Question on 56's vintage
 

I have on my hands a true "barn find" 1956 Star Chief that I'm considering purchasing as a restoration project. It has what I am told is the factory "dual-quad" intake and carbs, special cam and auto transmission, a rare factory performance package. Can anyone tell me where all the engine and chassis VIN locations, and how to tell if this is the real deal, a "numbers-matching" survivior? How much is this thing worth? It's complete yet unrestored, always covered, very little rust, no rust-cancer.

Hmmm ... I'm new to this forum so maybe I'm doing something wrong. No views, no replies. Or, maybe there's just no interest in a genuine, complete 56 Pontiac Chieftan Catalina coupe "NASCAR Special" car.

Yes, I've pretty much answered my own questions, and found a "barn-find" lover's wet dream. If anyone's interested in details, let me know.
Jim

I would be very interested in details. I have no experience with the old Chiefs so I could not tell you much about the numbers or performance packages. If it is the real deal I would definately pick it up if youre into restoring, as im sure with it sitting that long there will be some form of restoration necessary.

The car is not yet in my possession. I'm now working to scratch together the $$ without adding to my debt load. The original owner, for whatever reason, pulled the engine and almost completely disassembled it before he passed away. It's been sitting in this state for over 25 years. A nice coat of rust has formed on everything, including the original Rochester carbs, intake and heads. The body is in beautiful shape, though I can see holes in the floor boards. Can you or anyone tell me if there are aftermarket sources for floor pans for these cars? Or, would the 56 chevy floor pans work?
Interesting note, it's got a unique dark green one-color factory paint job. They usually had a 2-color scheme paint treatment. This could very well be the only one of its kind.

You may end up fabing up a new floor board. You will have to see what you can find in the salvage yards. Good luck. Sounds like a big project and I would be very interested in seeing your progress.

Sounds like a perfect project. I doubt you will find many parts...check with a local or regonal pontiac car group. they might be your best bet. And check that vin code with car groups and internet sources, if it is a single tone factory paint job you might be right about the rarity of it. Not that you would find many at all now days.
Good luck, please add some pics when you get some.

sounds like a huge project , keep us posted

Not that no one isnt interested GS, it's just we haven't many older model Bonneville owners. Not out of want. LOL Most memb ers here have 92 Up. A few late 80's and a very few going back beyond that. Only one that far back. YOU. Hope you stay around and share some more info/ pics of the car. We appreciate seeing our "roots". It's just we dont really know much about the cars that far back. IS this car running?

In case your interested, I found this local to me.

1956 PONTIAC MIRROR AND OWNERS MANUAL

Yeah, based on what I saw on the site, I suspected the typical poster owned the newer Pontiac models. But, thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks everyone for the replies. I will indeed post some photos if and when I pull it home. The owner understands its value and has priced it accordingly. :grouchy:
No, it hasn't run in over 25 yrs. The engine is in pieces but looks like it can be restored with a lot of love and a lot of $$. Looks like it's all there except for the distinctive bat-wing air cleaner setup.

I have had couple 60's Pontiacs but here is what i can scratch up quickly ...

1956 Star Chief Custom Catalina 124" wb ... ... i am assuming 2dr, HT
basket case to perfect ranges $1,200 - $30,000 average.
there are other many models but prices similar with $25k average high price and with convertible to $41,000.
These numbers are from OLD CARS PRICE GUIDE for stock models.

The engine and rarity issues need experts. Try Pontiac Oakland Club International (great club for us older model owners)
Pontiac Production Numbers - 1956 Model Production Numbers
Star Chief 127,626 (from POCI website)
If you wanted to pay some money ($50) for exact info ... get the VIN and send to Pontiac Historical Services (PHS Historic Services)
(Just read they have exact info on "1961 and newer". Sorry, they may still have something to help on the site.)

thoughts ... Vin and engine Vin matching started in 1969 I believe so, there is no way to verify matched engine and body except
for component date codes which can be kinda loose.
If it was built as a racer, the dual quad combo sounds like an add on since most oldies were tripowers for top street motors.


trivia alert ... first Bonneville was 1958 and could be a fuelie (fuel injection)
(perfect 58 fuelie convertible would be $100,000)


PonchoPete :pontiac:
2005 Bonneville GXP – Dk Grey
2001 Grand Prix GTP
1994 Bonneville SSEi – S Port Magnuson SC
1969 Grand Prix SJ – 428cid/370hp

Pete,
Thanks for the input. I'll check out that Pontiac-Oakland site. If I register, I'll use the same login name if I can so you'll know it's me. GScloner reflects my current project, a 68 Skylark.
Yes the car in question is unique. I'd never heard of a factory dual-quad Pontiac before, but my research confirms the owner's claim, that this is one of only 200 made by Pontiac in 1956. It will be the most ambitious restoration I've yet attempted, but am anxious to get moving on it.