Pontiac Chieftain
The Pontiac Chieftain was built by the U.S. automakers Pontiac model of the upper middle class, which was offered from 1949 to 1958.
Year by year
1949-1954
Pontiac Chieftain Sedan (1952 )
From the all-new model year 1949, the Chieftain replaced the former Pontiac Streamliner and until the introduction of the Star Chief in the fall of 1953, the top model of the brand. In 1949 there were sedans with two or four doors, a two-door coupe and two-door convertible. The pontoon bodies showed a grille in the style of a shark jaw and molded rear fenders.
In addition to a six-cylinder in-line engine with 3,920 cc displacement, the min-1 90-93 hp ( 66-68 kW) made at 3,400, there was an eight-cylinder in-line engine with 4079 cc and a power output of 103-106 hp ( 76-78 kW) gave at 3,800 min-1. All engines were standing side valves.
In 1950, there was little stylistic changes, only the teeth in the shark's mouth had become slightly larger. In addition to the aforementioned body shapes, there was now a 2- door hardtop coupe. The eight-cylinder models received a new engine with 4,395 cc displacement, the min - 1108-113 hp ( 79.5 to 83 kW) gave at 3,600.
1951 increased the engine power at once: The six-cylinder brought it to 96-100 bhp ( 70.5 to 74 kW), the eight-cylinder engine 116-120 hp ( 85-88 kW). In addition to the standard models, there was now deluxe versions ( only hardtop coupe and convertible ) and super deluxe versions ( only hardtop coupe ).
1952 were called after the abolition of the Streamliner all Pontiac Chieftain models. The limousine coupe fell off, but there was now a 5- door station wagon with 6 or 8 seats. Again, increased engine performance; the six-cylinder yielded 100-102 hp ( 74-75 kW), the eight-cylinder 118-122 hp ( 87-90 kW).
In 1953, the engine output of the six-cylinder engine was increased to 115-118 bhp ( 84.5 to 87 kW), that of the eight-cylinder engine remained the same. The wheelbase of the car grew 2 " and the standard models were now called Special Deluxe versions there were of all body shapes; ., The hardtop coupe, there was also a particularly luxurious custom version.
From 1954 Pontiac models offered on two different wheelbases on; the Chieftain was now on the cheaper Pontiac model based on the shorter wheelbase. The Cabriolet, however, was dropped. The eight-cylinder engine put in power at 122-127 hp ( 90-93 kW ), while the six-cylinder in this year last time offered remained unchanged.
1955-1957
Pontiac Chieftain Sedan (1957 )
1955 a completely revised Chieftain was presented. The cars were much slimmer and lower; the molded rear fenders were also disappeared as pointed alligator shape of the hood. What has remained the shark's mouth and the car grew small tail fins. Also new were the panoramic windshields. Among the known from the previous year body styles, a 3- door station wagon had come. The Special versions were called Chieftain 860 Deluxe versions Chieftain 870 The biggest change however, concerned the drive: the old side-valve inline engines were done away with and replaced by a new V8 engine with OHV valve control. The 4,706 cc engine produced 173 bhp large (127 kW) at 4,400 min-1 or 180 bhp (132 kW) at 4,600 min -1.
1956 got the car rocket -shaped inserts on the front bumpers and there was an additional body style, a four - door hardtop sedan. All vehicles were given a larger V8 engine, the 5188 cm ³ at engine capacity a power of 192-205 hp ( 141-151 kW) gave.
In 1957 the design was again slightly reworked: The cars were larger tailfins and a contrasting side stripes, which was widened in the tail fins. This design called Pontiac "Star Flight". Also, a larger engine was fitted. The V8 now made 227-252 hp ( 167-185 kW ) and had a displacement of 5,686 cm ³.
1958
Pontiac Chieftain Safari Station Wagon ( 1958)
1958 there was a completely new styling. The cars were double headlights, panoramic windows and rear wider side stripes in the tail fins. Also, the V8 engine was again enlarged and carried now 240-270 hp ( 176-199 kW) from a displacement of 6,063 cc.
There was again a convertible, which was established as a separate series 25.
In the fall of 1958, the Chieftain was replaced by the Catalina model year 1959.