FYI: A vintage 1958 Pontiac, coupled with a rare rooftop camper, offers a nostalgic yet practical escape for its owner and his four-legged companion.
### 1958 Pontiac Fitted with Rare and Unique Hitchhiker Camper
A 1958 Pontiac Strato Chief equipped with the remarkably uncommon Hitchhiker camper is turning heads. While it might look like a mobile Porta Potti at first glance, this classic vehicle from Saskatchewan, Canada, has been ingeniously transformed into a cozy home on wheels for its owner and his dog.
#### The Pontiac Strato Chief
Known for its entry-level appeal, the Pontiac Strato Chief was Canada’s full-size car devised for the Canadian market. Produced from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, these vehicles had distinct Chevrolet underpinnings, setting them apart from their American equivalents.
1958 marked a year of significant design upgrades for the Strato Chief, featuring:
– Quad headlamps
– Modified rear fender insets
– A redesigned front grille
– Enhanced rear taillight assembly
Such alterations made the Strato Chief not just a practical choice, but also a stylish one for its time.
#### The Hitchhiker Camper
Manufactured by Mid Canada Plastics, the Hitchhiker camper was a compact and innovative solution to portable living. With only about 250 units sold during its short production span in the early 1970s, it has since become a rare and sought-after accessory.
Contrary to its bathroom-like appearance, the Hitchhiker is designed to mount on the roof and trunk of standard automobiles. Once installed, it provides:
– An entryway into the camper
– A sleeper area for rest
This makeshift mobile home design ensures a comfortable and functional living space for road adventurers.
#### A Quick Glimpse at Similar Innovations
The market has seen other interesting innovations similar to the Hitchhiker camper. For instance, the Dodge Caravan camper van maximizes its interior space by including amenities such as:
– A small freezer
– A refrigerator
– A diesel heater
Such conversions showcase how creativity and practical engineering can transform everyday vehicles into mobile homes.
### Nostalgia Meets Practicality
This fascinating blend of a 1958 Pontiac Strato Chief and a Hitchhiker camper not only serves as a homage to the era but also proves valuable as a unique living space. Vintage car enthusiasts and those with an eye for distinctive designs will undoubtedly appreciate this unusual yet charming setup.
For more insights and updates on unique automotive setups and vintage vehicular transformations, feel free to reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
