1954 Pontiac Star Chief - a stunning 50s American classic car

[@49commander]

Steph, I know there are a couple members in the UK that own Packards, I wish you could get to drive one of them! They were the grand old girls of American Premium Cars. Them and Pontiac were the last American cars to use Flat Head Straight Eight engines!

[@olivergould3878]

Also a Ford Thunderbird?

[@Phiyedough]

Quite good power for a sidevalve.

[@cristos58]

A thirsty old bird. I love that. Felt like l was sitting in the back-seat. Just needed the scent to complete the experience. Great presentation.

[@1949coupe]

I had to laugh when she said that....I have a '49 Ford coupe with a 401 Buick (6.8L) motor in it. I call it smiles per Gallon.....she gets 8-10 MPG most days.... For the amount you drive them, who cares about MPG. The folks that take cruises have a higher CO2 footprint than my car will use in my lifetime.

[@JohnEvans-zo7kk]

Nice car, I have always liked American cars of the mid 20th century. They are in some cases works of art compared to todays bland offerings.

[@MO3MINI]

Hey! I finally have my dads 59 Cadillac on the road. It has a good story and would love to have it on the channel

[@benjames0506]

No way! You must be on the owners forum too! Pontiac is mine but I also have a 1960 Series 62!

[@MO3MINI]

@@benjames0506 thanks mines a series 63.. purchased by my dad in 1978. Still have the original November 1978 exchange and mart newspaper it was advertised in! Car has certainly lived a life since then!

[@benjames0506]

@@MO3MINI that's perfect though! Just watched your video, and I've seen it on the group, I love the look of it, lived a life is what I like :)

[@goldbergje]

I truly love all your videos but living in Pennsylvania, it's always wonderful to see you feature old American cars. Thank you, Steph! :)

[@koini11]

I am not a big, big american car fan. But I have to admit, that it is a work of art. In particular that dash! What a place to inhabit.

[@caw25sha]

Remember that there were people at GM in 1954 saying "Not enough chrome. Give me more, more, more."

[@seed_drill7135]

That literally happened in 1958 at GM. The most overwrought GM designs ever, and widely considered a styling disaster. They were desperately trying to play catchup to Virgil Exner at Chrysler at the time. Of course, then Exner went off his rocker and came up with even crazier designs in the early 60's.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

The power steering would have been a very rare option. Pontiac offered a vast number of accessories, many dealer installed, so the car could be optioned to fairly high levels of luxury. My grandparents bought a new 1953 Catalina Deluxe Coupe. They were afraid of power steering, and didn’t have a car with it until the mid 1960s. Everything about the car was durability and style. Yours is the o best feature about this era Pontiac I have seen. Thanks.

[@seed_drill7135]

1954 was the last year for straight 8’s, and only Pontiac and Packard still offered them.

[@DonaldMcKay3768]

In the 60's it was a commonplace that the V-8 layout with 90 degrees between banks was ideal for smooth operation -- something about the even distribution of power pulses from each cylinder per revolution and the geometry of the crankshaft. I wonder what the straight 8 was like in operation. Was it smooth, too? Or was it superseded because it wasn't? Or was it a packaging thing? The v-8 was shorter while the straight 8 was narrower so packaging depended on what the tightest dimension was on your particular car. Is this too technical to be discussed in a future video?

[@allareasindex7984]

That visual parking aid (pencil looking thing sticking up) - I believe that’s a UK add-on to help you drive with the steering wheel on the “wrong” side of the car. I wish you’d had the Pontiac a few hours longer, for when the sun goes down and you switch on the headlamps, the hood ornament of “Chief Pontiac” lights up a fiery dark gold! As a war chief, Pontiac led the Odawa people (Ottowa Canada named for them) against… are you ready? Against the British army of King George. Pontiac, Michigan is named for the war chief. Love your channel! Greetings from San Antonio Texas from a guy who owned the only Austin Mini most people around here had ever seen. I even got a parking ticket marked “Make and model unknown “!

[@bobjohnson1587]

Ottawa, Canada. :)

[@roosty6]

What a beauty! And well preserved. An uncle had a 53 sedan and a neighbour had a 52 coupe which I did get to drive. The flathead six and powerglide were a good combination although back then they were just daily drivers, not collectible. And our Canadian built Pontiacs were a little different from the U.S. built. A lot of similarities to Chevy and in fact some refer to ours as "Cheviacs".

[@westmus]

The GM brand hierarchy was Chevrolet lowest, then Pontiac, Oldsmobile; Buick, Cadillac. The blue collar guy would buy an Chevy, the company CEO an Cadillac. Each Brand had it's own overall vibe. I think Pontiac was seen as more sporty and fresh than Chevrolet.

[@seed_drill7135]

Pontiac was actually the most conservative GM brand in 1954. The sporty image came later, with the introduction of wide track in 1959.

[@GunnarMiller]

Chevrolet: Entry-level, blue-collar workers, and middle-class. Pontiac: Young professionals and middle-class, sporty appeal. Oldsmobile: Mid-level corporate workers, upper-middle-class. Buick: Mid-to-upper management, professionals, near-luxury seekers. Cadillac: Executives and affluent individuals seeking top-tier luxury.

[@steves9905]

@@emjayay definitely an old person's car in 54 (not that that's bad!), but I'd argue the sporting image came along in 55 with the new V8...no more 6's or flatheads...and in 57 the fuel injected Bonneville, and 58 with tripower. But 59 really did cement the performance image for sure

[@MrSloika]

Alfred Sloan who was president of GM pushed for vertical brand integration at GM. As Sloan stated GM would offer a car for '...every purse and purpose.'

[@markhealey9409]

Except for Chevy Corvettes & Camaros! They weren't the 'lowest'.😍😍

[@benjames0506]

You drove her beautifully! Just need to drive the rest of our cars now! 😉

[@Ozzienuck]

In 1970 I was living in Vancouver and bought a 1951 Pontiac. It was very similar to this car, having the same automatic transmission but with a flathead six cylinder engine. I maxed it out one day at 84 mph. I bought it for $55. That's not a typo...fifty-five dollars!

[@darrylmcleman6456]

In 69 I also bought a 51 Pontiac American model with manuel gearbox and flat 6 for $15.00 from a friend.I drove it for 6 months.I was living in Victoria. CHEERS from HERE!

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@darrylmcleman6456 You got a better deal! lol

[@randyc8171]

The 1951 Pontiac had the Single Range Hydramatic transmission. The 1954 Pontiac had the Dual Range Hydramatic transmission which was far superior to drive. By 1954 most Pontiacs sold were eight cylinder models.

[@dennismccarthy7032]

Brilliant Steph , great car a real head turner a joy to witness for all❤

[@SeaTravelr123]

I’m a Pontiac guy and an Anglophile. I have 8 Pontiacs ranging from 63-75 and it’s my dream to do a tour of the UK with one of them. This was such a cool video, and I truly enjoyed you commentary and research on them as the 50s went on,Pontiac developed its own mystique culminating in the Wide Track for 1959 can’t wait to watch more. Where in England are you ? Cheers.

[@lesklower7281]

A lovely old American car and that sraight 8 what an engine

[@davidhinkson8856]

These 1950s American cars were truly works of art in terms of their styling, and you can really see the cultural differences between the US and the UK given that your Standard is the same model year as this.

[@lordleonusa]

Living in America, I've seen a few cars of this period and love the style. It's nice to see one from the driver's perspective. Thanks Steph'.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Lovely old car Steph. If I could get into a time machine, I would go back to 50's America and stay there!

[@jimshulman9221]

Love, love, love your videos, Steph! Air conditioning was a VERY expensive option in 1954, adding about another 20-25% to the cost of the vehicle. Prior to 1955 air conditioning required positioning the compressor and evaporator in different parts of the car (typically trunk and under the hood), with ducting inside to direct the cold air. In 1955 Nash introduced modern design air conditioning, with everything under the hood, and vents at the front, which brought the cost down. By 1957 the rest of the industry followed.

[@mdshonkkc]

I love when you drive American cars! I'm shocked that the '60 Plymouth Fury was shorter than this Pontiac.

[@JorgeFernandez-uc9qb]

Thanks for the ride along. I have a 51 Pontiac. They were made to enjoy the ride in a comfortable, roomy car without all the distractions that come with the new ones. They are not speed demons, but you will be relaxed and comfortable when you get there. Cheers!

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

A big car on British roads and left hand drive. I think you did very well. Australia 🇦🇺.

