Pontiac Star Chief Second generation
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Model years | 1955 to 1957 |
Class | Motor Car |
Platform | A-body |
Engine | 287 cu in (4.7 L) V8 (1955) |
Transmission | 3-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 124 in (3,100 mm) |
Length | 213.7 in (5,430 mm) |
Width | 76.6 in (1,950 mm) |
Curb weight | 3,860 lb (1,750 kg) |
In 1955 a completely revised Star Chief was introduced. The cars were much slimmer and lower; the moulded rear fenders had disappeared as well as tapered alligator shape of the hood. Remained the shark's mouth and the car grew small tail fins. Also new were the panoramic windscreens. To the known from the previous body forms a 3-door estate had come, which was offered however on the shorter chassis of the Chieftain as a custom model series 27. The biggest change, however, was the drive: the old, side-mounted in-line engine had been eliminated and replaced with a new V8 engine with OHV valve control. The 4706-cc engine produced 173 bhp (127 kW) at 4,400 rpm or 180 hp (132 kW) at 4600 rpm.
1956 were the cars rocket-shaped inserts on the front bumpers and there was an additional body shape, a 4-door hardtop sedan, which replaced the previous sedan in the custom version. All Star Chief got a larger V8 engine, which output with a capacity of 5188 cc from 216 to 227 bhp (159-167 kW).Star Chief set in bumper : 3 oval reflectors in rear wing moulding to rearlights .Thick ribbed grille bar: Oblong side lights No chrome bars over bonnet or rear side reflectors: Star Chief 4 stars on side sweep spear:
Name replaces emblem on bonnet: Dual side by side headlights & rear lamps: Oblong sidelights in mesh grille.
In 1957, the design was slightly revised again: the cars were larger tail fins and a contrasting side strip, which was widened in the tail fins. The Safari Combi Series 27 was now available with either 3 or 5 doors and the Star Chief Custom Series 28 as a 4-door sedan, hardtop with 2 or 4 doors and (only 630 times manufactured) as a 2-door convertible with the Additional name Bonneville. Also, a larger engine with injection system was installed. The V8 now made 244-270 bhp (179-199 kW) and had a displacement of 5,686 cc.
