1957 Pontiac Safari Wagon
Pontiac’s counterpart to the Chevrolet Nomad, this two-door sport wagon represented the division’s most exclusive offering for 1957, with just 1,292 examples leaving the factory.
Despite carrying Star Chief Custom trim appointments and pricing, the Safari rode on the shorter 122-inch wheelbase shared with Chieftain models rather than the 124-inch platform used by other Star Chief variants.
The body was built by Fisher Body at its Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio facility alongside the Nomad, sharing the roof, windshield, windows, liftgate, doors, and tailgate, while all sheetmetal forward of the cowl and the rear quarter panels remained Pontiac-specific.
Factory power came from Pontiac’s 347 cubic inch V8 producing either 270 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor or 290 horsepower when equipped with Tri-Power (three two-barrel carburetors).
Most examples received the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, with only four documented Safaris leaving the factory with the optional Synchromesh three-speed manual.
This particular example features extensive modifications including a later-model 455 cubic inch Pontiac engine, modern fuel injection, upgraded suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and custom interior appointments while retaining period-correct exterior styling cues.
Source
