For 1953, Pontiacs were all-new once again. The Chieftain line was now the only series offered, but it appeared in two trim levels, Special and Deluxe, with one-piece windshields, a wraparound rear window, new hood ornaments, “stepped” rear fenders that hinted at Cadillac’s tailfins, large chrome headlight housings, a new grille design that incorporated parking lights, and Panorama View gauge clusters.

One of the new models, which was available with both six- and eight-cylinder power, was the Custom Catalina, a comfortably appointed and stylish two-door “hardtop” design that had pillarless doors. It was distinguished by horizontally grooved chrome plates at the leading edge of the rear roof pillar, and it could be had only in Laurel Green, Milano Ivory, or a two-tone combination.

The Custom Catalina offered here is finished in the latter, and it features a lovely older restoration, which was completed by its previous owner, a schoolteacher who had grown up with and loved Pontiacs. While the restoration has worn lightly with age and occasional use, it holds up well overall, which is a testament to the passion of its restorer, and the car has also benefitted from a more recent rebuild of its engine and transmission in 2006. The chrome throughout is in good condition, and the interior shows only light wear to the driver’s seat, from the car having been used and enjoyed as intended. The plush vinyl and cloth upholstery is correct, as are the additional features of a three-speed synchromesh transmission, a sun visor, rear fender skirts, a clock, a heater, and a pushbutton AM radio. Recorded on its odometer are 53,601 miles, which is likely the correct mileage from new.

This is a handsome Pontiac, one that will be welcomed at local shows and cruise-ins, as it is a wonderful weekend driver.