ClassicCar

robbie1965windstreamnet

i see some had hood ornaments and some didnt ,,, whats up with that ??? and some had
the exhaust coming through the lower chrome in bumper ans didnt ???

thanks

it was just add ons like a trim/name package,lower Chieftain base models would be as 'classy' as a Star Chief" or Bonneville, i had a 55 860 wagon that had everything on it 'cause that how it was ordered,power steering,power brakes & dealer installed Star Chief padded dash cover W/ the lighted hood ornament it was dressed up like a 870,
the waters are muddy at best when it comes to old 'pumpjacks'
i hope this makes sense.--chuck

HERE'S some info on 57's
1957 Models and Body Styles

These are the models, identifying Body Style Numbers, and production numbers for Pontiacs that were offered in 1957. The Body Style Number can be found on the Fisher Body Data Plate.

The "27" and "28" model designation (first two digits of Body Style Number) refers to the series and identifies the frame for the car.. The 27 series are built on the shorter Chieftain/Super Chief frame and the 28 models on the longer Star Chief frame. The Custom Safari models (2762SDF and 2764DF) are somewhat of an anomaly because they are built on the shorter frame but use the more expensive Star Chief components and trim.

"Catalina" designation is used for cars with no post between front and rear side windows (usually called "hardtops"). Catalina Coupe is a two-door hardtop. "Catalina Sedan" is a four-door hardtop, it is not a sedan (no post between front and rear side windows).

This was the first year for the "Super Chief" model, it replaced the pervious "Chieftain 870" designation. This was the first year of the "Bonneville" designation -- they were all fuel injected Star Chief convertibles in 1957. The "Bonneville" did not become a separate model until 1958.
Model Body Style Body
Style No. Factory
Price Shipping
Weight* Production
Total Comments
27 Chieftain Catalina Coupe 2737 2,529 3,665 51,017 2-door hardtop
Catalina Sedan 2739 2,614 3,745 40,074 4-door hardtop
Two Door Sedan 2711 2,643 3,625 21,343
Four Door Sedan 2719 2,527 3,670 35,671
Four Door Sta. Wagon 2762FC 2,898 3,945 11,536 3 seat wagon
Two Door Sta. Wagon 2763F 2,841 3,800 2,934 2 seat wagon

27 Super Chief Catalina Coupe 2737D 2,735 3,680 15,494 2-door hardtop
Catalina Sedan 2739D 2,793 3,750 19,758 4-door hardtop
Four Door Sedan 2719D 2,664 3.695 15,153
Four Door Sta. Wagon 2762DF 3,021 3,875 14,095 2 seat wagon

27 Star Chief Four Door Custom Safari 2762SDF 3,636 3,955 1,894 4-door wagon, called the "Transcontinental"
Two Door Custom Safari 2764DF 3,481 3,860 1,292 2 seat sporty wagon

28 Star Chief Convertible Coupe 2867DTX 3,105 3,970 12,789
Convertible Coupe Custom (Bonneville) 2867SDX 5,782 4,285 630 Convertible with fuel injection. Most expensive.
Catalina Coupe Custom 2837SD 2,901 3,750 32,862 2-door hardtop
Catalina Sedan Custom 2839SD 2,975 3,820 44,283 4-door hardtop
Four Door Sedan 2819D 2,839 3,740 3,774
Four Door Sedan Custom 2819SD 2,896 3,755 8,874

* Shipping Weight is with automatic transmission.


Trivia:

1957 model production began Oct 17, 1956. They were introduced to the public Nov 19, 1956

A 290 hp engine w/Tri-Power was released Dec 2, 1956,and was available in all models.

A 317 hp engine w/Rochester Fuel Injection was available in the Bonneville or OTC for dealer installation on other models.

Pontiac continued to use the Buick synchromesh 3-speed transmission (6-bolt Top Cover) introduced in the 1956 model year.

A total of 12867 Chieftains were equipped with synchromesh transmission.

A total of 1063 Super Chiefs were equipped with synchromesh transmission.

A total of 309 Star Chiefs were equipped with synchromesh transmission.

Only 4 Safaris were equipped with the Synchromesh transmission.

The new 1957-64 Olds-Pontiac 9.3" rear axle assemblies w/28-spline axles was released.

The 1956 controlled-coupling Oldsmobile Hydramatic automatic transmission, aka "Strato-Flight", was continued on all 1957 models.

robbie1965windstreamnet
been looking and there isnt many to find on c-list or ebay ,,, dose that mean something ,,,, rear maybe ??

hope so

the reason you don't any is there isn't as many out there as there was during the 60's-80's
i wouldn't say the word 'rare' but they're getting harder to find every day,& yes 57 Pontiac part will only fit 57 Pontiac for the most of the time {sheet metal,trim,suspension-etc} the engine is a little forgiving you can use 287,316,347,389,& early 400 parts,which you can still get at most parts houses.
if you have never owned a 'classic' car they DO NOT ride,handle or respond like the average mini van/family sedan of modern times, i grew up driving old beaters from the 50's & 60's so I'm pretty much used to the difference.
I'm not say they handle like a nightmare or tank,but it's something your going to have to adjust to,the last old Pontiac i owned was a 1955 it didn't handle nothing like my 82 Buick {back in 94} then you throw bias ply tires into the picture,
if i had the $$ it would be in my drive way,Great family car!! watch for rust in floor pans,frame area around the front & rear 'kick'ups, or any rust in the body,if your not sure what to look for ask around at car show for a shop to look at it or car club,sorry if I'm treating like an idiot/or you don't know jack-- but i don't wanna see you throw your hard earned money at car you can't finish or fall out of love with {been there -done that}-chuck

P/S i still think it's an AWESOME car!{even the color}
i wish you luck!