Ever since my dad's birthday a few years ago when he said that there wasn't a day that went by that he didn't think about his first car, I always wanted some day to change that for him.  When ever I got the chance, I would tell him to find one like his old car, and buy it.  Since I had done that, I tried to convince him that it would make him happy.  But he always said no, he didn't need one.  My thought was it's not a question of need, it's about wanting, and enjoying the things that make us happy.  In August of 2010, I saw this car on eBay.  A 1950 Chieftain, auto transmission, straight 8 engine, and same brown color as my dad's.  It looked perfect, with 80k original miles, no rust, and all original.  It had a reserve, and did not sell.  I emailed the owner, asking about what it would take to sell me the car, and how much time I could have to pay him, since I didn't have the money after just buying the Turbo Trans Am.  We agreed on a price, and I sent a down payment to hold the car, with the promise I would pay by the end of November.  Over the next three months, I worked as much overtime as I could, and I sold my 1971 Pontiac LeMans.  And by the end of November, I had the full amount.  I paid the remainder, and arraigned for enclosed shipping from New Jersey to California.   The timing was perfect for the ultimate Christmas present.   

Here is the text and pictures that were listed on the eBay auction I won. 

1950 Pontiac Chieftain 2 Door Hardtop with 80,544 miles.

Third owner car, with the currant owner having owed it for ten years.

The car is rust free, and comes with the factory original interior.  It has not been molested, modified, or abused.  The body color was known as GM factory color solar gold.

This Chieftain was built at the GM plant at Framingham MA, and then shipped to Proctor Pontiac in Dover NJ.  It has always been garage kept and dealer serviced.

This Chieftain is powered by the original factory straight 8 cylinder motor, delivering 108 horsepower.  It also has the original Hydra-matic transmission, which was the ultimate premier transmission at the time.

Options

Factory original fender skirts

Deluxe lit Indian head hood ornament

Chieftain Deluxe radio (working)

Electric clock

Drivers side and passenger side sun visors

Factory turn signals

Factory back up lamps

Deluxe factory heater and defrost system

Pontiac factory under the hood mechanic light

Full Pontiac factory wheel covers

Dealer installed stainless steel fuel door guard

Deluxe factory installed bumper guards

The car was in New Jersey, with a great owner named Brent.  I explained my plan, which was to have the car here in California by Christmas eve, just in time for it to be given on Christmas day as a present.  After searching for several days, I found a shipping broker I felt I could trust.  His name was Gilbert, with Philam transport.  He understood my requirements, which included enclosed shipping, and delivery by Christmas.  The car arrived safe on midnight December 23.  My son and I drove down to Los Angeles, to pick it up as soon as possible.  Here are the pictures as the truck driver drives the Pontiac off the truck.

All the lights work, even the lighted Pontiac Hood Ornament

We drove the car to my work, just in case my parents came over for a surprise visit.  We filled the car up with gas in LA, and drove it 50 miles to Orange County.  Here are the day time pictures, taken December 24, 2010

Santa and his son left my work at noon that Christmas eve, to drive to my parents house.  The car drove the 80 miles there with no issues.  I let my son drive, so he could see how far cars have come over the last fifty years.  Here are the pictures we toke Christmas day, just after midnight, year of 2010.  We hid the car till just before midnight, and my son drove the car to the front of his house.  Here is my dad coming out the front door, seeing the Pontiac for the first time.

Checking out his new ride.  The only thing we were not able to do was wash and wax the car before we gave it to him.  I guess I owe him one.

Washed and waxed at my dad's home

July 2011