Auto buffs know that a Chevy isn't the only iconic car of the 1950s. Let me tell you about my 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. It was found by me, thats right, a girl on warm spring day in 1991 on Perry Street in Jefferson Valley and purchased for $3,500. Being young and feeling secure about your first classic purchase you and your husband made, what do you do? You drive it to your parents house to show them what you found. Much to my surprise I found out their first car as a married couple was a Pontiac Star Cheif in the same color. Their car had a little trouble with the drive from Indiana to New York though. See somewhere along the way they lost the hood. Nobody got hurt, well, except maybe the car.
As for my 55, we have owned it off and on for 21 years. Some things just might be meant to be yours, because this car has come back to us three times. We first sold it to buy our co-op, then bought it back, next to open our business. Then my husband found it in Long Island nine years ago and bought it back for me for mothers day. And I must add its always been my favorite vehicle to own. Aside from some schocks, tires, and rims we have not had to do much.
It has the the old strato streak engine, leaks some oil but runs great. I think the only draw back from this ride is that it has no air conditioning. However, in the front there are these two vents to open that behave as a wind tunnel when going done the road. Then there are the wipers. They are vaccum assist. Of course, it does have power steering which is a plus with the size of the steering wheel. Driving it is a treat the seats are as comfortable as your sofa and the ride just as smooth.
So for all of you Chevy fans, the Pontiac, although not as iconic, was built with the same body lines and personality of class. Like I said guess somethings you are meant to own.
If you are ever in the area, stop in to and check out our customers cars, or give Brian an email at bdee@verizon.net if you have any questions about those old cars. Also, look for us on facebook at Brians Automotive Inc. We post pictures up of all our work.
