FEATURE – 1957 Pontiac Super Chief
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Provided
Pretty much every car enthusiast knows what a ’57 Chev looks like, but what about a ’57 Pontiac? Despite being released here in factory RHD form for a couple of decades after World War II, Pontiacs from this period is a rare sight.
Pontiacs were available in Australia soon after the marque was launched in 1926, with imported chassis fitted with local bodies (mostly by Holden) throughout the 1920s and ’30s. After World War II, CKD assembly became the norm, with some units brought in as complete cars, too. These RHD units were engineered in the US, but partially or fully assembled in Canada to reduce import tariffs.
Our smaller market meant that only one model type was usually available here, unlike the US, which offered a broad range of grades and body styles. For example, the ’57 Pontiac could be had as a Chieftain, Super Chief, Star Chief or Bonneville in the US, with body options that included two- and four-door pillared sedans, two- and four-door hardtops, plus two- and four-door wagons.
In Australia, the only Pontiac officially available in 1957 was a Super Chief four-door sedan. Even then, the local ’57 Pontiac wasn’t all “57” as it used an RHD dash engineered for the 1955 and ’56 models.
In the Middle
The ‘Super Chief’ was an all-new model name for 1957 and Pontiac’s mid-level offering, placed above the Chieftain, but below the Star Chief in features, trim and price (the Bonneville was a separate, limited-edition model). A 347ci V8 was standard across the range, tuned to deliver 270hp (201kW) in the Super Chief and Star Chief, while the Chieftain offered 252hp (188kW). A 290hp (216kW) version was optional. Australian-market Super Chiefs featured the 270hp 347 V8, matched exclusively with a column-shift automatic transmission.
How many Super Chiefs were offered here in 1957 is unknown, but numbers are thought to be small; smaller even than Chevrolets marketed here in the same period. Despite costing as much as luxury cars from the UK and Europe, Pontiacs didn’t really have the same luxury image, so it was a tough sell. The Super Chief was a one-year-only deal in Australia, too, as in 1958, the locally available Pontiac was rebadged as the Strato Chief.
From Embassy to Oz
While it is a genuine, Australian-delivered, RHD 1957 Super Chief, the early history of the car featured is unknown, but it’s believed to have served as diplomatic transport for a foreign embassy.
Fast forward a few decades and it came into the possession of Graeme Parmenter of Oz Rods in Queensland, who rebuilt the car as a cruiser for he and his wife to enjoy.
Parmenter’s modifications included fitting a 350 Chevy Small Block and T350 three-speed automatic with a floor shifter in place of the factory 347 V8 and four-speed column auto. Braided lines, ceramic-coated extractors, a stainless-steel exhaust system and relocated battery allowed room in the engine bay for extras that included an upgraded radiator from Aussie Desert Cooler.
The bench seat interior was retrimmed in two-tone blue and white vinyl in factory ‘off the shoulder’ style, the steering wheel pearled and a few modern switches and gauges added. Outside, the original white paint with a blue sidespear was switched to turquoise blue with a white spear and white roof.
Something Different
This Pontiac’s current owner, Craig Leuders, likes American cars that are a little different from the norm. Instead of Mustangs, Camaros, F-Series pickups and ’57 Chevs, he’s always gravitated toward makes and models that are less common. Craig owns a ’64 Plymouth Barracuda and a ’55 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday two-door hardtop that’s believed to be one of only two in Australia, so a rare Pontiac Super Chief was right up his alley!
As he knew Graeme, Craig was also aware of this car, but thought it wasn’t for sale. As such, he spent time looking for something similar before the two got their heads together and a deal was done for Craig to buy the Super Chief approximately 12 years ago.
Keep on Cruisin’
In Craig’s possession, this Pontiac has performed similar cruising duties to when Graeme had it. It’s been shown and driven throughout Craig’s native South Australia and taken further afield, too. At Cooly Rocks On in Queensland in 2014, it was the only Super Chief amongst more than 1,000 cars and motorcycles on show. More recently, Craig displayed the car at the Adelaide Extreme Auto Expo, where it picked up a prize in its category.
When bought by Craig, this Pontiac was rolling on a set of modern 20-inch alloys, but he’s since fitted period-look wheels with whitewall tyres. These, along with some re-chroming of the exterior trim, are the only changes made under his ownership.
Between them, Graeme and Craig have completed more than 20,000km in this car since the rebuild and 350 V8 transplant without it missing a beat.
As much as he’s enjoyed this Pontiac, Craig enjoys his Oldsmobile a bit more, so put the Super Chief on the market earlier this year (see breakout).
Pontiacs like this rarely come up for sale, but what’s more appealing about this example is the modern running gear that makes for a trouble-free weekend cruiser or even an everyday driver.
If you’re like Craig and appreciate rare and unusual American cars, you’ll appreciate this one. One thing’s for sure, take this Pontiac on the road and you’re unlikely to see another one!
FOR SALE
This restored 1957 Super Chief sedan combines classic style with modern practicality in the form of its 350 V8 and T350 auto transmission. As it was factory built in RHD, it’s a safer proposition - especially when overtaking - than an LHD car, too.
Since the rebuild 20,000km ago, this Super Chief has performed without incident, so it’s ready for the next owner to do the same.
The asking price of $125,000 ono is a reflection of this car’s rarity and condition. Two sets of wheels are included in the sale.
For more details, click HERE
