1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe

4dr Sedan

8-cyl. 316.6cid/285hp 2x4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$14,600*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

Calculate the price

Please select all adjustments that have been made to your vehicle

Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1955-1957 Pontiac Star Chief stats
Highest sale
$220,000
Lowest sale
$6,588
Most recent sale
$43,312
Sales
348

Photos

45 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1956 Pontiac Star Chief from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

Like the A-body Chevrolets with which they shared some body components, the 1955 Pontiacs were all new. Frames, bodies, and windshields were all altered, and the nameplate debuted its much-delayed but thoroughly modern V-8. Overnight, Pontiac’s engines went from 115- and 118-hp six-cylinders and 122- and 127-hp eights, to the 173-hp, 180-hp and 200-hp “Strato-Streak” V-8s that displaced 287 cubic inches.

The Star Chief was the brand’s premier model, and rode on a wheelbase that was two inches longer (124 inches in all, excepting the station wagon) than other Pontiacs. The Star Chief was offered as a 4-door sedan, a convertible coupe, a Catalina 2-door hardtop, and a Safari station wagon, and in either Deluxe or Custom trim depending on what type of upholstery buyers desired. Prices started at $2,362 for the 4-door sedan, which was quite a step-up from the upper-end Chevrolet Bel-Air sedan ($1,932), and neatly placed at the exact same price as the least expensive Oldsmobile 88 sedan.

For 1956, Pontiac made detail changes to the cars, but the most important news was under the hood, where the V-8 engine was bored out to 316.6 cubic inches, with power now rated at 192, 216, 227 or 205 hp depending upon selected transmission and carburetion. A 285-hp option also joined the lineup in January, with this engine featuring a 10:1 compression ratio, a “hot” cam, special lifters, and dual four-barrel carburetors.

The 1957 model year saw Pontiacs grow in length, with a substantial restyle, plus a new Bonneville convertible line taking the top rung away from the Star Chief series. This year, Pontiac engineers stroked the engine out to 347 cubic inches, with power ratings for the Star Chief being 227, 252, 244, 270, and 290 hp (the first of Pontiac’s famous tri-carburetor engines). Advertisements touted the Star Chief’s “man-sized comfort” and “barrel-chested Strato-Streak V-8,” which neatly captured the car’s appeal.

Today the Pontiac Star Chief is a highly collectible car. Like Tri-Five Chevys, each model year has its own adherents, with 1955s being popular for fewer embellishments and 1957s liked for their extra glitz. Safari wagons are particularly prized due to their rarity (fewer than 10,000 were built), though other Star Chief body styles are rather easy to find. Performance was great for its day and still holds up well in modern traffic, and ownership is relatively straightforward from a maintenance standpoint, all of which results in a fun and rewarding car to have.

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $38,033 for a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $132,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $22,000. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 4 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxes sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Deluxe was $42,000 on May 14, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.