1957 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

Clean and Crisp
Defined the 1957 Pontiacs

 

In a styling move the befitted Pontiac’s new performance image, Pontiacs received sharp new styling. A unique, lim­ited-edition, high performance, Bonneville Convertible was added to the Custom Star Chief sub-series. 

 

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General Year Information

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.

Their 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.

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.

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.

Historical Footnotes:

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.

 

Models Offered

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Series 57-27.  Chieftains 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 upholtery with an option of a combination of nylon fabric and Morrokide.

There was a full line of cars in the Chieftain line, except for the convertible, 2-door and 4- door hardtop, and 2-door and 4-door sedan. Two wagons were also available as 2- and 4-door sedans, only.

 

 

Series 57-27. Super Chiefs 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- and 4-door hardtops and a 4-door sedan as their model offerings.

Series 57-28. Star Chiefs 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 Custom (Super Deluxe) sedan was reinstated and utilized the “off-the-shoulder” interior styling patterns, similar to the other Star Chief vehicles.

The Catalina models were finished in leather. The standard 4-doorStar Chief sedan interior was finished in a Morrokide and nylon, the convertible in two-tone Morrokide.

Series 57-27# 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″ 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.

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.

Engines

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Chieftain with Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 227 @ 4600. Torque: 333 @ 2300 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.  Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7009832.

Super Chief, Star Chief and  Safari with Standard Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 244 @ 4800. Torque: 338 @ 2700 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester  four-barrel Model 7009829.

Chieftain with Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast-iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 252 @ 4600. Torque: 354 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake – 269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7009831.

Super Chief, Star Chief & Safari with Hydra-matic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 4800. Torque: 359 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.  Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 2506S or Rochester Model 7009830.

Optional “Extra Horsepower” V-8 – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 356 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors Models: Front 7011351 Center 7011350 Rear 7011352.  Single-breaker ignition.

“Extra Horsepower” Fuel Injection – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 375 @ 2800 RPM.  Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  269°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.370″. Induction: Rochester mechanical fuel-injection Model 7014880.

Optional “Extra Horsepower” V-8 – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 317 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 359 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: 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.  Single-breaker ignition.

Optional “Extra Horsepower” V-8 – Available All Models. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 347 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.9375″ x 3.5625″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 356 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake  270°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap UNK°, 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.  Dual-breaker ignition.

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.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: Series 27 – 122″, Series 28 – 124″.
    • Overall length:  Series 27 passenger cars – 206.8″, Series 27 station wagons – 207.7″, Series 28 – 213.8″.
    • Front tread: (All) 59.0″.
    • Rear tread: (All) 59.4″.
    • Tires: Chieftain with Synchromesh 7.50 x 14 station wagons and Bonneville 8.50 x 14; all others 8.00 x 14.Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14 Station wagons and all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14. 8.50 x 14 available at extra cost on all lines in place of 8.00 x 14.

Power Train Options

  • Strato-Flight Hydra-matic ($231) was used in all lines. Hydra-matic transmission was again 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 (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 3.42:1 standard, 3.64:1 optional. 3.08; 3.23 could be fitted on special request or dealer installed.

 

Power Trains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios:  1st – 2.15:1, 2nd – 1.37:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.28:1

Hydra-matic Ratios: 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1,  Reverse – 3.74:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios: See Page 15 in the 1957 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

Click HERE to view the AMA Specification Sheets

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1957 Pontiac

  A Raven Black
  B Chevron Blue
  C Nassau Green
  D Sapphire Blue
  E Chateau Gray
  F Fontaine Blue
  G Tartan Red
  H Charcoal Gray
  J Lucerne Blue
  K Sheffield Gray
  L Braeburn Green
  M Starlight Yellow
  N Cordova Red
  P Kenya Ivory
  Q Silver Gray (Silver Beige)
  R Carib Coral
  S Limefire Green
  T Seacrest Green
  U Sage Blue
  V Cascade Blue
  W Mayfair Yellow
  X Iris

1957 Pontiac –
Current Market Values

 

Significant Options

    • 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)
    • Whitewalls ($58.70).

Related Document
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1957 Pontiac AMA Specifications Sheets

1957 Pontiac Star Chief 270 HP Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

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1957 Pontiac Safari 4-door Wagon Road Test – Mechanics Illustrated Magazine

1957 Pontiac Production Figures

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 1X

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.

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