Mike Badger’s Pontiac Cruiser

Photos & Story by Joe Secka

Cruisin' Times Magazine

Mike Badger’s Pontiac Cruiser

Photos and Story by Joe Secka

Many of us grew up traveling around in our parent’s station wagon. Vacations, shopping trips, ballgames, school and countless other activities were facilitated by a trip in the family “wagon.” I’m not sure if Mike Badger had those memories from days gone by but he did decide a station wagon would be pretty kool to have as a cruiser.

He soon discovered that nice ones were extremely difficult to find. He did locate one being offered online for sale in

Anderson, Indiana. This one was pretty much a completed restorod ready for the highway. Mike and the owner negotiated until a price was agreed upon. The 1955 Pontiac Chieftan 860 2dr Station Wagon was soon sitting in Mike’s driveway.

Early on Mike decided he was not satisfied with the airbag ride and he had it converted to coil overs. That solved the issue he had with the cruise ability and Mike now visits cruises and shows on a regular basis. This Chieftan picked up a First Place award at the Pontiac Nationals along with numerous awards at other events. Some of Mike’s favorite shows have been the Goodguys show in Columbus, the Columbus Zoo show and the Blue Suede Cruise at Summit Motorsports Park. The longest trip has been to the Nationals in Lexington, KY and he is looking forward to the Hot Rod Power Tour this coming year.

A Chevy LS-1 5.7, rated at 345 HP, sits easily under the hood and drives through a 460 LE tranny. Power steering and brakes coupled with air conditioning add to the resto-rod design for comfort. Billet wheels put the rubber onto the road. An updated white leather interior adds comfort to all trips long or short. Mike said Jerry Mack has helped him with changes he wanted to make on his Pontiac. Mike is planning on enjoying his retirement just cruising around his “quietly elegant” Pontiac Station Wagon! ~ Joe

MIKE BADGER’S PONTIAC CRUISER

Photos & Story by Joe Secka