The 1949 Chieftain and Streamliner models were the first all new car designs to come from Pontiac in the post World War II years.

However, the newly redesigned B-bodied Pontiac Streamliner was now very similar (if not exact) in dimensions, engines, trim levels and options.

Some of the more interesting optional items available for the first generation Chieftain included a radio with seven vacuum tubes,[2] tissue dispenser, under seat heaters, and a Remington Auto-Home shaver.

A light-up plastic Chief Pontiac hood ornament that illuminated with the headlights adorned the front end.

[7] The Star Chief was added to the Pontiac line in 1954 and the Chieftain was moved down to entry level status.

Both cars were built on the A-body shell, but the new Star Chief had an 11 in (279 mm) extension added to its frame.

[8] The 1954 Pontiacs have the distinction of the first production car in the US to have an air conditioning system in the modern sense with in-dash controls.

The 287.2 cu in (4.7 L) engine made 173 or 180 horsepower (130 kW) at 4400 rpm depending on which version was ordered (again, the difference was due to changes in compression ratios).

The traditional "Silver Streak" appearance five-chrome strips running down the hood and trunk were updated with a twin-stripe design.

Sales for 1956 fell off by as much as 20% over record-setting 1955, in part due to tighter credit guidelines instituted by American banks that year.

This new theme included missile shaped side trim, extended rear fenders with V-shaped tips, lower hoods and massive bumpers.

All models were given honeycomb grilles, quad head and tail lamps, concave rear fenders.

The Super Chief sub-series was promoted to full model status leaving just the standard array of Chieftains as the entry level Pontiac.