1953 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe 2-Door Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * * 

“The New Dual-Streak Pontiac – A New High in Beauty and Performance!” The 1953 Pontiac Chieftain marked a pivotal year in Pontiac’s postwar evolution, blending classic American styling with emerging automotive innovations. Designed under Harley Earl’s influence, the Chieftain featured a sleek, full-width body, a one-piece curved windshield, and newly introduced rear fins that hinted at the jet-age design language. 

Pontiac offered both six-cylinder and straight-eight flathead engines, with horsepower ranging from 115 to 122 depending on transmission choice. The six-cylinder engine received aluminum pistons for improved performance, while the eight-cylinder retained iron pistons.  

Technological upgrades included the “Curve Control” suspension system and improved power steering, enhancing handling and comfort. The Chieftain also featured a light-up Chief Pontiac hood ornament, a signature touch that added flair to its front end. 

With eight distinct models—including the Deluxe, Catalina, and Special—the 1953 Chieftain catered to a wide range of buyers. It became a symbol of 1950s optimism and remains a cherished classic today, celebrated for its style, reliability, and cultural impact. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Generous Collection 

• Finished in Winona Green Iridescent (5311) with Spruce Green Iridescent (5310) top 

• Tan and dark blue cloth interior 

• Powered by 268.4 cu-in L-head straight-eight engine rated at 122 hp 

• Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (P8XH80863) decodes as:  

  • P – Pontiac (Michigan) assembly plant 

  • 8 – Eight-cylinder engine  

  • X – 1953 model year 

  • H – Hydra-Matic transmission 

  • 80863 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Deluxe features include:  

  • Dual Streak chrome moldings running down the hood and body sides  

  • Chrome full wheel covers  

  • Stainless steel gravel guards on the rear fender extensions 

  •  Side trim dips toward the rear  

  • “8” emblem on trunk lid designating 8-cylinder engine 

• Streamlined two-door body with a one-piece curved windshield 

• Jet-age inspired rear fins and chrome accents 

• Fender skirts 

• Illuminated Chief Pontiac hood ornament 

• Chieftain AM radio 

• “Curve Control” suspension system 

• Painted steel wheels with Pontiac chrome covers and Goodyear 7.10-15 whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Paint chips and scuffs 

• Passenger-side spotlight is detached (but included) 

• Spider cracks on Chief Pontiac hood ornament 

• Passenger rear window is cracked 

• Rust above rear bumper on passenger side 

• Hole in headliner behind driver’s sun visor 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• Keys 

• Box of parts 

Ownership History

This 1953 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Two-Door Sedan is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   email: mlowney@hagerty.com  

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.