It was the only Pontiac wagon known by that name, which makes it easy to spot in a list of Pontiac’s model lineup. In 1955-56, this wagon was called the Safari. Pontiac sold a two-door wagon using the “semi-hardtop” Nomad body style for all three years Chevrolet sold one (1955-57). “The new for 1955 Safari was, for two years, Pontiac’s version of the Chevrolet Nomad. In 2015, this 7″ long Pontiac cost me quite a bit more than that. And one other thing was different: when I was shopping for my first car, I had a potential deal on a clean and straight, running, one-owner ’56 Chevy convertible for $50, that unfortunately fell through. And, in the course of researching for this post, I learned that this Tootsietoy version is in fact a 1956. I think this picture dates from 1959.Ī few years ago, through the magic of eBay, I got reconnected with my old Pontiac, although this one was in better shape. I was pretty hard on cars when I was young. I can’t quite tell from the picture if it’s already missing its tailgate, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Here I am, by the shore of the Pacific Ocean, with my already well-worn Safari. But none of those things mattered to me, because my Safari would fit in my hand … barely. A two door wagon, it used a similar platform, if that term was even used then, as the Chevy but had a slightly longer wheelbase, mostly unique sheetmetal, and Pontiac’s new V8 which shared almost nothing with the new small-block Chevy. The new for 1955 Safari was, for two years, Pontiac’s version of the Chevrolet Nomad.

Why? Because, although I didn’t mention it in my own Cars of a Lifetime, a similar Safari was actually my first car. This 1955 Pontiac Safari was my sentimental favorite. Recently, I featured some cars from the Concours D’Lemons in Monterey, California.

Volvo greenbooks 1979