1959 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4dr "Flatroof" Hardtop

Pontiac was slow to pick up on the latest trends sweeping the automotive world in the 1950s, that is until 1956, when Bunkie Knudsen took over the reigns as general manager and a new range of performance-oriented cars began to appear, backed up by appearances in stock-car racing. The Super-Duty V-8s provided Pontiac with the power and, beginning in 1959, the low-slung, wide-track styling proved a lot more appealing to younger buyers. The 1959 Pontiac range underwent some substantial changes, including all new styling that was both longer, lower and more distinctive than ever - this was the first year the signature Pontiac divided grille was offered, along with twin rear fins. One step up the model range from the base Catalina was the new Custom Star Chief Series, a full-size offering with such additional luxury items as a Deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, chrome wheel trims, two-speed electric wipers and deep-pile carpeting. A popular body choice across the Pontiac range was the Vista Hardtop, identifiable by the flat roofline with rear overhang, and in total some 30,689 were built on the Star Chief base. The new Pontiac was critically acclaimed - Motor Trend magazine named it their Car of the Year for 1959.