1955 Pontiac Safari Wagon Headed To Mecum Dallas Auction
6
Sponsored Links
Like its corporate cousin the Chevy Nomad, the 1955 Pontiac Safari wagon was introduced on the freshly restyled GM A-Body platform. The Safari began as a 1954 General Motors Motorama concept car that used the Chevy Corvette for its basis. On its way to production, the Safari was shifted to the A-Body, sharing design cues with Chevy and Buick models.
The Pontiac Safari debuted on January 31st, 1955. As the top-of-the-line wagon for the division, the Safari carried a $2,962 base price. As a part of the Star Chief line, the Safari shared the upscale Star Chief interior, wore the same front styling as the Pontiac Chieftain with the “Silver Streaks” trim on the hood, supersonic hood emblem, but had unique taillights. The Safari, like the Nomad, was a two-door sport wagon with longer doors, B-pillars that slanted forward, vertical chrome trim on the tailgate, and sliding rear side windows. Bright colors and ample chrome smacked of the 1950s enthusiasm of conspicuous consumption.
The Pontiac Safari came with the 287 cubic-inch Strato Streak overhead-valve V8 fed by a two-barrel Carter carb, that made 180 horsepower, or 200 horsepower when fitted with a four-barrel carburetor. Backing the V8 was a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. A long list of available options included a number of power amenities supported by a new twelve-volt electrical system. Headlights, taillights, radio, and heater-defroster all had improved function over previous Pontiacs. There were only 3,760 Safari wagons built for the 1955 model year, making it the lowest-production Pontiac for the year.
Our feature 1955 Pontiac Safari Wagon is finished in two-tone Firegold and White Mist over a matching two-tone leather interior. It is powered by the 287 cubic-inch Strato Streak V8 backed by a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The Safari is equipped with power brakes, in-dash clock, an aftermarket radio and wood-rimmed steering wheel. It rides on custom wire wheels shod in wide-whitewall radial rubber. Included in the sale is a set of matched period-style luggage.
This 1955 Pontiac Safari Wagon will cross the Mecum Auctions block at its Dallas, Texas event taking place September 20th through the 23rd.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Pontiac Safari news, Pontiac news and ’round the clock GM news coverage.
- Sweepstakes Of The Month: Win a Corvette Z06 and 2024 Silverado. Details here.
Sponsored Links
Now there is some good looking Detroit steel. Very nice
I love these old wagons. Reminds me of being 16 and my dad had a big red and white ’58 Plymouth Wag. It was like a Greyhound! I needed a 3 inch cushion to see out the windshield. Learning to drive that baby made it easy a few years later to handle a 2 1/2 ton in the Ohio Guard. Pushbutton tranny on the left corner of the dash. I’d go back and do it all over again, the same way it happened. The 50s and 60s were THAT good !
Very cool! Old wagons are the best!
Beautiful. Had to chuckle about the comment about conspicuous consumption in the 1950s. What’s old is new again…
Cool! .! I have a 1981 Pontiac Catalina, safari station wagon.
An era of style long gone. Current vehicles are stuck in the 1940’s design phase. Vehicle design needs a rebirth again. That also includes the exterior and interior color choices.