Known as "The Black Diamond," this modernized 1958 Pontiac Star
Chief Custom Safari station wagon is one of only 2,905 produced in
1958. This diamond in the rough was discovered in the Wyoming
desert with low mileage, no rust and original paint. It was
purchased by Metalworks Classic Auto Restoration owner Jon Mannila
for a custom shop build. Although the Star Chief Custom Safari was
the top-of-the-line model, Mannila envisioned something above and
beyond what the factory ever could have anticipated. The Metalworks
Speed Shop went to work over the course of multiple years and
completed the car in November 2023. The complete body-off
restoration is fully documented with photos from start to finish.
The car is now making its debut at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson
Scottsdale Auction. The beautifully designed body retains all its
original sheet metal and is laser-straight with excellent panel
fitment. The car was painted in the Barrett-Jackson colors of black
and red, which looks stunning. The red really highlights the unique
body styling. The high-quality paint was recently detailed to a
brilliant finish. All the tinted glass was replaced new, with
exception of the rear-hatch glass, which is in very nice condition.
Everything on the exterior was restored to show-quality, including
the glass trim, driver's-side mirror, headlight and taillight
bezels, door handles, body moldings and front and rear bumpers. The
car has a killer stance on custom Boze forged Pro-Touring wheels
with a matte gray center and polished lip. The 19-inch front wheels
and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped with Toyo Proxes tires. The
black and red exterior is complemented by a custom red leather
interior. The intent with the interior was to keep the
factory-original appearance with some subtle upgrades. Everything
in the interior was restored or replaced to show-quality standards,
such as the headliner, painted dash, dash fascia trim, dash
hardware, steering column, steering wheel, kicker panels, door
panels, door hardware, quarter-panels and German square-weave
leather-bound carpeting. Some of the interior custom features
include Dakota Digital gauges, modernized original radio with
Bluetooth, a Vintage Air system and Billet Specialties pedals. The
spacious rear cargo area is accessed with a lifting hatch and
folding tailgate. The engine compartment is highly detailed
throughout with many custom parts. The firewall, inner fenders and
radiator support were painted body color. The car is powered by the
original matching-numbers 370ci V8 engine. It was professionally
rebuilt by Real Steel, located in England. The engine was outfitted
with Pontiac natural appearance valve covers, custom aluminum
brackets and pulleys, Holley managed multi-port fuel injection with
three throttle-bodies and aluminum air cleaner with custom
engraving. Some other engine bay features include an electric
windshield-wiper motor, aluminum brake master cylinder, power
steering components and two Odyssey batteries neatly tucked in the
corner. The engine is cooled by a custom Ron Davis radiator with
electric fans and overfill canisters. The engine breathes through
factory-style exhaust manifolds and a stainless-steel mandrel-bent
exhaust with a nice deep tone. The engine is coupled to a new TCI
200R4 automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. The power is
transferred to the pavement through a Pontiac posi-traction
differential. The undercarriage is highly detailed throughout with
many custom parts. The EFI fuel pump was installed in the factory
fuel tank. The car rides on a new RideTech air-ride system that
provides a comfortable ride and height adjustment. The braking
system consists of ABS power brakes with electric power brake
booster and Wilwood disc brakes that have 12.19-inch drilled and
slotted rotors with 4-piston calipers. This car has been driven a
few hundred miles since completion and was recently detailed. From
the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. ** PREVIEW