Doug Bithell’s 1955 Pontiac Chieftain: A Golden Trade with a Story to Tell

It’s not every day you find yourself in the perfect car trade—but for longtime car enthusiast Doug Bithell, that’s exactly what happened. One day, Doug was admiring fellow gearhead Ken Campbell’s 1955 Pontiac Chieftain, while Ken had his eye on Doug’s ’55 Ford F-100. A mutual admiration turned into a handshake, and just like that, two classic rides found new homes.

Doug’s Pontiac Chieftain is a gleaming Gold and Copper beauty that captures the essence of 1950s American style. Its clean tan vinyl interior keeps things classy and comfortable, while under the hood beats the heart of a 1973 Pontiac 400ci engine—a perfect match of vintage looks and reliable power.

Though the car came mostly complete, Doug couldn’t resist putting his personal touch on it. He dressed up the engine bay with new valve covers, a polished manifold, and a carburetor cover. A 4-core radiator replaced the old unit, and Doug said goodbye to the problematic electric fan in favor of a reliable flex-fan. He also installed Old Air air conditioning, upgraded to American Torq Thrust wheels, and added power steering to improve driveability. Even the chrome got a fresh shine, with select trim pieces re-chromed to bring the car’s exterior back to life.

Doug uses his Chieftain for local cruises and car shows, where it’s always a standout. Since acquiring it on January 16, 2015, he’s taken it on memorable trips to San Luis Obispo, Solvang, Palm Springs, Dana Point, Big Bear, and many scenic spots in between. It’s not just a showpiece—it’s a road warrior with soul.

Of course, no classic car story is complete without a few bumps in the road. Doug recalls a memorable trip back from Palm Springs where things got a bit too hot—literally. “The electric fan went out,” he says. “I noticed the temp rising on the gauge, but it wasn’t boiling. As soon as I got off the freeway at La Verne, it shot up. By the time I pulled into the driveway—boom—she let go.” After trying multiple fixes involving electric fans, water wetter, and various coolant cocktails, Doug had enough and switched to the tried-and-true flex-fan, which has kept things cool ever since. A proper fan shroud and a new thermostat are still on the to-do list—but that’s life with a classic!

While the Chieftain gets most of the attention, Doug’s garage has room for one more unique machine: a 1981 DeLorean co-owned with his son. It seems the love of distinctive cars runs in the family.

From a chance trade to countless miles of memories, Doug Bithell’s Chieftain isn’t just a car—it’s a rolling story, still being written one cruise at a time.