1954 Pontiac Chieftain

Pontiac introduced the Chieftain model line in 1949 and it remained part of the lineup through 1958. The A-body 1949 Chieftain replaced the Pontiac Torpedo as the entry-level model and initially available as a sedan, sedan coupe, business coupe, and deluxe convertible cope. A Catalina Coupe joined the range in 1950 followed by a station wagon in 1952, with the demise of the top-of-the-line Streamliner wagon.

For 1954, the Pontiac Chieftain received 'power lift' windows on the four-door body styles, power brakes, and optional air-conditioning. The 1954 Pontiacs were the first production car in the United States to have an air-conditioning system with in-dash controls. They used a 122-inch wheelbase and came standard with an L-head, six-cylinder engine with a 239.2 cubic-inch displacement, 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 eight-cylinder engine had a 268.4 cubic-inch displacement and developed 122 horsepower with the synchromesh and 127 hp with the Hydra-Matic.

Trim levels included the Special, Deluxe, and Custom, with the Chieftain Specials having straight upper beltline moldings, short front fender spears, stainless steel gravel guards, and four 'Silver Streaks' on the deck lid. The Deluxes had gravel guards with fender extensions, upper beltline trim that 'dipped' down, full-length 'sweepspears', and four-deck lid streaks. The Custom series included the 'Super Deluxe' Cataline Coupe, priced at $2,460, and distinguishable by decorative edge plates on the roof pillars, and special plated interior roof bows.

1954 was the final year for the first generation Chieftains. The following year, they received completely new bodies and engines, and a new chassis. It was powered by Pontiac's first V8 engine, with a displacement of 287.2 cubic-inches and initially produced 180 horsepower. The six-cylinder models did not return, making the 1955 Pontiac's solely powered by V-8 engines. Since the six-cylinder Pontiac's had accounted for around 10 to 15 percent of volume since 1951, management decided to not continue with the engine.

Another major restyling occurred in 1958 before it was replaced in 1959 with the all-new Catalina.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020