Nineteen fifty-five was the first year for Pontiac’s overhead valve V-8, a 287 cubic inch, 180-hp engine that slotted neatly into GM’s hierarchy between the 265 cubic inch Chevrolet and 324 cubic inch Oldsmobile. It quickly proved itself to be strong, reliable and capable of being tuned and developed for much greater performance. Along with the new V-8, Pontiac also saw a complete redesign in 1955. Nineteen fifty-seven saw a further restyle, finally abandoning the overworked silver hood streaks, and the engine was bored out to 347 cubic inches with power ratings ranging from 227 horsepower to 317 with the extra-horsepower Tri-power carburetor setup and 315 horsepower in the limited production fuel-injected Bonneville.

Second-generation GM man S.E. ‘Bunkie’ Knudsen, Pontiac’s General Manager, was joined by E.M. ‘Pete’ Estes as Chief Engineer in 1957. Between them they set out to give Pontiac a new direction, having observed, ‘You can sell an old man a young man’s car, but you can’t sell an old man’s car to a young man.’ The transformation of Pontiac started in 1957, making this a watershed year. Pontiac wrapped up everything in the incomparable Star Chief series. Outside, matchless “Star Flight” styling – inside, it featured spacious, gracious custom comfort.

This car is powered by the "tri-power" three-carb setup on its 347-cid V-8 engine with automatic transmission and is reported as being restored to factory specifications; it looks the part in living up to its intended original expectations. Beautiful in all regards, the Star Chief has fender skirts, dual sideview mirrors, Wonder Bar "Deluxe Electronic" AM radio with distinctive front factory speaker, complementary two-tone interior, whitewall tires, factory wheel covers; power steering and brakes.