1956 56 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina 860 Coupe Hardtop Low Miles Rot Free Survivor on 2040-cars

Today we have listed an amazing 'survivor' 1956 Pontiac 860 Catalina Hardtop that was sold new in the town it still resides in - and it's never 'lived' farther than about 8 miles from here. This belongs to a friend of mine, and I am listing it for him. I will do my best to describe it so that you feel you know it, and to point out any and all problems (darn few). It's hard to show the total story of this pickup in the words I use, but I have added as many pictures as possible - I tried to use pictures that covered the overall feel and look of the car. I use lower resolution so that anyone in the world can download them with relative ease. Please be aware that this car is advertised and for sale locally, nationally and globally, and we do reserve the right to end this auction at any time if the vehicle sells before auction ends. This RPU is definitely for sale and definitely on the money price wise. If you are SERIOUS about the car - please call my cell # 503.580.6225 if I don't answer the first time - try again later - if I am at work I may not be able to answer your call. Please be considerate of the time. We have little ones that need to get their sleep. This is a great start for a restoration, or the build of your dreams. Buy it today and be the envy of those who hesitated and missed it.

 

This is a super solid car with a great local story. It's a low mile car for a '56 with only 77,028 on the clock. It was sold brand new right here in McMinnville, and the dealer at that time I believe was Burkhart Motors - which also had the Cadillac franchise. It was purchased by an Amish couple who lived nearby in Amity Oregon (I vividly remember as a kid seeing the buggies on the roadways around here - and know that Amity and the surrounding area used to have quite a large Amish population), who drove the car home, and were told by whomever 'controls' things in the Amish community that they could not keep the car. They took it back the next day, and the dealer wouldn't buy it back (imagine that!) but offered to consign it for them. It sat for quite some time until a lady purchased it. This lady owned it until she passed away. The car was last registered, or at least the registration expired in 1972, which would have meant the last tags were purchased in 1970. The car was purchased about 20 years ago by an eccentric gentleman who squirreled the car away in his shop. This man sold the car just last year. The car's title is clean and clear and has no brands or anything odd. It's like a time capsule. You'll note the sticker on the door notating the mileage of 72155 on 4/19/1970, and an oil filter and air filter change at 74972, but I couldn't make out the date for that. I don't know a whole lot more about this story other than the car is complete, and that it will run with gas in a can, not from the tank. My guess is the tank (which is solid) will need to be dropped and cleaned or replaced, and maybe the fuel line replaced, but maybe no. It's not been taken apart and monkeyed with - so none of the powertrain, and really none of the car at all is missing, other than the factory jack. Even the original Oregon plates that were put on when the car was new are still on it, front and back and come with the car. I am not sure if this really qualifies as survivor, but in my book it is. It's cool to see a car that has beat the odds, and not gotten 'tossed', thrashed, or junked as so many of them have. The car also moved under it's own power when it was started and run, but it's anyone's guess if the trans needs rebuilt or not. I will let the pictures do most of the talking, but I will tell you we have been all over this car and it's really solid. There is only one spot of perf we can find - and that's on the rear panel just over the bumper and to the left - there should be a pic showing this, and it's pretty small. Underhood it's complete and original. It would appear that the heater core covers the data plate, as we can't find it, or anyplace that it would be, other than under that core. There are original crayon markings on the firewall, and it's never been molested or redone in any way. It appears all stock, right down to the wiring. The car will need brakes done (note some new parts such as brake shoes that come with) and has all it's original wheels in the trunk (see pic) though one is broken at the lug opening, and all the original 'dog dish' hub caps. There are fender skirts with it - but I don't think they fit this car, and no indication that it ever had them, but they came with it when the current owner purchased it.  The interior is super nice and solid as well, and there is another heater core underneath the front seat. All the upholstery is original and in amazing condition for the age, and that it's been off the road for so long. The back window was broken while in indoor storage, so there's no worries about damage that occurred with it out - and I am told a Chevy rear glass is a direct fit. All the rest of the glass is good, though original, but not broken at all, even the windshield. Everything is intact - and there aren't a lot of options - but it's just as the General made it in 1956. Outside the body appears to be no hit, no accident and again, just solid. The floors are super solid and nice, the trunk as well. All stainless is in place, and all the chrome is original - and there. This is an exceptional old car for one that's basically been sitting since the early 70's. Yes it has surface rust, but this is by no means a rotten car - we use no salt on the roads here in Oregon, so we don't see the corrosion that happens in places that do. We also don't have the high heat and sun damage that can destroy plastics and vinyls and paint finishes like many of the high desert areas. Sheet metal around here, even with the rain is some of the best you will find. There is nothing hidden here, nothing covered, coated, painted or prepped - this car truly is exactly what you see.  This might not be the vehicle for everyone, and certainly isn't going to be 'turn key, but if you've been looking for a unique, and one of a kind vehicle to restore, rod, or use as a basis for a full boogie build -  this is it. I know that 'patina' is in, and this car wouldn't be all that hard to just get up and driving, put in a rear window, and leave alone - you would truly get more attention at the car shows than the shiny tricked out finished cars. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will answer questions to the best of our ability.

 

Now for the nitty gritty: PLEASE DO NOT BID IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO PAY! If you have zero or negative feedback - please contact us first. We reserve the right to cancel bids to those who don't adhere to this request. If you need to get permission of any sort to buy - PLEASE GET IT FIRST. Excuses such as - I had the money now I dont, My spouse doesn't like the color, Gee I got sick as soon as I won the bid in the last 30 seconds of the auction, Oops I hit buy it now by mistake, My kid bid not me, My attorney says etc etc will not be tolerated or excused. PLEASE think before you bid! A 500.00 partial payment is required within 48 hours of auction close, the balance in full due within 7 days of auction close. Paypal will not be accepted on any part of the auction unless agreed upon in advance. Payment is by bankwire, cashiers check or cash. No overpayment situations please. If paid by any form of check - check will clear bank before vehicle leaves it's present location. Winning this auction does not qualify you to fly in and inspect the vehicle then decide IF you want it, or to renegotiate. The vehicle is available for inspection by appointment, so if you aren't sure - come see it first! Shipping is at the expense of the winning bidder. Vehicle must be picked up near McMinnvile, Oregon. Vehicle is sold as is - it is basically 57 plus years old, and therefore sold as is and without warranty of any kind. Vehicle is being purchased from the current owner, not Houseofhotrod, and the bill of sale will be from that owner. We do guarantee the availability of a title with no leins or encumberances at time of sale, and that title is a clean and clear oregon title. We will help you arrange shipping any way we can, and will help facilitate a truck picking it up etc., but winning bidder pays for all shipping charges. Sorry if we sound snotty here - we just want to communicate that we take our eBay seriously - all we really ask is that you do the same!! This makes it much easier for those of YOU who are also serious about bidding and buying. I have bought many vehicles here and understand your concerns - we've been there! PLEASE ask questions if you have them - I will do my best to answer honestly and quickly. Thank you for looking and bidding!