[@stevedickson5853]

British roads can handle transit vans and bigger, buses , lorrys and big European cars lol , it's the LHD bit than can be awkward especially with the width on country lanes etc

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

@stevedickson5853 I'm not sure how many European cars would be as big as the Pontiac. It's 213 inches or 5•4 metres long and 75•8 inches or 1•925 metres wide. There wouldn't be much room for error on a British back road. Old cars move around a lot as well if you drive an old car you will be surprised how imprecise they are. Even when braking they are likely to pull to one side or the other. She does a great job. I've owned several American cars here in Australia 🇦🇺 and you get used to them but driving one when you aren't used to it requires full concentration.

[@MrSloika]

Maryland is hot and steamy in summer. The reason many of the cars from this era lacked air conditioning it because AC was an EXPENSIVE option. Well into the 70s many American cars lacked AC because the buyer did not want to pay for such an expensive option.

[@robscafidi4070]

That's an understatement, the '54 Star Chief was around $2300 to start, and air conditioning was almost $600, that's quite a significant jump. The Hydramatic transmission alone added about $400

[@SBCBears]

Steph presents so well. That's why I subbed.

[@johnkerr7286]

Always fancied an old American car. My first car in 1966 was a Willys Jeep - that was a lot of fun. Thanks Steph.

[@johnquilter7620]

These Star Chief 4 doors sold for between $2300 and $2400 depending on the trim level, power steering was an additional $134 and Hydromatic an additional $178 with a three speed column shifted manual being standard. And those Hydromatics were also used in Rolls Royce and Bentley cars.

[@adriansweet3359]

Great video must be like driving around in a block of flats didn't envy you trying to fit that monster on our roads love this channel keep up the great content

[@jaws6869]

I hear people say things like that, but they are no bigger than a van.

[@adriansweet3359]

@jaws6869 I guess so but I actually drive a micra so it's my yardstick

[@johnquilter7620]

She really needed to get it out on a motorway for more space.

[@LadyAnuB]

Steph, To get an idea of the driving environment this car was created for, you have to visit the US and check out the western US. You'll find out why such big boats were created since there are vast tracts of land where you find lots of scrub so comfort during these drives were and still are a thing.

[@24th1879]

Great video Steph. What a contrast that must be to driving compared to your Standard 10 from much the same era. The difference between what we were driving and what the Americans were driving back in the 1950's is light years apart.

[@RVPartsGerald]

Glad you love 1954 “Pontiac Excitement “. The hood ornament is supposed to light up as well. We are sad about Pontiac going away on this side of the pond.

[@markhealey9409]

That Amber hood ornament is AMAZING!! 😍😍

[@johnquilter7620]

@@markhealey9409 I think there were some Wolseleys with lighted badges as well??

[@markhealey9409]

@@johnquilter7620 yes,I have seen the lit Wolseley badges here in Britain😍😍

[@dennisnorton3880]

Great video Steph, I'm 79 now but in the past had my share of American cars & really enjoyed them all. Chevy's, Pontiacs & A Plymouth Baracuda that belonged to Charlie Kray.

[@TheGov1967]

Steph, you're looking lovely as always 😊 very nice video with just the right amount of detail. Thank you 🤗🤗🤗

[@vincentcalderella6404]

Great car! I'm glad you like a 4-door sedan and that you are a youngster that enjoys a car like this! I am a lot older than you (73) and been into old American cars for over 53 years! We have a '54 Chevy Bel-Air 4-Door Sedan with 58,000 miles. We love to take it out on the road to enjoy. Good luck with that wonderful Pontiac!

[@SeattleSoulFan]

My father had a pale green '53 Pontiac with the straight 8 and Hydra-Matic. I think the Star Chief was introduced in '54, so it would have been a Chieftain. The hood ornament lit up along with the headlights. This was my father's first car with automatic transmission, and he was very impressed with it.

[@stevenward6453]

Omg word Steph wow going to bed I will watch later been on nights brilliant as always Steph ❤

[@billg7205]

When I was kid in the early 70s we had a number of National Geographic magazines from the 50s. I loved the 50s car ads, which I believe were photo retouched, or should I say paintings that started life as photos.

[@Dhira108]

Amazing, wasn't expecting a video given your on an adventure with upndown Sophie's challenge 😊 So a lovely little treat Back when art and cars came together, not so practical for the UK roads; but great to see

[@billolsen4360]

She's a real beauty! Thanks for the thorough look at the 54 Star Chief. Hope you get a classic Cadillac or Lincoln or a Mercedes 600 someday. 13:09 Your British country lanes are gorgeous.

[@maryrafuse2297]

In my husband's University Town, Antigonish Nova Scotia Canada, big Pontiacs were all the rage during the 1950's & 1960's. It seems now like every suburban home had one or alternatively a big Ford Galaxie. The well off families might have a sporty car, a Thunderbird or MG, or a small car like the Chevy II/Ford Falcon in addition to the big car. In this era with mom at home the big Pontiac or Galaxie usually was with her used for grocery getting/shopping and picking up the kids from school. These cars frequently sat in the driveway and the big V8 languished. The smaller car sports or compact car was at work with dad. Families with less income had the Chevy II or Ford Falcon as their only car. Just a bit of history from Canadian suburbia 1950/60 style. 😂

[@bobwalsh172]

Americans often refer to cars of that era affectionatety as "boats", because of their soft, floaty suspension and vague steering. The best approach to steering them is to accept that they will forever be drifting slightly off course, and to make occasional gentle corrections. You'll never get one to run in an entirely straight line, and it's a lot of work to try.

[@zambam3]

Great video! Myself, I have a 1955 Buick Special with a manual transmission with a three on the tree. It also has the vacuum assisted wipers, which should be interesting... Solid cars with doors that close like a bank vault. Cheers from Canada.

[@jimtomassetti8928]

I have to tell you your a great driver. I'm a bus driver School Bus...This car is ment for you! I enjoy your vidio... Love the Pontiac ❤ the chief light's up at night. I wish you the very best! Thank You...Jim from THE USA!

[@19892CV]

Great video of an interesting car.

[@allanmollison6971]

It's a stunning car alright Steph 😊👍

[@loveisall5520]

I was born in 1955, my parents bought a Pontiac star chief in 1954, so I knew this car for several years as a child. The straight six engine dated back to 1933 and was always an option in 1954 the star chief had the straight eight. Their car had power, front windows, and the very rare air conditioning option since we lived in Texas. This was the first year for Pontiac air conditioning. Their car had the optional leather interior also. It was a lovely highway car with the Automatic transmission. They replaced this car with a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville. The only thing that Pontiac shared with Chevrolet was the under body the engine, transmission, frame, interior appointments, and options were exclusively Pontiac. This was the last year for 6 V electrics on the Pontiac and Chevrolet.

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

Careful Steph you're selling me American iron... learnt a lot a delight to watch thanks 👍

[@Farney-gy1qo]

Straight 8 Side Valve 🤩!!!!!!

[@MrSloika]

The flat head engines were rapidly being phased out in the the US after WWII. Pontiac was one of the last big holdouts. 1954 was the last model year that Pontiac offered a flat head engine.

[@allenwayne2033]

I love the simplicity of old cars! I DETEST how new cars are designed! I don't want a touchscreen, I want mechanical buttons and knobs! I'm still driving a 2008 because cars just really started getting stupid after that! Great video Miss! Greetings from Indiana, USA.

[@neilsheppard6673]

That car is remarkably smooth and quiet for it's era. Then again, maybe the average American car was probably better put together than the average British car. Nice review, many thanks Steph!

[@btrdangerdan2010]

I was at a stoplight the other night on my way home from my parents house and sitting in front of me was a 1950s Frazer sedan in rough condition but still driving, while I was in my ,89 Sentra . In orange county, southern California

[@hutchcraftcp]

Pontiac, like you mentioned was the second step on the 5 brand range of GM in the states. They became the performance range in the late 60s. The steering is definitely worn.

[@PaulBriden]

Thanks for posting. We both really engjoyed this. The Americans have always been way ahead of us in lifestyle until quite recently.

[@michaeljensen5020]

Wow! Just as Ozzienuck, I too owned a 1951 Pontiac Chief except... I was down the road in Portland! My Chief had the straight 8 and stick on the tree without power steering. It was my daily driver. Unfortunately, I lost my car in a nasty divorce... As far as I know, the Chief is still on the road! I love listening to a new view of American cars. This is a great video!

[@randyc8171]

There was no such thing as a Pontiac Chief. There was a Pontiac Chieftain.

