It was not until 1949 that Pontiac (General Motors) recovered sufficiently after World War II to introduce new automobiles. The Pontiac Chieftain, a 4 door sedan was one of these. Manufactured until 1958 in Michigan and various other assembly plants across the USA, we have chosen to model the 1954 version of the Chieftain which falls into the first generation of the marque and was very similar in size, components and engine size to its slightly larger sister the Pontiac Streamline. It came with four model variants too - sedan, sedan coupé, business coupé and de luxe convertible coupé. There were also different engine sizes as well as a choice of 3 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.
1954 was an innovative year for the Pontiac Chieftain when it was upgraded to a level of contemporary opulence. It now featured air conditioning with in-dash control (an optional extra), an adjustable front seat, 'power lift' front windows, the windscreen was now one piece and the slightly longer body now featured sleeker lines. A final addition was the introduction of power brakes. Despite all that, the car still lacked a really powerful engine in 1954, which would be remedied with the next generation of the marque.
Look out! The California Highway Patrol are in charge of the third 1:87 release of the 1954 Pontiac Chieftain saloon! Our four-door 'sedan' comes in black with white masked roof with the California Highway Patrol emblem printed in full colour on the white panelled front doors. It is quite a contrast from the pale blue and dark blue series launch model and the pale lemon and white version that followed. On this third release, the bumpers, badging and trim are all silver, including the five continuous strips running the depth of the bonnet. The Police car is registered SE8 Calif 1954. A final detail includes a chrome plated loudspeaker positioned on the front of the roof above the windscreen, ensuring their target got the message loud and clear!
Just over 5cm in length H0 scale.
