If you’re like me, the sight of a old car poking out of a garage is extremely intriguing. This is especially true if, as in this case (look closely at the picture) there’s a for sale sign on it! This 1953 Pontiac Chieftain (and I think it’s even a Deluxe model) fits the bill, despite being a little damaged in the rear. It’s for sale here on eBay and is located in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If you’re like me, the thought of a family vacation with an empty trailer going down just popped into your head. Not only that, but the buy it now is a low $1,200 and the seller is entertaining even lower offers.

Here’s what it looks like pulled out of the garage. Certainly there’s some corrosion…ok, genuine rust to repair. And those rockers look a wee bit perforated. But I’ve certainly seen worse. Besides, your arms can get a great workout pounding the dents out of the driver’s side rear fender, right? Now we have vacation and exercise!

Captain, we have a problem, there’s a slight list to starboard! Perhaps it’s just a low or flat tire. I hope so. The way the hood is partially closed (or tweaked) just makes it look worse. Importantly, I don’t see anything missing.

Remember that work out? Here’s the reason for it. I’ve seen miracles pulled at good chrome platers with bent bumpers, so don’t count that one out just yet. However, you will be repairing some more rust (but if I’m right on the fender contour, it gives you a nice pattern to shoot for while hammering and the fender will eventually hide your welds (always good in my case).

The seller doesn’t tell us much about the interior, but I think it’s safe to assume it’s original. At least it doesn’t look like it’s been torn up by rodents or even gotten moldy. You can see at least one hole in the floor, but again, the carpet will hide your welding. I can’t be the only person who seems to spend more time grinding than welding–but at least my welds are solid. The seller didn’t include any pictures of the straight eight, 113 horsepower engine, but this is what it looks like. So what do you think–would it be worth $1,200 to you? You might even be able to get it for less!