1957 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1957 Pontiacs – Clean and Crisp
In a styling move the befitted Pontiac’s new performance image, Pontiacs received sharp new styling – what was called “Star Flight” styling, changing the rather stodgy look from previous years. Engine size and horsepower again rose as Pontiac took on a performance image. A unique, limited-edition, high performance, Bonneville Convertible was added to the Custom Star Chief sub-series.
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1957 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1957 Pontiac
Styling Revamped
Pontiac introduced new “Star Flight” styling for 1957. General features included missile-shaped side trim, flatter, more rocket-like tail fins, extended rear fenders with V-shaped tips, lower hoods, an even more massive bumper and grille, longer horizontal taillights and, in a GM-wide switch, 14-inch wheels. There were only two series chassis designations – “27” and “28”, with the former on the 122.0″ wheelbase and the latter on the 124.0″ wheelbase. The Star Chief line sat on the longer of the two.
New Names and a New Model – “Bonneville”
The budget-priced line was now called the Chieftain series. The “Super Chief” name now replaced the previous Chieftain 870 designation. A unique, limited-edition model called “Custom Bonneville Convertible” was announced in early December 1956, released on January 11, 1957, and was added to the Custom Star Chief line. Production was limited to 630 examples and two prototypes, the latter with four bucket seats. A fuel-injected, 347 CID V-8 was standard and fitted only to these Bonnevilles, body Style 2867SDX, came standard with all top-line options and accessories except air-conditioning.
All Pontiac station wagons were called “Safari” this year, but only those in the Star Chief Custom line had Star Chief Super Deluxe appointments. The two-door Star Chief Custom Safari remained on the Series 27 122″ wheelbase platform and continued with the four-barrel V-8 as its base engine. That Star Chief Custom Safari, body Style 2764DF, had special styling and appointments. The four-door Star Chief Custom Safari, body Style 2762SDF, had special exterior and interior trim and was called “Transcontinental.” This Custom Safari Transcontinental station wagon was announced in late December 1956.
Historical
In December 1956, three different triple two-barrel engines were released. The first was an option for the standard Hydra-Matic V-8. The other two were options for the “extra horsepower,” NASCAR-certified V-8s with either Synchromesh or Hydra-Matic transmissions. 1957 was the beginning of a deep recession, and all auto manufacturers suffered as a result. Thus, model year production peaked at 333,473 units, a decrease of 71,956 over 1956.
1957 Pontiac Factoids
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The limited-edition model called “Custom Bonneville Convertible” was released on January 11, 1957, and was added to the Custom Star Chief line. Production was limited to 630 examples and two prototypes, the latter with four bucket seats. A fuel-injected, 347 CID V-8 was standard and only available on these Bonnevilles.
In December 1956, three different triple two-barrel engines were released. The first was an option for the standard Hydra-Matic V-8. The other two were options for the “extra horsepower,” NASCAR-certified V-8s with either Synchromesh or Hydra-Matic transmissions. See Pontiac V-8 Specifications HERE. See 1957 Pontiac Tri-Power in AMA Specs HERE.
Standard for the new Pontiac Bonneville was Pontiac’s fuel injection – a mechanical system built by Rochester. It was similar to the Chevrolet Fuel Injection unit, though it looked more “industrial” and this may have turned people away from purchasing it. Pontiac said that it upped horsepower to more than 300. The unit was available for all Pontiacs, but few were fitted. The 630 Bonnevilles did have it installed for 1957. See Pontiac V-8 Specifications HERE.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Chieftain – Series 57-27 – Chieftain models had small hub caps, three stars on rear fenders and “Chieftain” on the front fenders in script. Though the small hub caps were standard on all Chieftains, many buyers opted for the optional full-wheel discs. Interiors were nylon-face upholstery with an option of a combination of nylon fabric and Morrokide.
There was a full line of cars in the Chieftain line – 2-door hardtop, 4- door hardtop, 2-door sedan, and 4-door sedan. Two station wagons were also available as 2- door 6-passenger and 4-door sedan 9-passenger.
Super Chief – Series 57-27 – Super Chief models were on the 122.0″ chassis. They had full wheel discs, upper belt moldings, three stars on rear fenders and “Super Chief” on the front fenders in script. Interiors were nylon-faced fabric and Morrokide trim. All Super Chief vehicles received the 270 HP 247 CID V8 as standard equipment.
The Super Chief Line had 2- door hardtop, 4-door hardtop, 4-door sedan and 4-door 6-passenger station wagon in their lineup.
Star Chief – Series 57-28 – Star Chief models were identified by “Star Chief” on the front fenders in script, four stars on rear fenders, chrome semi-cylindrical trim at the back of missile-shaped inserts, and full wheel discs. The standard 4-door Star Chief sedan interior was finished in a Morrokide and nylon, and the convertible in two-tone Morrokide.
Star Chief models were 4-door sedan and convertible.
Star Chief Custom – Series 57-28 – Star Chief Custom models were also identified by “Star Chief” on the front fenders in script, four stars on rear fenders, chrome semi-cylindrical trim at the back of missile-shaped inserts, and full wheel discs. The Custom (Super Deluxe) sedan was reinstated and utilized the “off-the-shoulder” interior styling patterns, similar to the other Star Chief vehicles. All Catalina hardtop models were finished in leather.
