Patina’d People Hauler: 1953 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Wagon

What is it about wagons that people seem to love? Perhaps it’s the utilitarian hauler aspect to it, a domain that’s more in line with trucks and vans. That, merged with the looks of a car, make these types of vehicles true hybrids of form and function.

A vintage poster for the 1950s Chieftain, like this one.

And while this ’53 Pontiac Chieftain wagon certainly has aged, the fact that it can still stand on all fours and look like this can only mean good things for its next owner, as the car recently sold privately after being advertised on eBay (item no. 321463626847). That, if anything, counts for a car having aged well.

Located in Colorado, this Chieftain was one of those quasi-woodie cars of the 1950s, sporting a curvy steel body but no authentic wooden paneling. Instead, the suits at Pontiac opted to have a woodgrain look painted onto the car, which not only saved them some simoleons, but also saves the future restorer the cost as well.

What will wind up turning this car into a labor of love (or money pit), however, is the sheer amount of work it’ll take to get the thing looking pretty again. The interior is trashed, with no carpeting left, signs of advanced oxidation to the floorpan, and seats in dire need of attention. The only part that appears somewhat decent is the dashboard, but even that’s a stretch.

The two biggest investments will be restoring the interior and engine bay.

Under the hood, the prospects aren’t exactly sunny, either. The vintage straight-eight motor has nostalgia to spare, but hasn’t been started in a number of years, although the seller’s description mentioned that it did turn over. New accessories and brightwork are definitely needed here.

Were you to see a car like this, what would be your reaction? Take a pass? Keep the rugged patina? Or commit to a total restoration? Leave a comment below.

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading