Last weekend, I did a post on a ’53 Ford Ranch Wagon found in San Salvador. With that, I thought I was done with the “Hey look, an old American wagon found in Central America!” topic. However, the local FB Marketplace had other plans for me. And unlike that earlier ’53 Ford, this old Poncho needs just about everything; it’s a body in need of lots of soft parts, glass, electrics and more. Though supposedly it still carries a V8 (original? working?), and manual transmission.
Still, old Pontiac wagons rarely show up, down here or in the US, so might as well share this one.
So what have we got here? Hard to tell, with the remaining trim. But suffice to say that Pontiac offered 3 station wagon bodies in 2-door and 4-door formats for ’55, which made up for a range of choices depending on engine and seat arrangement (2 or 3 seat setups). This being a 4-door, it was at some point a 870 or 860 model from the Chieftain line.
That aside, what I CAN tell you is what we don’t have in today’s find, and that would be the 2-door Pontiac Star Chief Safari. A sibling ot the much coveted Chevrolet Nomad, and easy to tell by its neatly styled rear area.
So, nope, sorry, today’s find was part of the far more numerous 4-doors of ’55.
It doesn’t take a genius to tell that back then, Pontiacs were closely related to Bowtie models. But even if Pontiac was soon to find its Wide-Track defining mojo, these earlier Pontiacs have their fans. And well, if you find a 4-door Chevy wagon too common, the Poncho option is a neat choice.
As many know, these ’55s were all new at GM for that year; bodies, styling, and chassis. Plus, the engines. For ’55, Pontiac threw away for good the old straight 8 and debuted its new OHV 90-degree V-8, which was to remain around in one way or another until 1981. Dubbed Strato Streak in typical parlance of the time, the powerplant began life with 287CID displacement for ’55, providing either 173 or 180HP for that year depending on state of tune.
However, the question comes: The ad mentions it still carries a V8, but is it the original Strato Streak, or some other powerplant?
Here’s the interior shot, showing that if you’re interested in this old survivor, you better know your way around tools if you don’t want to end up too deep in a hole. Or well, a hole you feel ok falling into.
Then again, old wagons have been gaining in value in recent years, so maybe it’s worth the trouble?
As with many of these old American cars in Central America, I often wonder how they’ve managed to reach our days, preserved or not. That means, as in me wondering the specifics of their story, not the general principle of preservation. The general principle is easy to grasp, as this is, after all, a region with low incomes and limited resources. And back in the ’50s, these American cars were bought solely by the well-heeled in the region. Whoever ended up with the goods after exchanging hands (by sale or inheritance), made sure to keep it around.
Now, whether they can keep up with their maintenance, that’s an entirely different matter. As can be seen.
Unlike my earlier ’53 Ford wagon posts, this old American lost in the tropics is in need of rescue. Not the first time, nor the last, that an Ex Pat will find itself in such a situation. The question is, will anyone come to save it?
Should you care to see the ad, it’s HERE. Do keep in mind, this is in El Salvador. No idea what customs, fees, or other such matters a purchase may entail.
Related CC reading:
1955 Pontiac – The Well Disguised ’55 Chevy
Curbside Classic: 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Coupe – Endangered Species
This one is best left with the local car enthusiasts … on the other hand … it would be the ultimate backyard restoration experience … a golden opportunity to own a one of a kind classic Pontiac wagon awaits in the tropics.
I love the “Se Vende” markings .
This should be pretty easy to bring back to life as it’s largely a ’55 Chevy .
I hope it gets saved, this is one of those “Blank Slate” cars so useful for Hot Rodding or customizing .
In 1976 When I got married I found a really nice 1954 Pontiac _hearse_, running and driving, only $600, at that time I barely made $300 / week so I had to let it go…….
-Nate
Interesting how GM fashioned the taillights for the wagon by using the template for the ’55 Chevy sedans and wagons.
I much prefer the ’55 Pontiac’s grille compared to the overwrought design used on the ’56 (and ’57 for that matter).
It just needs a tidy up, never seen a wagon here sedans arrived new out of Canada but not sold here by GM dealers, want a new Pontiac in post WW2 NZ? yep just trot along to the nearest BMC agent and see what they can get you.
I have a headlight from a 1920 Cadillac out in the shed. The only thing I’m missing is the rest of a 1920 Cadillac to have a complete car. This Pontiac is kind of in the same ballpark.