A three-speed manual transmission makes this 1956 Pontiac Chieftain Star Chief Hearse an uncommon car in a class dominated by automatics. The odometer shows 23,329 miles, believed original but undocumented by the seller. Its 316 cu in V8 — the first year of Pontiac’s V8 — was completely rebuilt by a professional certified mechanic, with new bearings, NOS pistons, cam and cam bearings, valves, water pump, timing chain and gear, flame thrower coil, rebuilt generator and starter, and an Edelbrock 550 cfm four-barrel carburetor with electric choke on the original cast iron intake. A new electric fuel pump, battery, and Pertronix-converted distributor complete the work, and the transmission was rebuilt with new bearings, seals, gaskets, a new pilot bearing, and a rebuilt clutch assembly.
The car has been customized in hippie flower car style. The casket compartment is fitted with purple shag carpet, “Flower Power” and flowers are painted around the rooftop, and a large green peace sign decorates the rear casket compartment door.
Specifications
- Year: 1956
- Make/Model: Pontiac Chieftain Star Chief
- Casket Load: Endloader
- Engine: 316 cu in V8 (fully rebuilt; Edelbrock 550 cfm four-barrel with electric choke, Pertronix distributor, electric fuel pump)
- Transmission: 3-speed manual (rebuilt; rebuilt clutch assembly)
- Mileage: 23,329 (believed original, undocumented)
- Interior: Purple shag carpet (casket compartment)
- Equipment: “Flower Power” and flowers painted around rooftop; large green peace sign on rear casket compartment door
- Location: Three Rivers, Michigan
Status: ARCHIVED via eBay — last seen listed at $3150.00 in Three Rivers, Michigan (January 2020)