Pontiac Chieftain

The Pontiac Chieftain was a cornerstone of the brand's lineup from 1949 to 1958. It initially featured Pontiac's long-running straight-8 engine and iconic "Silver Streak" chrome trim. In 1955, the Chieftain received a major update with the introduction of the 287 cu in "Strato-Streak" V8, which significantly improved performance and appeal.

Collectors appreciate the Chieftain for its classic 1950s styling and as a more affordable alternative to a Chevrolet Bel Air of the same vintage. Convertibles and Catalina two-door hardtops are the most desirable body styles, especially from the 1955-1957 V8 era. The car's distinctive trim and jet-age design cues make it a standout at shows.

The market for Chieftains is modest, with an average sales price around $21,000. This reflects that many are driver-quality cars or older restorations. The wide price spread from $3,500 to over $80,000 highlights the vast difference in value between a rough project and a concours-level restored convertible.

Prices range from $3,500 for project cars to $81,958 for exceptional examples.