Pontiacs received all-new styling for 1957. Semon Emil “Bunkie” Knudsen was the man responsible for the changes after becoming Pontiac’s General Manager. After seeing a production-ready 1957 model for the first time, he directed that the familiar trim elements known as “Silver Streaks” be removed. Knudsen felt they made the car seem out of date. Guided missiles were prominently in the news at the time so he had the side trim shaped to fit a space age theme. Knudsen believed in appealing to a younger generation and with this input, he set about changing the image of Pontiac forever.

The car being offered is a beautiful example of a rust-free 1957 Star Chief Convertible from the Southwestern United States. It was originally restored in 1992 and refreshed in 2014. The Pontiac was brought to California two years ago after 25 years in the high desert of New Mexico. The Star Chief is refreshed in a manner that includes new paint, new top, new chrome where needed and the stainless has been refurbished and polished. Among the additional features are the original Wonderbar radio, correct and original halo mirrors, power antenna, power steering and power brakes. The car is reported to run and drive extremely well with its Strato Streak 347-cid, 227-hp V-8 engine that is said to start and run “flawlessly.” With a Hydra-Matic overdrive transmission and plenty of torque, this fine machine moves effortlessly down the road. The Star Chief is also accompanied by the engine and transmission manuals, plus a car cover. Pontiac produced 12,789 similar cars in the 1957 model year; far fewer have survived.