[@michaeljensen5020]

@@randyc8171 yeah Randy, that is my name for the same car. Wish I had lots of time, like you, to critique comments on the internet. Must be nice to live rent free in your mothers basement!

[@bjepper1]

My dad used to say, “ eight in a row makes them go!”

[@maryrafuse2297]

Steph, so much to share. Pontiac by the late 1950's and1960's was supposedly about being more sporty and stylish than Chevrolet. Style differences were in reality not that great. Pontiacs were wide tracking Pontiacs, and image was more substantial than performance differences with Chevrolet. One Pontiac to look out for is the 1968/69 GTO. In 1968 Pontiac Ad Man Jim Wangers created an Ad with the 1968 GTO photographed at a turnaround beneath the Woodward Avenue Sign in Detroit. I still remember this photo in popular magazines. It represents to this day the coolness of the GTO within 1960's culture. I still love the 1966/67 Chevelle 396. If you ever have a chance to test drive a good Chevelle or Camaro from the 1960's or early 1970's you will appreciate these cars. Have a great day Steph, Mary Rafuse

[@thayalansuntharalingam]

I liked pontiacs owned many!

[@tommoriarty8361]

Well done kid, another great video! I’ve heard American power steering during that period described as ‘Vague-O-Matic’ due to its lightness

[@MrSloika]

Powers steering, power brakes and automatic transmission were developed to encourage women to drive cars. Growth of US car sales had gone flat in the 1930s and US car companies were desperate to get sales going again so they began directly marketing cars to women.

[@johnstapler5956]

Nice car. My father had a 54 Oldsmobile.

[@joeseeking3572]

Pretty good job explaining the American context (USA viewer). The interior here is not up to stock spec for the Star Chief Custom version, which most were. That was much more luxurious with biscuit patterned leather. This was Pontiac's serious push upmarket and they trimmed it accordingly. But the 11" frame extension was ridiculous and produced a monstrous rear overhang making this thing longer than price equivalent Buicks or Olds. Inefficient and still on the old A body where Buick and Olds had significantly updated styling for 54, which would hold up much better in the resale market. Plus it was (with Packard) the last straight 8 holdout and just could not complete with the OHV V8s available on all competitors. Told the extent that it was a success (and it was), I'd attribute it to color, chrome and content, especially the interior - where it did excel over similarly priced offerings. No 6 on the Star Chief, that was for lower lines. As for the AC - I'm in MD and my British friends roast here in the summer. But AC was still a luxury item in 1954 and it would add 20% to the base price of the vehicle.

[@vannjunkin8041]

Love your stuff Steph ❤ cheers from this side of the Pond 🇬🇧🇺🇲🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Thank you for taking us along on the Mr. Tode ride. 💋

[@daol4258]

Pontiacs were considered “Old Maids” cars until Bunkie Knudson took over the Pontiac division in 1956 and set to work changing the divisions image from dowdy and dependable to an image of sportiness and performance. It’s hard to think of these older sidevalve cars as being related to GTOs and Firebirds! 14mpg will be down to the automatic transmission. My ‘47 Pontiac Streamliner with the same engine, but manual transmission gets almost 19mpg! I’d like to know who repairs these 6 volt clocks, as mine has sadly never worked.

[@markhealey9409]

😍😍 Beautiful Pontiac! I grew up in Pennsylvania!

[@steves9905]

Great vid on a gorgeous old pontiac! While the first hydramatic was groundbreaking and very durable, it was a power sucking demon, resulting in leisurely acceleration and horrendous gas mileage partly due to a fluid coupling instead of a torque converter. The 1956 upgrade transformed the trans, so-to-speak. IMHO, Buick and Pontiac were the best GM had to offer, even tho they held on to the straight 8 longer than others...just quality machines at their respective price points. BTW, the Buick did not have the 4 speed hydramatic, it had the 2 speed Dynaflow. Lastly, the best way to steer these old GM boats is with your left thumb and index finger around the wheel spoke, and then spin the wheel with just the finger when needing to turn...you dont need the right hand at all...works great on my 58 Cadillac!

[@cheftomsd]

I'm 74 and what I remember about these Pontiacs was the smoothness of the straight 8 engine. Had a hum like an electric motor.

[@terrapyn99]

What an absolutely gorgeous dashboard.

