Left alone and trapped in a barn, this 1951 Pontiac Chieftain found a happy new home


Left alone and stranded in a barn, this Chieftain found a new home where it’s now become a part of the family.

1951 pontiac chieftain front bumper

In 1949, Pontiac introduced the Chieftain. It was Pontiac’s upmarket model, replacing the 1948 Pontiac Torpedo, and it essentially offered more trim and an extra seating space. Today the Pontiac Chieftain is a sleeper, much like its Oldsmobile counterpart, in that it is off the radar of most enthusiasts.

Just ask Denver resident Al Sedillo and he’ll tell you all about it. He grew up in the late ’60s and always had an affinity for the classic car era. In 1980, Al went to boot camp for the United States Marine Corp and visited places like San Diego and San Jose where his love for classics grew even more.

1951 pontiac chieftain grill 1024x683

When he got back to Denver, he married his longtime girlfriend and then set his sights on finding the perfect classic car to bring into the family. He knew his friend Jerry Montoya had a barn in Florissant, Colorado, with a Classic Pontiac in it, so he made the trip to take a look. Out of the barn rolled an immaculate 1951 Pontiac Chieftain in almost pristine condition. Montoya reluctantly sold the Pontiac to Al, even kissing the bumper as it was being loaded on a trailer.

1951 pontiac chieftain front seats 1024x683

The condition of the new Chieftain was so good that Al didn’t need to do any bodywork or paint. That left him to focus on making the new classic car his own. He went through the Pontiac and replaced all the normal wear and tear items like rubber hoses, mirrors, and lights. He added new blinds to the rear window, a new exhaust, and a tissue dispenser that came factory. As a family first traditionalist, Al searched for a club that had family orientated beliefs. He joined Viejitos because the values he lived by were exemplified in this club and their love for old-school ways.

1951 pontiac chieftain window louvers 1024x683

Al waited 52 years to finally get the car of his dreams. “El Jefe” was added to his loving family and wife of 34 years. A special thanks goes to his wife, Yvonne, for her unconditional love and support as well as all to the Colorado Viejitos members for their love and respect. Al wishes to thank Jerry Montoya for entrusting him with his beloved Pontiac. “We stay in touch,” Al tells LRM. “He asks for Jefe back every once in a while, to which I reply, ‘No dice!’”

1951 pontiac chieftain quarter panel
1951 pontiac chieftain rear bumper 1024x683

 

1951 pontiac chieftain 239 flathead motor 1024x683

 

1951 pontiac chieftain front grill 1024x683

 

1951 pontiac chieftain side bumper

Related Posts

Own the Iconic 1966 Ford GT40 from Ford v Ferrari – A Unique Collector’s Dream!

It’s been quite some time since the Ford v Ferrari movie is no longer the hottest flick out there, but for some, the legacy it left behind…

A Shocking Discovery Of An Abandoned Scrap Yard With The Difference Between Plymouth Road Runner And Dodge Super Bee

This time on Roadkill’s Junkyard Gold, Steve Magnante is exploring a Mopar-only junkyard in rural New Hampshire. He’s there to answer one question: Which came first, the Bird or…

The desires of a vintage car aficionado were dashed when a driver collided the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle directly into a brick wall, marring its classic charm

A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is the dream of many vintage car enthusiasts. But one over-excited motorist ploughed his pristine vehicle into a brick wall in front of…

Gaining public notice, the 1960 Chevy Bel Air stood out for its custom construction, tailored to be an exceptionally charming cruiser

If you are familiar with the cars built by Timeless Kustoms, then you know these guys are more into radical big horsepower restomods. That is not the case…

The 1963 Ford Thunderbird, once a dream car for earlier generations, now languishes in a dismal scrap yard, forgotten and forsaken

When I pull together fragments of youthful memories, I seem to recall the classic Thunderbird being held in high regard. Whether it was my grandfather or a…

Among the prized possessions in his daring assortment, renowned renegade Nicholas Cage owned the rare and valuable 1959 FERRARI 250 GT, alongside other cherished treasures

Nicholas Cage is a well-known bad boy of the big screen. Off-screen, he has managed to accumulate a bad-boy collection of beautiful, rare, classic cars. He seems…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *