- Pontiac revised the entire line
- Styling changes were very contemporary
- A resto-mod example
The entire line was completely revised
1955 was a big year for the Pontiac Motor Division as the entire line was completely revised, featuring a new chassis, fresh bodies plus an all-new Strato-Streak V-8 engine which came as standard equipment. The new line was launched on October 4, 1954, and the body styling changes were very contemporary.
A "Panoramic" wraparound windshield, twin "Silver Streak" hood trim pieces, a large grille incorporating split front bumpers, plus "eyebrows" located over the headlamps. On the back of the car, twin chrome streaks were mounted on top of the rear-most section of the quarter panels. All Pontiacs for '55 came with a two-tone paint treatment. Besides the standard line of 122-inch wheelbase Pontiacs, called Chieftain, there were up-level premium-priced "Star Chief" models that rode on 127-inch wheelbases and featured 11-inch frame extensions on the rear.
Safaris are few and far between these days
Pontiac's new engine was sized at 287.2 cubic-inches, and delivered 180 horsepower This new powerplant was the first V8 engine from PMD since the year 1932 when they had a flathead V8 engine design that was adapted from a 1931 Oakland. That first V8 however was only used for one year, inline eights were used from 1933-1954. In addition, GM cars for 1955 debuted 12-volt electrical systems along with tubeless tires.
A 300-hp Chevrolet crate engine was the chosen power plant to replace the original and it's fitted with a 6-rib serpentine 75 -inch belt system is up front in conjunction with the high-mounted A/C compressor and late-model alternator. An Edelbrock induction aluminum intake manifold and650-cfm carburetor was added and atop sits a Spectre dual air filter aluminum housing.
The side trim used created an illusion of "forward motion" with the angles being the same with the diagonal door chrome and that of the B-pillar. This Pontiac version of the special 2-door wagon was fitted with a frame that measured 176.5-inches in length, as opposed to the other Star Chief models that were 7-inches longer, all in the rear overhang. Also, when comparing it to the 115-inch wheelbase Nomad the Safari has five more inches of wheelbase added to the car at the front wheels ,and the rear wheels are located two inches farther back to the rear.
The interior featured a reworked dashboard with a Pioneer sound system with AM/FM CD with hidden four-speaker layout and Dakota Digital round gauges in a custom cluster, Vintage Air A/C / heater controls plus a three-spoke Banjo steering wheel by Grant. Rather than retain the 1955Pontiac interior pieces a custom upholstery job was done using grey tweed material and deep-pile carpeting. A dry-cell battery is located in the extreme rear of the spare tire well.
The color was applied along with a pearl hue from the original factory turquoise blue and white colors. With the specific modifications on the wagon, it's a great representation of an ultra-rare mid-1950s classic combined with tasteful modern enhancements, with nothing being taken away from the original lines and flavor.
One of the most popular things that car the owner hears when he takes the prized Poncho out to shows and it's never trailered, always driven, is that most people are not aware that that the Pontiac Division offered a version of the Nomad during 1955-57, and that the Pontiac differ greatly from the more popular Nomad.
1955 Safaris are few and far between these days as only 3760 were built, making survivors a rare sight today
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