[@bondbug73]

Super review. You drove it very well Steph. Nice dash. Well done in getting involved with the 24hr Sophie's Legacy adventure in Jurassic Pork C5 on the Up & Down channel.

[@neilsradios]

4:44 the 118 bhp from the straight six option is the same as our 1.0 3 cylinder Hyundai delivers nowadays. But the Pontiac probably did this at about a quarter of the revs, hence it's still going 70 years later which I don't think will be the case with modern engines 🙂 I recall my dad's 70s Vauxhall having extremely light power steering and while lovely for parking etc it was a nightmare in cross-winds. The constant corrections you're doing to stay in a straight line are a scary memory from going over the M62 summit!

[@ernestconnell8087]

My father had a 1963 Star Chief. The front bumper alone weighed a ton. 😆

[@rogermaybank9345]

What a rig! Surely it must get a lot of use as a wedding car?

[@benjames0506]

Funny you say that, it was a wedding car when I got her! Now just for me personally :)

[@michaelmccann4706]

Love the Styling. The MPG is slightly higher than a Standard 10.

[@sinistercharger]

Good review..You should do more American Cars 👍

[@11sfr]

Fisher Bros was originally an independent coachbuilder that was taken over by GM in stages, by the 1930s, they were a wholly owned subsidiary. Fisher would produce the main part of the body shell at their plant, and deliver it painted to the "name" division's assembly plant (in this case Pontiac) for final assembly. Pontiac would have stamped and painted the entire front clip ahead of the firewall themselves, the paint color match was typically spot-on, but Fisher used a different primer than the car divisions, so as the paint weathers and fades, the different primer treatment on the panels can show. Similar situatuon with Fleetwood, originally an outside coachbuilder taken over by GM, but they mostly concentrated themselves on building bodies for the higher end Cadillacs

[@8avexp]

The '54 looked very similar to the '53. The side chrome trim was changed. It was also the last year of the straight-8 and six-volt battery. The V-8 was introduced in 1955 along with a 12-volt electrical system.

[@tombrown1898]

The Fisher brothers were some of the first and largest shareholders of General Motors. Every GM car, except for the most expensive Cadillacs had a sill plate that read "Body by Fisher.". The top Cadillacs had sill plates that read, "Fleetwood." I don't know what the price difference was between Chevrolet and Pontiac seventy years ago, probably not all that much, but it bought a lot more car! Pontiac was probably the best buy GM ever offered.

[@johnscarsandstuff]

It's amazing how different the straight 8 sounds from a V8. It's a much smoother, more refined sound, in my opinion.

[@DaimlerSleeveValve]

A slightly enlarged version of the straight 8 in the 1937 car my dad drove when I was a nipper! He swapped it for a '53 Buick with a 5.2l V8. I do remember the same grab rope on the back of the bench seat.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

It’s a robe rail. Many cars were delivered without heaters in those days.

[@DaimlerSleeveValve]

@@stephendavidbailey2743 We were kids, unrestrained when in the back (though that bench seat could take all 4 in the family), so to us it was a grab rope! The '37 did have an electric heater, which was later fitted in dad's A35 van.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Chieftain was a straight eight only. The smaller wheelbase cars were inline 6 only. That difference in wheel base hoes back to the 1930s. It appears the hinges on the bonnet need new springs. They can be had, as those hinges were used for a good number of years across all GM brands. The hinges may even still be available new. That little rod on the right fender was an aftermarket accessory. The reason for the steering correction is due road camber. In Canada things were a bit different. Our Pontiacs were essentially retrimmed Chevrolet bodies, and used the Chevy running gear. Our population density and truly immense distances forced car companies to get creative. Keep in mind that Great Britain has less than half the land mass of Ontario, only one of our 10 Provinces. The 3 Territories are bigger still.

[@franktatom1837]

There were two reasons the 1954 and earlier Pontiacs became known as women's cars. One was because GM ordered Pontiac to put the Hydra-Matic in their car beginning in 1948, which made it the least expensive car sold with a fully automatic transmission. That made the car much easier to handle than a car with a manual transmission, when cars did not have power steering or brakes. A second reason was that Pontiacs, beginning in 1949, were arguably much more stylish than Chevrolets or Oldsmobiles. Pontiac also sold the 8 cylinder for $25.00 more than the 6, and their ads stated the cars would go 100,00 miles. So they pushed the value side for their cars, too.

