1958 Pontiac

1958 Pontiac Catalina

It’s spring, the weather last Sunday was great, April starts tomorrow. Definitely time to start thinking about collector cars. I’m hoping for another glimpse soon of the gorgeous black 1958 Pontiac two-door I first saw at Silverdale Transmission a few years ago. Since then there have been enough sightings of the black beauty on Rocky Point Road to conclude that it lives nearby. I have looked for it a few times on my bike rides, but given Rocky Point’s many long driveways and steep terrain, I haven’t had any luck so far. Plus common sense says the pristine Pontiac is tucked away safely inside a garage, making the task that much harder. Even my friend Willy, who seems to know just about everyone in the neighborhood, can’t help me find it.

The driver always returns my wave when he sees me, although he has to be wondering why the lunatic on the bike keeps trying to get his attention. It’s the car, man. I like all collector cars, but cruisers from the 1950’s are my favorites. Some people think the 1958 models are excessive—huge heavy-looking boats with way too much chrome and ungainly fins. Admittedly 1958 was an in-between year, sandwiched between the hugely successful 1955 through 1957 models and another restyling by automakers in 1959. But in my view, 1958 produced some great-looking cars, especially in the GM stable, where Chevy and Pontiac led the pack.

Next time I see the black Poncho I hope to have my camera with me, so I can replace the photo included above. It shows a 1958 Pontiac, but it’s one I “borrowed” from an auction listing on Ebay. And if the Pontiac’s owner stops for a chat, perhaps I can find out more about the car, like the model and engine size. Meanwhile 2009 is going to be a banner year for local car shows, and I hope the Pontiac attends a few. The public really needs to see this car.