Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon
The Pontiac Safari is one of the most desirable and collectible 1950s American cars, a two-door hardtop-styled station wagon that paired the glamour of a sport coupe with the utility of a wagon. Built for only three model years from 1955 to 1957, the Safari was Pontiac's version of the Chevrolet Nomad — and many collectors consider it the more attractive of the two.
Born from GM's 1954 Motorama dream cars, the two-door sport wagon concept was adapted for production across multiple GM divisions. While the Chevrolet Nomad gets more attention, the Pontiac Safari shared its distinctive roofline and forward-slanting B-pillars while offering Pontiac's more powerful Strato-Streak V8 engine and more luxurious appointments.
The 1955 Safari featured the new 287 cubic inch Strato-Streak V8 producing 180-200 horsepower depending on carburetor configuration. The car rode on the shorter 122-inch wheelbase (versus the Star Chief's 124 inches) and featured unique two-tone paint schemes, a wraparound windshield, and the distinctive sloping rear roofline with ribbed chrome trim on the tailgate.
For 1956 and 1957, the Safari grew in both engine displacement and visual presence. The 1957 model, with its larger 347 cubic inch V8 making up to 270 horsepower, is considered the most desirable of the three-year run. Tri-Power three-carburetor setups were available, making the Safari a surprisingly quick wagon.
Production was extremely limited. Only 3,760 Safaris were built in 1955, 4,042 in 1956, and a mere 1,292 in 1957 — for a total production of just 9,094 units across all three years. Compare this to the Nomad's 23,562 total production and it becomes clear why the Safari commands strong premiums today. The rarity, combined with stunning styling and genuine utility, makes the Pontiac Safari one of the most sought-after 1950s American collectibles.
Two-door Safaris are rare and expensive. Rust is the primary enemy — check the tailgate area, rear cargo floor, rocker panels, and lower quarters. The unique rear window and tailgate seal areas are prone to water intrusion. Many structural and trim components are shared with the Chevrolet Nomad, expanding the parts supply somewhat. However, Pontiac-specific items like the grille, hood, and fender trim are scarce. The Strato-Streak V8 is reliable and parts are available. Reproduction tailgate weatherstripping and some trim pieces are manufactured. Be wary of restored examples with undisclosed rust repair — these cars are valuable enough to justify extensive bodywork that may hide issues.
1955: 3,760 units. 1956: 4,042 units. 1957: 1,292 units. Total three-year production approximately 9,094 units. The 1957 model is the rarest and most valuable. The Safari shared its body shell with the Chevrolet Nomad but used Pontiac-specific front clip, engine, and trim. After 1957, the Safari name was applied to conventional four-door wagons.