The term, "station wagon," probably goes back to the turn-of-the-century. Depot Hacks with multi-passenger capability took the place of stagecoaches at railroad stations as the horseless carriage became more commonplace. The hacks were essentially combustion-engine powered wagons, capable of carrying goods and/or people. "Depot" is synonymous with station, and "hacks" were wagons; or as we say today, "station wagon." The first 'branded' station wagon automobile is believed to have been the Star, built in 1923. It was a wood-bodied car that had a tailgate and extended wheelbase. Sometime between 1923 and 1929 with the introduction of the supplier-bodied Model A wagon, the term station wagon fell into wide-spread use.

The first production Pontiac station wagon became available in 1937. However, most collectors think of a Safari wagon when mentioning Pontiac’s biggest people mover. The successor to the Safari was seen on the early 1950s Chieftain. They were stylish and very popular family cars as seen with this offering. It was restored in recent years with a “surf woodie” theme in mind. The seat coverings were updated to cloth, rather than a vinyl material and the floors were fully carpeted. The rear compartment has also been upgraded to a wooden covering, rather than a rubberized material. A rebuilt straight eight engine was reinstalled along with a Hydra-Matic transmission for ease of use. Other mentionable items include the completely hand-painted exterior woodgrain, steel windshield visor, light-up amber hood mascot and accessory spotlight. Overall, it is a very clean and fun example that can be the ultimate tailgate event car with plenty of room for coolers and the whole family.