Custom 1958 Pontiac Star Chief 'Pontimino' Sells for $48,418

A custom 1958 Pontiac Star Chief, transformed into a car-based pickup dubbed the 'Pontimino,' recently sold for $48,418 on Hagerty Marketplace. The sale price fell within the #2 (excellent) condition range for a standard 370-powered Star Chief Safari wagon, the vehicle used as this project's foundation.

The car was part of Greg Rusk's 'Generous Collection.' Builder Myles Miller extensively modified a Star Chief Safari wagon to create the unique utility vehicle, or 'ute.' The source report from Hagerty states the conversion is a convincing rendition of what General Motors might have built in 1958, though Pontiac never produced a factory car-based pickup.

Extensive Customization Details

Miller's work went far beyond simply adding a bed. He shaved the door handles and grafted in 1959 Cadillac bullet-style taillights. The rear bumper was 'Frenched,' a customizing technique for a flush fit, and 1957 Corvette grille teeth were inserted into the front end. A custom paint job completes the look, featuring scallops and extensive pinstriping. Hagerty's report notes that the factory lines of the Pontiac's quarter panels naturally lent themselves to forming the bedsides, making the design not far removed from the jet-inspired 1958 Chevrolet and GMC Fleetside pickup trucks.

The American 'Ute' Landscape

Car-based pickups, often called utilities or 'utes,' saw limited production in the United States. Ford pioneered the segment with the Ranchero in 1957, and Chevrolet followed with the El Camino in 1959. Other models like the Subaru Brat and Dodge Rampage appeared later. According to the source, Ford and Chevrolet dominated the small American market for these vehicles.

General Motors only ever offered factory versions with El Camino sheet metal, despite the company's multiple brands. The source mentions several custom attempts and even GM concepts for a Pontiac utility, including a version of the Australian-built GT, but none reached production.

Imagining Lost Possibilities

The 'Pontimino' prompts speculation about other American utilities that were never built. The Hagerty article imagines a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge utility in Carousel Red with hidden headlights, suggesting it would be as collectible as the coupe. It also posits that a Buick GS with a 455 engine and a bed seemed viable. Even in the 1980s, enthusiasts have swapped Grand National components into El Caminos, hinting at a niche market for a theoretical Grand National utility.

Other brands also missed the opportunity. American Motors, known for adapting body styles, never built a Rambler ute. Chrysler, or Mopar, never produced a Road Runner with a bed either.

A Successful Custom Sale

Highly customized cars can be difficult to sell, as extreme modifications typically shrink the pool of potential buyers. The 'Pontimino' successfully found a new owner who appreciates its ambitious vision. Hagerty credits builder Myles Miller for completing such a large project, which had 'loads of potential' but also 'plenty of off-ramps that could have led to disaster.' The sale demonstrates a market for well-executed, audacious custom creations.