1957 Pontiac STAR CHIEF CUSTOM SAFARI Matted 1st Day Cover

1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari....

On October 3, 2008, the USPS issued a set of five stamps in the second "American on the Move" series.  This set is called "Tail Fins and Chrome" and highlights five cars from the 1950's that more than embody these features:  1959 Cadillac Eldorado, 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari, 1957 Lincoln Premiere, and the 1957 Chrysler 300C. Shown here is a genuine First Day Cover, an envelope with the stamp for the 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari (pictured in two-tone blue and white against a crimson background), cancelled from the city of issue (Carlisle, PA) on the first day of issue captioned above.  Note the special postmark incorporating three road signs created to cancel this set of five stamps on their 'birthday.'

The back of the stamp reads,  "The two-door, hardtop 1957 Star Chief Custom Safari carried up to six passengers and featured extra chrome detailing inside and out.  Pontiac's distinctive 'Star Flight' styling - extended rear fenders, flattened tail fins, and missile-shaped trim - added to the youthful, sporty look."

The full-color cachet (artwork on the envelope) features a stylized version of a two-tone blue and white Pontiac Safari with the whole family from the 1950's, including the dog.  How many Baby Boomers were transported in this beauty!  Great art printed on silk, unaddressed, this cover is a collectible, historic piece of automobile and postal memorabilia.