1957 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina Coupe

Description

“Take command of the year’s top performance car…the triumphantly new Pontiac Super Chief powered by Pontiac’s Strato-Streak V8.” Out of Pontiac’s 1957 Star Chief, Super Chief, and Chieftain models, The Super Chief Two-Door Catalina was the hot one.

While it sat on a 122-inch wheelbase for the requisite smooth ride, Pontiac made sure the ride was never dull: the Super Chief coupe was available with a newly stroked 347 cu-in V8 that had gained an additional 31 cubic inches compared to the previous year’s 316-cube mill. Topped with your choice of induction options and combined with either a manual or an automatic transmission, the Super Chief could fly. A good thing, as Pontiac’s “Star Flight” exterior styling featured missile-shaped side trim, flatter, more rocket-like tail fins, and extended rear fenders with V-shaped tips. Combined with an intimidating front end, a heavy dose of chrome and brightwork, and handsome interiors finished in fabric or Morrokide vinyl, the Super Chief had the good looks to back up its power.

This Super Chief Catalina Two-Door Hardtop has been refinished in striking Kenya Ivory with Tuxedo Black spears, wears high-quality chrome and a refinished interior, and features Cragar wheels for that hot rod look.

Highlights 

• Uplevel Super Chief Catalina Two-Door Hardtop with V8 power 

• 347 cu-in Pontiac V8 rated at 270 hp  

• Two-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission 

• Refinished in Kenya Ivory (originally Sheffield Grey) with a Grey/White/Black interior  

• Tuxedo Black accent spears 

• Air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes 

• The chassis number (C757H18372) decodes as:  

  • C – South Gate, CA plant 

  • 7 – 27 series  

  • 57 – Model year 

  • H – Hydramatic automatic transmission 

  • 18372 – Sequential production number 

• The trim tag decodes as:  

  • 57-2737D – Super Chief Catalina Coupe Two-Door Hardtop 

  • BC – South Gate, CA Fisher body plant with 1483 production sequence 

  • 215 – Dark Grey Pattern Cloth and Pale Grey Imitation Leather trim 

  • KKA – Sheffield Grey paint 

 Features 

• Cragar wheels on 205/65R15 Firestone Indy 500 tires 

• Weber carburetor and Edelbrock chrome air cleaner 

• Upgraded headlights and aftermarket stereo 

• Battery quick disconnect 

• Electric pusher fan with Painless fan control box 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • New master cylinder, drums, and shoes 

  • New ignition points, condenser, and plugs 

  • New battery in 2023 

  • Carburetor professionally rebuilt 

Known Imperfections 

• Consignor states that odometer was reset before he purchased vehicle 

• Driver side window squeals when rolling up and down 

• Front window guide is loose 

• Minor oil leak at the back of the engine and at differential yoke  

• Felt guide on the driver side window is loose 

• Cragar wheels show some pitting 

• Minor rock chips on nose 

• Paint chips in and around wheelwells 

Included 

• Keys 

• Framed 1957 Pontiac advertisements 

• Pontiac signs 

• 1957 Pontiac repair manual 

• 1957 Pontiac OEM shop manual CD 

Ownership History

The consignor states, “This 1957 Pontiac Super Chief was purchased from a dealer a couple of years ago, and is finished in Kenya Ivory with Tuxedo Black accent spears. I believe the 270-hp four-barrel engine and transmission are original to the car.”