Star Chief stands out at Indian Uprising
Some like sleek and fast. Others prefer big and wide.
Jim Biebrach has found himself drawn more and more to the “big, wide-bodied cars.”
Biebrach bought his 1958 Pontiac Star Chief to last weekend's Indian Uprising all-Pontiac car show in St. Charles. Fortunately, there were enough Pontiacs there to appeal to everyone's tastes.
The event, hosted by the Cruisin' Tigers GTO car club, celebrated it's 25th anniversary with the Pheasant Run Resort show. Festivities included hundreds of cars, live music, panel discussions and restoration seminars.
While show lots were jammed with gleaming Pontiac machines, Biebrach's stunning cruiser stood out. He bought his 1958 Star Chief in 2013. The North Shore resident grew up piloting muscle cars but this big, wide automobile now commands his attention.
Biebrach is the Star Chief's second owner. Prior to his purchase, the vehicle underwent a full two-year overhaul by four full-time employees of the original buyer.
“The previous owner was a real perfectionist,” Biebrach said. “I couldn't find anything wrong with the car.”
The Star Chief is powered by a late-model Corvette engine and is equipped with power steering and power brakes. “It's nice to have the things you can count on while still retaining those iconic, vintage, 1950s lines,” Biebrach said.
The cabin was gone completely over but still retains the look and feel of the factory design. The white ultra leather upholstery is complemented with Star Chief embroidery. The component that draws the most attention is the lustrous paint. The eye-catching color scheme features White Sunset Red Pearl over Candy Apple Red.
“She handles like a boat and at high speeds just starts to float,” said Biebrach.
He doesn't drive it often, as he prefers to keep it in its twinkling show condition. His care and protection will play well into his future plans.
“It's a family heirloom,” Biebrach said. “It'll be handed down to my kids who can continue to enjoy it.”
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