The 1951 model year marked the 25th year of General Motor’s Pontiac brand, yet the Chieftain line changed very little for this silver anniversary. The notchback A-body styling carried over, along with the stylish center stripe of brightwork on the hood and trunk lid. The most noticeable difference was to the front grille, which swapped the former vertical motif for a horizontal one. Both the six- and eight-cylinder engines continued, each receiving a minor bump in output.

This 1951 Pontiac Chieftain Eight Sedan is a lovely representation of everyday mid-century style. Finished in a handsome shade of gray over matching gray cloth, its interior features a pushbutton radio, clock, and period-correct traffic light viewer. Under the hood, a 268-cubic-inch flathead straight-eight fed by a single carburetor powers the rear wheels via a Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission. Appealing fifties details include whitewall tires, a sun visor, rear fender skirts, and chromed wheel covers, grille, and trunk guards to complement the copious brightwork dressing up the exterior.

A fine mid-market GM sedan from the beginning of the heady Jet Age, this Pontiac Chieftain is perfect for fans of the era seeking an accessible but impactful option for cars and coffee or other local events.