1957 Pontiac Safari Wagon

This 1957 Pontiac Safari brings an ambitious level of engineering and craftsmanship to one of the decade's most distinctive two-door wagons. One of approximately 1,300 two-door Safaris built for 1957, it provides an uncommon foundation for an extensive restomod build. A high-end restoration paired a California body with Corvette underpinnings, a GM crate LT4 V8 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Bentley Tungsten paint and a custom Bentley Fireglow leather interior establish the look, while extensive fabrication and an impressive collection of power amenities give this Pontiac substance well beyond its striking appearance. Applied in PPG paint, the Bentley Tungsten finish emphasizes the Safari's long flanks and pronounced rear fins. Sweeping bright side moldings frame contrasting silver-colored inserts accented by three stars on each rear quarter, with Safari scripts positioned above. Chrome-plated and polished brightwork adds brilliance throughout, highlighting the bumpers, grille and distinctive rear lamp housings. Tri-bar headlight trim incorporates Pontiac Indian-head emblems, complemented by chrome ornaments atop the front fenders and the familiar Pontiac hood emblem. The ribbed roof, forward-angled rear pillars and seven vertical tailgate strips preserve the wagon's unmistakable look. One-off Schott wheels combine polished surfaces, dark recesses and Indian-head spinners, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires with redline accents. A supercharged GM crate LT4 V8 is rated at 650hp, paired with a GM crate 8L90 eight-speed automatic. A custom driveshaft adapter connects the drivetrain to a Getrag independent rear differential with 3.42 gearing and eLSD. The engine compartment receives the same attention as the exterior, with smooth custom inner fenders, a body-color firewall and a sculpted engine cover accented in silver with fine red outlining. A custom front cover echoes the exterior hood's contours and Pontiac emblem while concealing the radiator and air-conditioning condenser. TIG-welded stainless exhaust features an X-pipe, Borla mufflers and electric cutouts before terminating in four centrally positioned rectangular outlets. A custom boxed frame incorporates C6 Corvette suspension cradles and independent suspension, supported by adjustable coilovers and front and rear sway bars. Corvette rack-and-pinion steering handles directional duties, while Hydro-Boost-assisted C6 Corvette four-wheel disc brakes feature larger rotors. Bentley Fireglow leather fills the cabin, where perforated diamond-quilted inserts distinguish the seats and door panels. Retrofitted 2001 Cadillac Eldorado bucket seats retain their power adjustments. A matching rear bench incorporates a center armrest and keeps its folding function to create a flat load floor. Leather extends through the cargo area and across the inner tailgate, accented by stainless strips. The leather-wrapped dashboard preserves Pontiac's traditional instrument panel and horizontal speedometer, complemented by a boost gauge cleverly incorporated in the round gauges. A classy, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel carries a Pontiac Indian-head center emblem, while the custom console houses an Alpine touchscreen CD/DVD stereo with Bluetooth and SiriusXM. Alpine amplification, speakers and a subwoofer supply the audio, joined by headrest monitors with Bluetooth headphones. Modern air conditioning, a backup camera, one-touch power windows, keyless entry and push-button starting add modern convenience. Building a custom Safari to this level takes more than selecting an impressive drivetrain. It takes the time and skill to integrate the hardware, finish the hidden surfaces and carry the craftsmanship through every part of the car. This Safari shows that investment in places as different as its sculpted engine compartment and leather-lined cargo area. For the buyer seeking a distinctive premium restomod, it offers an opportunity to acquire an extensively developed build with its most demanding work already complete. Key Highlights One of approximately 1,300 Pontiac Safaris built for 1957 Supercharged 6.2L LT4 GM crate engine (650hp) GM 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission Custom boxed frame with C6 Corvette independent front and rear suspension Getrag independent rear differential with 3.42 gearing Electronic limited-slip differential Power rack-and-pinion steering Hydro-Boost power four-wheel disc brakes Modern air conditioning Viking double adjustable coil over shocks front and rear Front and rear sway bars Stainless exhaust with Borla mufflers and electric cutouts One-off Schott wheels with Indian-head spinners Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires with redline accents Bentley Tungsten exterior finish Custom Bentley Fireglow leather interior Power Cadillac Eldorado bucket seats Folding rear seat and leather-lined cargo area with stainless strips Alpine touchscreen stereo with Bluetooth and SiriusXM Alpine amplifier, speakers and subwoofer Headrest monitors with Bluetooth headphones Backup camera One-touch power windows Keyless entry and push-button start