My wife, Bev, and I are the proud third owners of this '65 Pontiac Star Chief. In 2003, I purchased it from a lady I worked with for over 30 years.
I was employed as a new-car hauler for Anchor Motor Freight/Leaseway Auto Carriers for over 35 years, so I probably got to drive (very carefully) your brand-new Firebirds, Trans Ams, GTOs, G8s, and even your Catalina, Bonneville, and LeMans station wagons. No need to worry, I finally retired-I'm done trying out your cars.
Our Star Chief is a real pleasure to drive. When we bought it in 2003, it had only 11,500 miles on it. The looks you get, waves, and thumbs-up make you feel so good. Some people come over and say they've never even heard of a Star Chief, or some say, "My dad or granddad had a car just like that." It brings back memories for me, too, since my mom and dad had a number of old Pontiacs.
The Star Chief was not your most popular model in '65, like the Grand Prix, Bonneville, and Catalina. A total of 31,315 Star Chiefs were produced that model year compared to 62,480 four-door Bonnevilles.
Star Chiefs were produced from '54 to '66, but in '66 they were called the Star Chief Executive. From '61 to '65 the Star Chief came in four-door models only; in '66 it came with two- or four-door models. Only 10,140 two-doors were made for the last model year.
What makes our Pontiac unique is that it is all original. The Fontaine Blue paint shines like the car just came out of the plant yesterday. The all-original interior is in perfect condition from the top to bottom-even the two-tone blue-vinyl upholstery and clear Lucite steering wheel look new. The trunk area is in perfect condition with the original spare tire, jack, and mat.
I have the Star Chief stored in the winter months and it's always in the garage and covered when we're not driving it. I replaced the original belts, hoses, shocks, and tires last fall, along with the master cylinder. I have touched up the engine and had the front inside wheelwells repainted to repair battery-acid damage.
The engine is a code-YC 389 with a two-barrel carburetor (No. 7025060). It has an optional Turbo 400, which required the 290hp engine. We have the original '65 license plates, Owners Protection Plan, and Protect-o-Plate, which is still in the original owner's name. Our Star Chief was sold new at Wilt Pontiac in Warren, Ohio, and then resold at Wilson Pontiac in Boardman, Ohio.
Our Pontiac is documented by PHS Automotive Services and we are members of the Pontiac Oakland Club International (POCI) and the Antique Automobile club of America (AACA).
At the AACA Eastern Division National Spring Meet held June 3-5, 2010, we were awarded the Historical Preservation Original Features (H.P.O.F.) award, which is a national award through the AACA.
In September 2008, I was honored to be invited to take part in GM's 100-year-anniversary celebration, which involved GM cars produced from 1913 to 2008. All 100 cars were on display at the Tonawanda engine plant in Buffalo, New York, and all participants received a medallion. The next day there was a parade and a car show for any GM car.
In addition to GM's milestone event, we enjoy cruising and entering car shows, and have won many awards, including Best of Shows and First Place awards.
It is a pleasure owning a classic Pontiac. Thank you for the opportunity to share our car and story with other Pontiac hobbyists.
My Pontiac and Me spotlights reader experiences with their own Pontiacs in their own words. To be considered for publication, submit several high-quality color photos (each photo must be larger than 1 megabyte in JPG format-no other formats, please), your own Pontiac story (typed, approximately 500 words), your name, address, and telephone number to:
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My Pontiac and Me
c/o Christopher Phillip
9036 Brittany Way
Tampa, FL 33619
or christopher.phillip@sorc.com
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