1953 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Convertible

The 1953 Pontiac was all-new on a two-inch longer wheelbase with a new grille; modest fins; a flatter, blunter decklid that increased trunk capacity; and side chrome trim extending into the front door with a second lower strip sweeping to the tail lamp. It also had a new front suspension, a one-piece windshield, a wrap-around rear window and ignition key starting. Its straight-six engine, upgraded with aluminum pistons, a new camshaft and a two-barrel carburetor, cranked out 115 horses with a 3-speed manual transmission or 118 with the available Hydra-Matic.

The optional straight eight was just slightly stronger at 118 HP with manual or 122 with automatic. Its new instrument panel, a major improvement over previous models, housed the heater/defroster and (optional) radio controls in a comprehensive arrangement, instead of the haphazard add-ons in many other cars of the time. Power steering became available for the first time, as was Autronic Eye headlamp dimming; a useful hand-me-down inherited from more expensive Oldsmobiles, Buicks, and Cadillacs.

This 1953 Chieftan Deluxe convertible is an unrestored preservation car still wearing its original black factory paint and interior, with a well-known history.