Summary

Stunning Metalworks build was completed in 2023. Tastefully customized throughout, including a Vintage Air system and Boze wheels. Powered by a 370 FI V8 engine and 200R4 automatic transmission. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.

Details

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.