1987 Pontiac Safari

Pontiac began using the Safari name in the mid-1950s on its version of the two-door Chevrolet Nomad station wagon. Part of the same family, Chevrolet and Pontiac shared the tooling costs for these unique and special bodied wagons. Styling was similar with each manufacturer adding their own unique touches, especially to the front fascia. The Safari wore the company's bumper and grille assembly that had been created by Pontiac stylist Paul Gillan.

By 1957, the Safari name represented all of Pontiac's station wagons in all of its product lines including the Super Chief, Chieftain, and Star Chief Custom. A four-door, higher trim-level version of the Star Chief Custom was added mid-year, dubbed the Safari Transcontinental.

For 1958, Pontiac full-size station wagons were known for their series, and as Safaris. The Safari label remained part of the Pontiac lineup through 1989, the final year it was sold as its own Pontiac model, however, the Safari nameplate continued as the GMC Safari minivan.

The Pontiac Parisienne of the mid-1980s was a full-size, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that was offered as a sedan, brougham sedan, and station wagon. The Parisienne was discontinued following the 1986 season, and the Safari was re-introduced as the full-size station wagon model even though the Safari name was also used on the Sunbird and 6000 wagons. The sedan and brougham sedan body styles of the previous Parisienne did not return for 1987 - just the station wagon.

The 1987 Pontiac Safari station wagon was an eight-passenger vehicle priced at $13,960 and was powered by a V-8 eight with overhead valves, a cast-iron block, a 307 cubic-inch displacement, a four-barrel carburetor, and developed 140 bhp at 3,200 RPM. It had a 116-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 215.1-inches. It rode on P225/75R15 WSW steel-belted radial tires concealing power-assisted vented front disc brakes and power-assisted rear drums. The transmission was a four-speed automatic with a standard 2.73:1 axle ratio or a 3.08:1 optional ratio.

The Safari was large, comfortable, and well equipped with many standard amenities including a GM Computer Command Control system, notchback front seat with center armrest, rear-facing third seat with Hartford vinyl trim, an AM/FM stereo radio, dual sport mirrors, tinted glass, and air conditioning. There were white-accented bumper rub strips, carpeting, center high-mounted stop light, inside hood release, power steering, a three-spoke steering wheel, tailgate window control, and anti-corrosion protection. The optional seven-mire trailer light cable was made available for those who wished to use the Safari for towing, plus an optional heavy-duty cooling system.

The Pontiac Safari returned in 1988 and 1989. The Safari was discontinued in 1990 and many other station wagons throughout the industry were also discontinued around that time due to their decreasing popularity.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2021