1955 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Catalina w/AIR CONDITIONING

Description

Where to start. As I'm now retired, my wife and I are downsizing...first to a smaller house in June, and then down to one antique car we will decide on together...perhaps a convertible. Her 1967 Mustang is also for sale here on eBay. I've had this car three years and two months; 22 months it has been involved in a total mechanical restoration. Every system has been rebuilt; engine (287 bored .30 over to 318 with a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor (RARE rated at 227HP), power brakes, power steering, 4-speed hydromatic transmission, under seat and defrost heater cores, brakes, and AIR CONDITIONING - second year availability - with a dealer installed Pontiac Cool-Pack. Engine was totally rebuilt at 92,000 miles, and the car now has 99,000 miles. Interior is copper and ivory leather. Try to find one of these, especially with air conditioning; they are very few and far between.
In 1955 Pontiac brought out a new body style and the first V8 for GM other than Cadillac. You started with the Chieftain and then moved up to the longer wheel base Star Chief. After that it was the Custom trim, and then the "Catalina" for the Coupe. This car is the equivalent to the Chevrolet Bel-Aire, but left it in the dust - literally. Base 180HP versus 160, and a 4-speed Hydromatic versus a 2-speed Syncromesh. This car has more than 33 options and accessories, making it one extremely well equipped vintage ride (from my research - window stickers did not exist in 1955):

Built at the Kansas City, Kansas, plant

Paint: Fire Gold on White Mist with Fire Gold wheels

Interior: Ivory and Copper genuine leather

Shipping Weight: 3,676 pounds

Underseat heater & defroster

Direction Signal

Radio (digital AM/FM conversion) and Antenna (dual)

Back-up Lamps

Tilting R.V. Non-Glare Mirror

Oil-Bath Oil Filter

Full-flow Oil Filter

Glove Compartment LampVisor Vanity MirrorLuggage Compartment Lamp

Ash Tray Lamp

Instrument Panel Courtesy Lamp

Hand-Brake Signal

Under hood and Trouble Lamp

Outside Rear-View Mirror (both sides)

Exhaust DeflectorLighted Hood OrnamentNo-Mar Fuel Door Guard

Rear Fender Shields

Windshield Washers

Latex Foam Seat Cushion

E-Z-Eye Tinted Safety Glass

Front Bumper Grille Guard

Rear Bumper Wing Guards

Hydromatic Transmission

Power Steering

Air Conditioning (dealer installed Pontiac "Cool-Pack" Power Pack Four Barrel Carburetor (available March, 1955)
Rear Seat Speaker (fabricated)Power BrakesSaftiJackOversize Whitewall (bias, tubeless) Tires 7.60x15

Vogue Two-Tone Paint
Mat, Floor-Throw
Electric Clock, Front Bumper License Plate Bracket, Wheel Discs, Chrome

There are always a couple of glitches on old cars...passenger door interior switch in intermittent, and trunk light is out. Third gear has a clunk depending on how fast you're driving. Speedometer reads about 10% faster than you're actually going. Car averages 13mpg on super unleaded.

I have appraisal papers on the car for $70,000. Serious inquiries only, no low ball offers. Immediate $500 non-refundable deposit through PayPal. I have faithfully and accurately described the car; no warranty is expressed or implies. Dash top gauges not included - need them for the next car. I recommend you come to MA in person to see this beautiful car, or have it inspected by a third party. I've been on Ebay for 20 years both as a buyer and seller with 100% positive feedback, so bit with confidence. Remaining payment to be in the form of a certified bank check which must clear before car is released. Car can be picked up locally, or buyer needs to arrange transport. We are the holders of the title.

Short video of driving the car. You'll need to cut and past the link into your browser. Please ask any questions or request more pictures - I'm limited to 12.

I should mention that there are a couple of paint blisters along the rocker panel (I bought the car painted), and some splitting on the white top at the curve of the roof line in each side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvxwAjzNaAU
Had a low ball offer of $12,500 - don't waste my time or yours.