Pontiac Chieftain History

The Chieftain was Pontiac's volume full-size model from 1949, defined by its chrome 'Silver Streak' trim and, on early cars, the famous lighted 'Indian head' hood ornament.

It carried Pontiac into the modern V8 era when the brand's first V8 arrived in 1955, and was retired after 1958 as Pontiac restructured its lineup around the Catalina and Bonneville.