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When you think of performance you dont think station wagons, unless your thinking of a Pontiac Chieftain wagon also known as the Safari. The genesis of the Safari and Chevy Nomad was an innovative styling exercise derived from the then recently introduced Corvette . The design supervised by Harley Earl, was introduced to the public at the 1954 GM Motorama and was produced in 1955, 56 and 57. Even in it`s day the Safari was uncommon amounting to no more than two percent of Pontiac wagon production. Unique styling coupled with high performance made this a very special car.
The Chevy Nomad and the Safari shared a chassis ,drive train and many body style elements, but POntiacs mission was to build a larger, heavier, more powerful, luxurious and more expensive wagon than the Chevy Nomad. The Safari came with a standard V-8 and Hydra-Matic with a starting price of $3047.00.Though considerably different from the Nomad in appearance with it`s 'leaning forward look', inner wheelhousings, glass, doors, and tailgate were identical. The rearquarters and floorpan were exclusive to Pontiac due the longer 122-inch wheelbase.The Safari had leather seats , the Nomad vinyl. The last Safari`s built were the highest performing due to the 347-cid V-8 at 270 or 290/320 via Tri-Power .You could be doing 0 to 60 before someone could yell cop . The Safari trailed the Nomad in enthusiast popularity , there was a time when collectors settled for a Safari because they couldn`t find a decent Nomad and some Safari`s were bought for parts in Nomad restorations . Sanity has finally prevailed and the Safari has found it`s rightful place in the collections of car aficionados. Safari`s direct connection to the original Carl Renner design , the larger more powerful engine , the superior Hydramatic transmission and the more elegant styling have created a loyal following. 
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