Keith Richards 1950 Pontiac Chieftian Convertible

Description:


The ex-, used during the making of the famed album, 'Exile On Main St'
1950 Pontiac Chieftain 'Silver Streak' Convertible
Registration no. 648 YUH
Chassis no. P8TH 83630

Estimate:
£18,000 - 22,000
€22,000 - 27,000
US$ 29,000 - 35,000

Footnotes:
Like almost every other American motor manufacturer, Pontiac recommenced civilian production in 1946 with what were essentially 1942 models. Pontiacs of this period are often referred to by the 'Silver Streak' name, a reference to their multiple chromed hood strips. This styling device was first introduced in the mid-1930s but the 'Silver Streak' name would not actually appear on a Pontiac until the 1948 range was announced. The first major post-war styling revision appeared on the 1949 range, which featured lower and sleeker bodies, and this basic look would endure for the next few years.
This top-of-the-range Chieftain convertible is powered by Pontiac's 268.2ci (4.4-litre) eight-cylinder engine that produced 108bhp in standard trim or 113 horsepower with the optional high-compression cylinder head. Five different body styles were available on the Chieftain's 120"-wheelbase chassis in 1950, the two-door convertible being the most expensive of all Pontiacs at $2,190.
The car was purchased new by the American academic William Forsythe Sherfesee of Villa Bontoc, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, who was a friend and neighbour of the writer Somerset Maughan. There is a letter on file to Sherfesee from the local distributor dated September 1950, complete with English translation.

Sherfesee owned the Pontiac until at least 1963, as evidenced by French tax/insurance forms on file.

Keith Richards purchased the Pontiac in France in November 1971 (see Certificat d'Immatriculation on file) and The Rolling Stones guitarist used it as transport at his home, Villa Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice. By the spring of 1971 The Stones had effectively been forced into 'tax exile' in France and much of the appropriately titled album 'Exile On Main St' was recorded in a makeshift studio in Nellcôte's basement.

In February 1975 Richards registered the Pontiac in the UK. The accompanying Swansea V5 from this time has his name and address on it and is signed by him. In April 1985 the current vendor purchased the car, which comes with the receipt from Richards' company, 'The Mobile Studio Limited' stating that it was owned by him. Further documentation on file includes various expired MoT certificates and bills for circa £7,000 spent on parts and maintenance in recent years including an engine rebuild in 2008.

Taxed, MoT'd and offered with Swansea V5, this stylish Pontiac convertible represents a unique opportunity to acquire a wonderfully evocative example of classic Americana previously owned by one of the world's biggest rock stars.

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Advertised by: Bonhams Motor Cars (UK) (click here to see full profile)
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Ad Details


Property is Sold
Garage Spaces (put 0 if this does not apply) 0.00
Price Info Being Sold at Auction: Estimate: US $29,000 - $35,000
Type: Classic Vehicle / Collector Vehicle, Car
New or Used: Used
Year: 1950
Model: Chieftian Convertible
Make: Pontiac
Price $29,000 USD
Stock #: Lot 344
Which Celebrity? Keith Richards
Celebrity Owned Celebrity was the previous owner of this place
Interior Color: Brown and White
Exterior Color: Blue

For Sale at Auction


Auction Sale? Yes
Type of Auction Phone Bidding, Internet Bidding, On-site Registration, Minimum Bid Amount Required, Retail Auction Event
Location United Kingdom
Name of Auction Bonhams Motor Cars (UK)

Unique Sale Issues


Type of Sale Auction Company Sale

Website


Website http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20141/lot/344/

Location


Address Grahame Park Way
Suite Hendon, RAF Museum
City London
State London
Postal Code NW9
Country UK

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Phone +44 20 7468 5801
Fax +44 20 7468 5802
Ad id: 29092192
Ad views: 6134