The 1953 Pontiac model lineup consisted of the Chieftain, powered by either a six- or eight-cylinder engine, with Special or Deluxe trim levels. Pontiac's were all-new for 1953 with one-piece windshields, a wraparound rear window, 'stepped' rear fenders that hinted at the forthcoming tailfins, new hood ornaments, a new grille design that incorporated parking lights, large chrome headlight housings, and Panorama View gauge clusters. The six-cylinder engine had a 239.2 cubic-inch displacement with four main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 115 horsepower with the synchromesh transmission and 118 hp with the Hydra-Matic. The 268.4 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine produced 118 horsepower with the synchromesh and 122 hp with the Hydra-Matic. The standard models were called the Specials and included hubcaps, straight upper beltline trim, short arrow-shaped side trim, and rubber gravel guards. The Deluxe Chieftains had stainless steel gravel guards with rear fender extensions, chrome full wheel discs, dipping belt moldings, and long 'dual streak' body moldings. Eight-cylinder cars had an '8' emblem located between twin 'Silver Streaks' on deck lids. 1953 Pontaic body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, a Deluxe Catalina Coupe, Deluxe Convertible, and Deluxe Station Wagon with either six- or eight-passenger seating. Prices ranged from $1,950 for the two-door sedan and rose to over $2,500 for the station wagon with eight-cylinder power. The Custom Catalina Coupe had horizontally grooved decorative trim plates located at the rear roof pillar edge and only available in Milano Ivory, Laurel Green, or two-tone combinations of these colors. Nearly 82 percent of the 1953 Pontiac models were equipped with automatic transmissions.
by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020
by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020
Related Reading : Pontiac Chieftain History
As World War II ground to a halt in the late 1940s, production once again resumed at the Pontiac Motors Division of General Motors. Commissioned by the Government in 1942, Pontiac had assisted in the creation of rocket bombs throughout the duration of the war. Embroiled in the midst of the hysteria of a Communist Witch Hunt, in 1951, America also found itself of the long-lasting Korean War. At this....
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Pontiac
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1953
Similarly Priced Vehicles
1953 Pontiac Chieftain Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
Chieftain Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 90.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 93.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 103.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 106.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 93.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 103.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 106.00hp
$1,590 - $2,185
271,373
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 100.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 102.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 122.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 102.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 122.00hp
$1,960 - $2,615
418,619
122.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 115.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
$1,960 - $2,800
172,656
122.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 115.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 122.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 127.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 122.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 127.00hp
$1,967 - $2,580
354,453
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 173.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 200.00hp
$2,100 - $2,960
7,359
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 240.00hp
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 270.00hp
$3,025 - $3,025
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