Tempest 395A-Powered 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

On 1 September 1956, John Z. Delorean went to work for General Motors’ Pontiac Division. He initially balked at his placement at Pontiac and not one of the upscale divisions — “What an old lady’s division that is. I don’t want to work here,” he said in his autobiography. But by 1958 Pontiac was rapidly becoming General Motors’ performance division thanks to Delorean and new chief engineer, Elliot “Pete” Estes. The Chieftain and limited-production Bonneville models were Pontiac’s image-changers, as standard power was a new 370 cu-in V8, and “Tri-Power” with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors a popular option. To prove the point, Pontiacs won the Daytona Beach NASCAR Grand National race that year, and also captured NHRA Stock drag racing victories, all using the special “Tempest 395A” 370 engine rated at 330 hp. 

As part of the third generation of Chieftains, the 1958 model was the last before the series was replaced by the Catalina nameplate. This 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible, finished in the very mid-century “Graystone White” with “Rangoon Red” color scheme, is powered by the rare Tempest 395A engine. It’s an older restoration, but one that was honored by display at the invitation-only The Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours D’Elegance in 2013. 

Highlights 

• Pontiac’s high performance machine for 1958 

• Autographed by famous Pontiac drag racer Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick 

• Rare “Tri-Power” 370 cu-in V8 “Tempest 395A” NASCAR certified engine with three two-barrel Rochester carbs rated at 330 horsepower 

• “Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic” four-speed automatic transmission

• Finished in Graystone White (Y) with Rangoon Red (H) inset 

• Complementing Two-Tone Red and Ivory (220) vinyl “Morrokide” interior 

• White (1) power convertible top 

• The chassis number (K558H2533) decodes as: 

  • K – Kansas City, Kansas, final assembly plant 

  • 5 – Series 25, Chieftain 

  • 58 – 1958 model year 

  • H – Hydra-Matic transmission 

  • 2533 – Production serial number 

• The Body by Fisher tag decodes as: 

  • Style 58-2567 – 1958 Chieftain Convertible 

  • Body No: P 6764 – Pontiac, Michigan, plant body serial number 

  • Trim: 220-1 – Two-Tone Red and Ivory “Seville Finish Morrokide” interior and White convertible top 

  • Paint: YYH – Graystone White body and top with Rangoon Red inset 

  • Acc.: BEXKXGJX – Circulaire Heater and Defroster; Electric Antenna; Latex Foam Cushion - Front; Windshield Washer; Instrument Panel Pad 

Features 

• Electric fuel pump added to aid starting 

• Delco Super Deluxe radio 

• Power steering 

• Vacuum-assisted power brakes 

• Padded dashboard 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint touch ups and chips 

• Slight damage on the passenger’s rocker and lower door  

• Convertible top material is tight and is hard to latch from age  

• Brakes are soft  

• Possible slight exhaust leak 

Included 

• 1958 Pontiac Accessorizer  

• 1958 Pontiac Owner’s Guide 

• Vintage magazines with 1958 Pontiac articles 

• Program for The Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours D’Elegance 2013 

• Tempest 395A engine technical documents 

• 1958 Pontiac “Accessorizer” and Pontiac Accessories book 

• 1958 Pontiac Brochure 

 Ownership History 

This 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible is offered from the estate of its owner. It is unknown if the Tempest 395A engine was factory installed or possibly a dealer installation. It is an older restoration, and the consignor states, “This is a fairly well sorted out example but may need some work or have minor cosmetic imperfections or a minor electrical or mechanical issue.”