Star Chief Custom models were 2-door Catalina hardtop, 4-door Catalina hardtop, Custom Safari 2-door wagon and, new for this year, 4-door Custom Safari wagon.
Bonneville Convertible – Series 57-28 – The Bonneville was added to the Custom Star Chief sub-series, beginning January 1957. Production was limited to 630 examples and two (2) prototypes, the latter with four bucket seats. Distinguishing features were a rocket-like insert rather than the Star Chief four stars, “Bonneville” on the tail of the rear fenders, and “Fuel Injection” on the front fenders near the headlights. The Bonneville was issued only as a convertible and only in Kenya Ivory with Bonneville Red inserts. A fuel-injected 300 HP 347 CID V-8 was used in all Bonnevilles.
All Pontiac wagons were called “Safari”. Initially there were a Star Chief Custom Safari 2-door, a Super Chief 4-door Safari, and a 2- and a 4-door Chieftain Safari wagon. Later, a Star Chief Custom 4-door wagon was added, trimmed like the two-door. All Safaris sat on the 122.0 inch wheelbase.
Star Chief Customs were trimmed in “off the shoulder” leather just like a Star Chief sedan. Super Chief Safaris were trimmed in two-tone Morrokide; Chieftain models in two-tone vinyl-coated fabric.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 227 HP 347 CID V-8 SMT
- 244 HP 347 CID V-8 SMT
- 252 HP 347 CID V-8 AMT
- 270 HP 347 CID V-8 AMT
- 290 HP 347 CID V8 AMT
- 300 HP 347 CID FI V-8
- 317 HP 347 CID V-8
- 317 HP 347 CID ML V-8
- NOTES
347 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 227 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 333 @ 2300 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7009832.
NOTE: Standard engine for Chieftain with manual transmission.
347 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 244 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 338 @ 2700 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel Model 7009829.
NOTE: Standard engine for Super Chief, Star Chief, and Star Chief Custom with manual transmission.
347 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 252 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 354 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake – 269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7009831.
NOTE: Standard engine for Chieftain with Hydra-Matic transmission.
347 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Ony. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 270 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 359 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2506S or Rochester Model 7009830.
NOTE: Standard engine for Super Chief, Star Chief, and Star Chief Custom with Hydra-Matic transmission.
347 CID Three 2- Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 356 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: Front 7011351 Center 7011350 Rear 7011352.
Ignition: Single-breaker.
NOTE: Optional and available across all model lines.
347 CID Fuel Injection V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 375 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.370″.
Induction: Rochester mechanical fuel-injection Model 7014880.
NOTE: Initially available on Bonneville model only, later available on all models.
347 CID Three 2-Barrel “Extra Horsepower” Hydraulic Lifter V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 317 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 359 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: (Hydra-matic) Front 7011351, Center 7011350, Rear 7011352. (Synchromesh) Front 7011902, Center 7011903, Rear 7011904.
Ignition: Single-breaker.
NOTE: Available all models.
347 CID Three 2-Barrel “Extra Horsepower” Mechanical Lifter V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 347 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 317 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 359 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 270°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 68°, Lift 0.435″. Tappet Clearance 0.023″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: (Hydra-Matic) Front 7011351, Center 7011350, Rear 7011352. (Synchromesh) Front 7011902, Center 7011903, Rear 7011904.
Ignition: Dual-breaker .
NOTE: Available all models.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1957 347 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1957 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the sheets HERE or use the navigation on this Fact Sheet’s main page.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 27 – 122.0 inches, Series 28 – 124.0 inches.
- Overall length: Series 27 passenger cars – 206.8 inches, Series 27 station wagons – 207.7 inches″, Series 28 – 213.8 inches.
- Overall width: 75.2 inches.
- Overall height: Chieftain – 60.0 inches, Super Chief – 60.1 inches, Star Chief & Star Chief Custom – 60.1 inches, Star Chief Custom Wagons – 59.3 inches.
- Front tread: 59.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.4 inches.
- Tires: Chieftain with Synchromesh 7.50 x 14, station wagons and Bonneville 8.50 x 14, all others 8.00 x 14 Station wagons and all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.
- Optional tires: 8.50 x 14 available at extra cost on all lines in place of 8.00 x 14.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 1st – 2.15:1, 2nd – 1.37:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.28:1.
- Hydra-Matic Transmission Ratios
- 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.74:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios.
- Standard Manual transmission: 3.42:1 standard, 3.64:1 optional.
- Hydra-Matic transmission: 3.23:1 standard, 3.08:1 optional. (Extra Horsepower Engine – all ratios available on vehicle order.
NOTE: Dealer installed rations available from 2.93:1 to 4.10:1. More information on transmission and rear axle can be found in 1957 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet HERE.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
- Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic ($231) was available in all lines. This transmission was considered “standard”, but cost extra.
- A three-speed Synchromesh gear box with column shift was the base price transmission.
