Interesting that it has a Safari emblem. I always thought, and am willing to be corrected, that all the 55, 56 and 57 Safaris mimicked the 55, 56 and 57 Chev Nomads. That is to say a 2 door wagon with the curved B pillar.
73SC said
Nov 14, 2018
A quick bit of research suggests that in 1957 the name Safari was applied to all wagons, even though the sporty 2 door Nomad inspired wagon would see its last year of production. In the US Pontiac added a high line 4 door wagon similar to the sporty two door and named it Safari Transcontinental.
Canwag57 said
Nov 14, 2018
The wagons were called SAFARI and the Nomad looking ones were called Custom SAFARI.
Here are a couple of pics I found.
-- Edited by Canwag57 on Wednesday 14th of November 2018 09:09:56 AM
That wagon is so cool! Certainly a rare sight today. The only other '57 wagon (I think it also is a Pathfinder Deluxe Safari) is one belonging to Vern Hill in Manitoba. I think his user i.d. is 57poncho.
When I say there are probably only a handful left, I mean with small hands. The passage of more than 60 years, accidents, scrap-age, the tin worm & harvesting parts have whittled the likely number left to practically nothing.
Canwag57 said
Nov 15, 2018
Here are a couple more pictures of the car.
Sure would be nice to see another one.
You just don't see Pontiac wagons around from that time period.
I know this 57 Poncho wagon very well because i know one of the previous owners from Toronto. Thank you for bringing back some dignity to this 57. It had a roof rack with surf boards, goofy looking wheels and a surface rusty front clip. Now she is looking far better and continued good luck with this fine time machine. Cheers.
57poncho said
Dec 2, 2018
Very nice long roof . Over the years I have only come across 5 4 door wagons still around and only 4 are road worthy. One of the 4 is in California. If you need any info on the car message me and I'll dig up what I can. I have every thing from original paint chips to master parts manual and more.
57poncho said
Dec 2, 2018
Also the reference pics you posted from on line are of American Pontiac's. The easiest way to distinguished the difference is by looking at the front fender behind the wheel opening. The Canadian cars only have about 4 inches at the base where the American car have about 8 inches.
Canwag57 said
Dec 2, 2018
The picture I posted is from a Canadian sales brochure listing it as a Pathfinder Deluxe with Pontiac on the fender.They must have used the pic from an American car ?
long stroke said
Dec 8, 2018
Paul, any updates on your fine 57 Pontiac wagon. As far as any further work on it. Cheers.
Canwag57 said
Dec 8, 2018
I have the floor mat back in after installing the sound /heat shield.
While the seats were out I installed the rear seat belts.
Got her out again pulling the 49 trailer.Had many stop by the site to chat about the combo.I like asking people to guess what year both were made to see how close they come.
Paul, i will forever love that sweet 57 wagon of yours and that vintage stream liner trailer just makes it all that much sweeter. Cheers.
4SPEED427 said
Aug 18, 2019
What a cool combination!
Canwag57 said
Jan 5, 2020
More work on the old wagon this winter. Installing new weather stripping on the front PS door along with new vent window seals. Had to replace the window channel as it was rusted through and the window glass was loose.
Since I can't go anywhere I repainted and installed my old license plate. Now when people walk by they know what year this old wagon is. Can't wait to get out and enjoy it again.
Our 57 wagon is 1510 of 1639 produced.
Is it recorded anywhere how many are still around?
Are there any left in Ontario?
I will post pics showing progress on the car.
Thanks
-- Edited by Canwag57 on Saturday 8th of December 2018 08:47:08 PM
A quick bit of research suggests that in 1957 the name Safari was applied to all wagons, even though the sporty 2 door Nomad inspired wagon would see its last year of production. In the US Pontiac added a high line 4 door wagon similar to the sporty two door and named it Safari Transcontinental.
The wagons were called SAFARI and the Nomad looking ones were called Custom SAFARI.
Here are a couple of pics I found.
-- Edited by Canwag57 on Wednesday 14th of November 2018 09:09:56 AM
That wagon is so cool! Certainly a rare sight today. The only other '57 wagon (I think it also is a Pathfinder Deluxe Safari) is one belonging to Vern Hill in Manitoba. I think his user i.d. is 57poncho.
When I say there are probably only a handful left, I mean with small hands. The passage of more than 60 years, accidents, scrap-age, the tin worm & harvesting parts have whittled the likely number left to practically nothing.
Here are a couple more pictures of the car.
Sure would be nice to see another one.
You just don't see Pontiac wagons around from that time period.
I know this 57 Poncho wagon very well because i know one of the previous owners from Toronto. Thank you for bringing back some dignity to this 57. It had a roof rack with surf boards, goofy looking wheels and a surface rusty front clip. Now she is looking far better and continued good luck with this fine time machine. Cheers.
Paul, any updates on your fine 57 Pontiac wagon. As far as any further work on it. Cheers.
I have the floor mat back in after installing the sound /heat shield.
While the seats were out I installed the rear seat belts.
Took the 57 wagon out to a local car show today and got a chance to see the other cars before the rain started around noon.
You just don't see these wagons around at car shows.
Yes, your wagon certainly stands out ... beautiful. You should feature it on the site (if it hasn't already).
Paul, i am happy to see that your sweet 57 Pontiac wagon is still making the scene.
Installed new weather stripping around the tailgate,lubed up the hinges and cables so it operates much better.
Had the old wagon out last week camping,made a few heads turn as we pulled into the park lol
Got her out again pulling the 49 trailer.Had many stop by the site to chat about the combo.I like asking people to guess what year both were made to see how close they come.
Paul, i will forever love that sweet 57 wagon of yours and that vintage stream liner trailer just makes it all that much sweeter. Cheers.
More work on the old wagon this winter.
Installing new weather stripping on the front PS door along with new vent window seals.
Had to replace the window channel as it was rusted through and the window glass was loose.
Since I can't go anywhere I repainted and installed my old license plate.
Now when people walk by they know what year this old wagon is.
Can't wait to get out and enjoy it again.