
@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! That is so right..the silver streaks had to go! Car companies became very conscious of who was buying their cars..and they wanted to appeal to a bigger audience! 1955 certainly started the trend of taking off the shackles..adding V8 power, and bringing startling new color and bold design into the mix. Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
yes those star chiefs i always liked.. they have so much going on...makes today's cars look very very bland.
XboobtubeX 1 year ago
@XboobtubeX Hey, Bob! Definitely agreed! The driver of a Pontiac was driving a car dedicated to an Indian Chief! Now they're dedicated to letters and numbers! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
Beautiful 4 door hardtop styling, two-tone, gobs of chrome, bumper exhaust tips, airplane themed styling inside and out.....these were the kind of cars memories were made in. Imagine the whole family driving out to the countryside with all 4 windows down and the rumble coming from that V-8 engine. Cars of today do not induce those kind of memories.
dodge09challenger 1 year ago
@dodge09challenger I have to agree with you, Brian! The cars were unique..the roads they traveled were equally unique..now cars look the same, the windows are all up because they are a uniform temperature inside, and the highways all look alike in the Interstate system! Early in auto history, we were very actively engaged with the car...it was clear it didn't drive itself! We have moved to the point where the car takes over more & more of the driving function! Where's the fun?Thanks! :)Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
I recently gained interest in this model when I saw it in the movie chronicling Jerry Lee Lewis' life, brilliantly played by Dennis Quaid. He went out and bought two brand-new convertibles in the movie after gaining fame. I remember at the time thinking of how this model has taken less public interest as of late due to the popularity of the 57 Chevy. Personally, I think that I like this better because of the rarity and fantastic detail and styling.
1SteedRunner 1 year ago
@1SteedRunner Hey, Steve! That has always seemed to be a problem for Pontiac..recognition for its version of bodies they shared with Chevrolet..The Nomad took all the glory while the Safari was equally nice, in my opinion. Shopping in 57, I would have chosen the Pontiac over the Chevy! Interesting facts about Jerry Lee Lewis! Money and flashy cars seem to go together! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
A work of Art ! The Star Chief was one of Pontiac's greatest achievements :)
drewerz01 1 year ago
@drewerz01 Hey, Mike! Yeah...I love the styling accents on this car...it went further than the 55 and 56 models..but was careful to not go overboard. The use of color played a very important part in these cars! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
Only if Pontiac and Oldsmobile didn't get axed! However they hadn't built anything as nice as this in decades. Would be awesome if we could get some cars that atleast had some similariities to the classic 50's cars since we get alot of musclecars that are quite retro. And i'm thinking more stylish than the Chevy HHR and Chrysler PT.
CDTbossy 1 year ago
@CDTbossy Hey, Christian! GM let these makes go down hill for years...very little investment, and no real attempt to have them distinguish themselves among the other divisions. So the final result was a watered down corporate car with no distinct personality. Instead, they wasted millions on Saturn, then did the same thing to them after the initial flash. Now they are busy copying Japanese &
Korean cars! Doesn't anyone have original ideas at GM?! I agree with you! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
Great! Thanks for sharing, Jack!
TheCruizer 1 year ago
@TheCruizer Hey, Patrick! Thanks! My pleasure to share! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
I love it!!! This would be an $80,000 car in todays market Jack. Detail like this cost big money!
1DRock37167 1 year ago
@1DRock37167 Hey, Daryl! I know....such detail is non existent today. Instead, they want to add electronics that drive the car for you! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago
Cars in those day paid attention of detail something that is lost in todays cars thats why I keep my 2 old cars as you will never see that again and you pay 10 times more that the 50's for a plain car.
monarch1957 1 year ago
@monarch1957 That is so true...I have the feeling that most new cars are designed by committee, and that committee meets at all the car design studios..nothing seems original anymore! Thanks! :) Jack
raconter1 1 year ago