October Fall Classic
Lot 1212j:
Description
The 1952 Pontiac Chieftain hood ornament is a quintessential piece of “Jet Age” automotive design from General Motors, Detroit, Michigan. This particular piece—the iconic streamlined Chief Pontiac mascot in chromed die-cast metal—features a vertical tail fin and the highly desirable amber Lucite plastic head, which was designed to illuminate with the car’s parking lights, a spectacular visual that truly captured the futuristic optimism of the early 1950s. The piece is original and includes a length of old, rusted wire for the illumination function, as well as the mounting bolt and bracket. This era of Pontiac mascots, with their blend of mid-century modernity and classic brand iconography, are highly sought after by collectors and restorers. The overall condition is consistent with a part removed from an unrestored vehicle; the chrome is pitted, scratched, and freckled with heavy surface wear, particularly on the fin and upper body. The amber Lucite head shows crazing and some internal cracking, a common issue for original plastic components exposed to decades of sunlight and temperature changes. The mounting bolt and the exposed wire show heavy rust and oxidation.
H 7.5″, W 2.25″, D 19.5″
Share this lot:
