THE GHOST'S TAKE

Look at this old tin Indian. What you are eyeballing is a factory 15-inch full wheel cover off a 1955 or 1956 Pontiac Chieftain, though it would slap right onto a Catalina or Star Chief from the same era. Back when Detroit was stamping out heavy stainless steel instead of plastic trash, these caps were rolling down the newly paved interstates reflecting neon diner signs. The center dome originally had paint filling the background behind the block 'PONTIAC' lettering, but time and road grit have blasted most of it back to bare metal. Let's talk condition. It is a survivor, but it ain't winning any concourse ribbons. Some garage hero drilled a hole dead top center to hang it on a wall, which means it is either destined to go back on a nail in your shop, or you are running it on a ratty daily driver where a little extra ventilation does not matter. Scuffs, scratches, and missing paint make it a fair beater cap. It is honest, it is old, and it has earned every scar.