[@ellarson1]

Not a puff of smoke on start is always a good sign!

[@Phiyedough]

I remember in old American films when they were driving there always seemed to be big movements of the wheel just on a straight road. The only thing I've driven that was like that was a Series 2 Landrover. The owner told me off for correcting too much. Apparently you are supposed to just let it wander, it averages out to a straight line!

[@zuiko21]

Woah! Amazing car! I'm not much into American cars, but it must have been one of the latest straight-8... Interestingly, the Citroën DS shares a similar 123-in wheelbase, although with MUCH shorter overhangs -- I'm gonna take my DS for a sunday ride, right now😁 [PS: my clock doesn't work, either🤣]

[@jwm5165]

It is a side valve or flat head engine which were in their last years of production by the 50s. A 1937 Buick 8 that i recommissioned some years ago, had a pushrod OHV engine which wouldn't have looked out of place in the 70s. The flat head was very easy to work on and reliable, but underpowered compared to later designs.

[@jwm5165]

I love the Citroen DS. It is a work of art as much as being mechanically advanced for it's time.

[@daviewhatley3665]

Sounds lovely

[@taxpayer1040]

A brilliant review and great insight. Not one for me - I prefer the U.S. cars of the 30's Packard in particular. Btw Maryland has snow in winter and 35° in summer!

[@ianlaws3857]

Thankyou for this video , the American cars where desirable in so many ways , as you say no comparison to british cars , I would gladly have suffered the walloing suspension and poor brakes . Mind you I don,t believe I could have gone along with the fuel costs .

[@dreadpenguinlord340]

Nice review! If memory serves, that translucent hood ornament glows while the headlights are on :)

[@josvandencamp8441]

The car is as old as I am. What a lovely car.

[@aaronk534]

My dad worked for Fisher Body. Big name in the day

[@lukecrowley571]

Love these! Nerd fact: If it had been specced with air conditioning, it would have had face-level air vents fitted to the dash and the '54 Pontiacs were the first cars to have these. Previously aircon vents came out of the rear parcel shelf because the hardware was so big that it had to be fitted in the boot. The '54 Pontiacs were the first cars where they were able to squeeze the whole system behind the dash! 😁

[@timonsolus]

I did wonder about that. Would be a nicer car with air-con (even in the UK).

[@randyc8171]

Nash cars for 1954 had the complete Air Conditioning system up front. Dash vents are not Face Level. They are below face level.

[@williamhelms9942]

It does a heart good to know how much American cars are adored overseas. Great to see a woman on a car show! Guys taking pride in seeing cars identical to theirs when they're on as well as women are finding auto repair less intimidating the more they can see if Steph can do it, they can, too!

[@ClassicChrome86]

Really nice Pontiac. Love the video!

[@JamesAllmond]

Nice one. Let the owner know that those clocks not working is quite normal. We call it being right, twice a day.

[@mebeasensei]

It seems that American cars really changed quickly in the mid-50s. inside and out. The motors got overhead valves and way more horsepower.

[@stephenricketts7764]

It may have been marketed towards women but I don't think the male would look out of place driving it. I say that as there are some cars that men would never drive because 'they are a women's car', be that American or British. This is a beautiful car and has stood the test of time. I like the colour too of should I say colours. I was slightly puzzled by what appear to be two sets of window winders in the front, no idea what they would be for? I very nice review Steph you did look to be at home in this car. 👍👍

[@waltertaljaard1488]

From the time GM and Ford USA made the best automobiles money could buy. Not economic by European standards. But well made, advanced, stylish, sturdy, dependable and comfortable.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Normally one could pull that antenna up a bit.Could be that it is siezed! CHEERS from Westcoast Canada!

[@sarran1955]

Hi Steph, So about the same year as the Standard 10, just a tad larger!!! Cordialement...

[@flamingvans1135]

This must be a later '54. In August of 1953, GM's Hydramatic transmission plant burned to the ground. Until GM's newly purchased Willow Run plant could be retooled to build Hydramatics and got up to full production that November, Cadillac and Oldsmobile used Buick's Dynaflow, and Pontiac used Chevy's 2-speed PowerGlide. Independent car companies who were buying Hydramatics from GM -- Hudson, Kaiser, Nash, Lincoln, Willys, Austin, Vanden Plas -- got first crack at the resumed Willow Run production. GM could be a mensch when it was called for.