In 1955 and 1956, Pontiac and Chevrolet shared production of the Nomad and Safari. They were essentially the same car, but the Pontiac had a different front grille that required some slightly different panels on the front end. These early Safaris are rare and highly collectible.

The Safari name was used as a trim starting in 1957. It was the top trim on the four door versions of the Chieftain, Star Chief Custom, and Super Chief.

The 1958 Safari was more of a barebones vehicle that was only popular with people who could utilize its storage space, such as salesmen. It was the same body style as the Chevrolet Delray.

Starting in 1959, the Safari name would be used on all four door station wagons made by Pontiac. The name would die off along with the popularity of the station wagon in 1989, as minivans and SUVs began their hostile takeover. It would be revived by another GM line, GMC, with the Safari minivan, which was sold to the same type of buyer that would have bought the Pontiac station wagon a decade earlier.

Some of the earlier Pontiac Safari station wagons are considered classics today. Even the later models might have some renewed interest as Americans become nostalgic for the station wagons of their youth. You can find these for sale on eBay, where you'll probably get the most for your money. Your chances of being able to buy one of these cars from your local used car dealers is slim, unless you've already found one. Either way, you'll find some good parts deals on eBay too.