- This overhauled Chieftain is a straight-line monster with a massive V8.
- Special black-and-red paint scheme with flames adds to the bold look.
- A set of adjustable coilovers has also been added alongside new brakes.
Most survivors from 1955 get treated as rolling history, polished and parked. This Pontiac Chieftain went the other way. Headed to auction on July 25 in the US, it was rebuilt with a single purpose in mind, which is to go very, very fast.
In transforming this Chieftain into a speed demon, it was stripped back to the original frame, and then the long process of rebuilding it could begin. For example, a massive 509 c.i. (8.3-liter) V8 built by the Washington firm Motorworks has been installed, complete with a Holley carburetor, custom headers, and an Edelbrock intake system.
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Although there’s no word on how much horsepower the sedan has, the listing notes it delivers 623 lb-ft (845 Nm) of torque. There’s also an upgraded automatic transmission, a Dutchman 9-inch rear-end, and overhauled suspension at the front and rear, which includes adjustable coilovers. To ensure it handles and brakes like something with this much grunt should, there’s also power steering and power brakes.
Flaming Red Paint
Mecum Auctions
The Pontiac’s body has been expertly restored as part of the build, with the front and rear bumpers refinished in chrome. A custom paint scheme dominated by black, with bright red sides carrying black, grey, and white flames, has also been applied. Custom 17-inch wheels have been fitted. The builders paid such close attention to the car’s design that the gas cap has been repositioned and is now hidden behind one of the taillights.
The cabin makes clear just how serious this Pontiac is. In addition to the all-new black dashboard and the gauges, it features toggle switches to operate things like the windows, ignition, fan, and fuel pump. It even gets heated seats and a new shifter.
The Chieftain has been listed by Mecum Auctions as one of the stars of its upcoming Harrisburg auction on July 25. If you fancy adding it to your garage, head on through to the listing here for more details.