- Four-barrel carburetion was optional in Chieftains ( the Star Chief 244 HP V-8 then fitted)
- Dual exhausts were $24 extra.
- Rear axle ratios: Synchromesh 3.42:1, with 3.64:1 optional; Initially, the ratio for Hydra-Matic was 3.08:1. In December 1956, the 3.23:1 axle ratio was made standard for all Hydra-Matic equipped cars and a 3.08:1 axle was made a “Plains Ratio” option for all cars except Safari models.
- Extra Horsepower engines: 290 HP with Hydra-Matic – 3.23:1; 317 HP engines – 3.42:1 standard, 3.64:1 optional. 3.08:1 or 3.23:1 could be fitted on special request or dealer installed.
1957 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($431).
- Cowl vent chrome trim and Custom wheel discs ($21.80).
- Deluxe basic group ($255.50).
- Deluxe carpet floor mat ($11).
- Deluxe steering wheel and padded dash ($31.70).
- Eight-way power seat ($97).
- Electric clock ($10.50).
- Heater and defroster ($91).
- Lamp group ($23.10).
- Mirror group ($12.35).
- Power brakes ($39).
- Power steering ($108).
- Power Sweep Contour electric wiper/washer ($25.25).
- Power windows ($102).
- Radio, deluxe ($125).
- Radio, standard ($99).
- Six-way manual seat ($41).
- Tinted glass ($34).
- Whitewall tires ($58.70).
1957 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1957 Pontiac Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1957 Pontiac Full-Line Foldout Brochure
1957 Pontiac Mid-Year Models Brochure
1957 Pontiac Portrait Size Print Ads
1957 Pontiac Landscape Size Print Ads
1957 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 270 HP Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1957 Pontiac Super Chief Road Test – Mechanics Illustrated Magazine
1957 Pontiac Safari 4-door Wagon Road Test – Mechanics Illustrated Magazine
1957 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1957 Pontiac Line will appear below
1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible was a mid-year introduction and featured every possible option except air conditioning as standard and was the only ’57 Pontiac equipped with the 300 HP Fuel Injected V-8. 630 were produced.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
The 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible was still an elegant machine and sold well – 12,789 were delivered.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door Catalina hardtop
the 1957 Pontiac Star Chief “Catalina” 4-door hardtop was a Pontiac fan favorite with 44,283 reaching customers.
1957 Pontiac Parisienne 4 door hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Parisienne 4-door hardtop was a late addition to the Star Chief line, being a standard Catalina with a an more extravagant interior. The Parisienne’s production was included in the standard Star Chief 4-door Catalina production.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2-door Catalina Hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Star Chief “Catalina” 2-door hardtop was a flashy member of the line. 32,862 were sold.
1957 Pontiac Custom Safari 2-door wagon
The 1957 Pontiac Custom Safari 2-door wagon was the darling of the wagon set when introduced in 1955. By 1957, sales had tapered off to 1,292, spelling the end of that model this year.
1957 Pontiac Custom Safari 4-door wagon
The 1957 Pontiac Safari Custom 4-door wagon was a late addition to the line adding a super deluxe 4-door wagon to the line. Even with its late release, 1,894 were sold – greater than the famous 2-door.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe 4-door sedan
In 1957, there were two versions of the Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan, with this model, the Custom having upgraded interior and exterior trim. Only 8,874 were delivered.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan
The Standard Pontiac Star Chief 4-door sedan had an exterior and interior similar to the Super Chief, albeit on the longer 124.0″ wheelbase. With not much to separate it from its lesser brethren only 3,774 were sold.
1957 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Super Chief “Catalina” 4-door sat on the 122″ wheelbase but was still a flashy offering. 19,758 found owners.
1957 Pontiac Super Chief Catalina 2-door hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Super Chief 2-door “Catalina” was priced right in the performance lover’s wheelhouse with 270 HP as standard. 15,494 were delivered.
1957 Pontiac Super Chief Safari wagon
The Pontiac Super Chief line only offered a 4-door wagon, but it was far and away more upscale than the Chieftain offerings. 14,095 left the showrooms.
1957 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door sedan
The 1957 Pontiac Super Chief 4-door sedan sat in the midst of a plethora of 4-door offerings. As a result, only 15,153 were sold.
1957 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina 4-door hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina 4-door hardtop was the top price Chieftain. It sold very well, with 40,074 delivered.
1957 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina 2-door hardtop
The 1957 Pontiac Chieftain “Catalina” 2-door hardtop’s sexy styling and lower price attracted a host of buyers. 51,017 left the showroom.
1957 Pontiac Chieftain 4-door sedan
The Pontiac Chieftain 4-door sedan was the bread and butter of the model year, but only 35,671 were sold.
1957 Pontiac Chieftain 2-door sedan
The Chieftain 2-door was a modest seller with only 21,343 leaving the factory. Of course, with the 317 HP Tri-Power, it’s light weight made it a natural for NASCAR and the drag strip.
1957 Pontiac Chieftain Safari 2 and 4 door wagons
The Pontiac Chieftain Safari wagons were popular choices, with the 4-door outselling the 2-door with 11,536 – to only 2,934.