Pontiac Chieftain History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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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.
Body styles
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Hardtop
- Convertible
- Wagon
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