| Pontiac Eight/Pontiac Streamliner | |
|---|---|
 1947 Pontiac Streamliner Deluxe coupe | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Pontiac (General Motors) |
| Production | 1933–1940 1941–1951 |
| Assembly | (main plant) Pontiac, Michigan[1][2] (branch assembly) South Gate, California[1][2] Wilmington, Delaware[1][2] Atlanta, Georgia[1][2] Kansas City, Kansas[1][2] Framingham, Massachusetts[1][2] Linden, New Jersey[1][2] |
| Designer | Harley Earl |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan[1][2] 2-doorcoupe[1][2] 4-doorstation wagon[1][2] |
| Layout | FR layout[1][2] |
| Platform | B-body[1][2] |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Pontiac Star Chief |
ThePontiac Streamliner is afull-size car produced by thePontiac Division ofGeneral Motors from 1942 until 1952. It was a popular mid-priced vehicle on Pontiac’s high end during the recovery from theGreat Depression and immediately after World War II.
For model year 1933, Pontiac introduced the all-new Economy EightSeries 601 with the 223.4 cu in (3.7 L)Silver Streak Straight-8 using aCarter one-barrel carburetor and shared the slanting vee-type grille that concealed the radiator used on all GM products, and was built on theGM A platform shared with theChevrolet Master. The front fenders now fully covered the front wheels and adopted aircraft-inspired appearance as a result ofArt Deco influences. 1933 was also the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optionalvent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes" which the patent application was filed on Nov. 28, 1932. It was assigned to the Ternstedt Manufacturing Company, a GM subsidiary that manufactured components forFisher Body.[1] The feature redirected airflow into the passenger compartment along with side windows that would retract into the front doors. The engine abandoned the flathead V8 offered in 1932 and reverted to the straight-eight architecture which was engineered internally by Pontiac, while the 3-speed synchromesh manual transmission was supplied by the new transmission factory atMuncie, Indiana. 1933 was also the first year that branch assembly plants were built while knock down kits originated from Pontiac Assembly in Pontiac, Michigan, adopting a similar practice used by Chevrolet since 1917. Six different body styles with a 115 in (2,921 mm) wheelbase were offered in 2-door configuration while only one 4-door configuration was offered with prices remaining under US$695 ($16,882 in 2024 dollars[3]) The wheel diameter was 17" and the overall curb weight was between 2,675–3,020 lb (1,213–1,370 kg).[1]
The PontiacSeries 603 was the new designation used in 1934 and was the only model offered for 1934. Body style choices continued from the previous year and several appearance, mechanical and equipment changes were introduced. Vehicles equipped as Standard models could be identified with an Indian Brave's head in a circle on a teardrop base, while Deluxe equipment had an Indian Maiden hood ornament. Production began January 1, 1934 and a radio, called the "Air Chief" was on the list of options to include a front bumper, cigar lighter, clock, spotlights and a folding rear trunk rack.[1]
The 1935 PontiacSeries 605 Eight became the senior sedan to the reintroducedPontiac Standard Series 701-A and Deluxe Series 701-B Six and all shared the updated coachwork provided byFisher Body, which shared an appearance withLaSalle and theCadillac Series 60. The 4-door sedan was offered with doors that opened from the center to aid entry into the rear compartment, and the "Silver Streak" chrome trim piece was installed in the center of the grille and extended to the center top of the engine cover, and would be a Pontiac styling feature until 1960. An Indian maiden figurine was used for the hood ornament, along with twin rear taillights, twin windshield wipers, and a passenger compartment heater. Options included unusual features such as glove box smoker set with watch or a 30-hour mirror watch. A matching set of luggage was available for US$19.75 ($480 in 2024 dollars[3]). It shared some appearances with theVauxhall Light Six.[1]
The 1936 Pontiac DeluxeSeries 8BA was introduced with a 116.625 in (2,962 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the longer engine, and the grille had a badge that identified the engine with eight cylinders with an overall length of 194.3125 in (4,936 mm). New standard features included retractable front and rear center armrests installed in the seats on mohair cloth upholstery. The independent front suspension was something GM called "Knee-Action" usingtrailing arms, an automatic choke for the carburetor, and a pressurized cooling system for the larger 232.2 cu in (3.8 L) engine with a 6.5:1 compression ratio. With 176,270 Pontiacs sold it was the sixth ranked in U.S. auto sales with five choices for 2-door models and two choices for 4-door sedans.[1]
The 1937 Pontiac Deluxe EightSeries 28 was the first year all GM vehicles offered an optional "Dual SafetyElectric Fan Windshield Defroster" combined with a passenger compartment heater. This device used an additionalheater core installed behind the dashboard that rerouted coolant from the radiator to provide the necessary heat that would then be directed against the inside windshield surface. The passenger compartment heater was first offered optionally in 1926.[1] The optionally listed price was US$7.90 ($173 in 2024 dollars[3]) while the heater for the Deluxe model was listed at US$17.95 ($393 in 2024 dollars[3]) 1937 was also the first year that the more upscale Deluxe Eight was built on theGM B platform. This allowed extra room needed so that a third passenger could be accommodated on the front bench seat with a manual transmissioncolumn shift. The engine displacement increased to 248.9 cu in (4.1 L) engine with a 6.2:1 compression ratio generating 100 bhp @3,800 RPM while the wheelbase increased to 122 in (3,099 mm), the overall length was 198.06 in (5,031 mm) using 16-inch steel disc wheels.[1]
As the economy began to recover from theGreat Depression, Pontiac in 1938 began to offer more choices in body styles while keeping the overall retail price of their eight-cylinder products under US$1,500 ($33,507 in 2024 dollars[3]). Five 2-door choices were offered, including the Sport Coupe withrumble seat, Business Coupe, Touring Sedan and Convertibles; and three 4-door choices, including a 4-door Convertible Sedan seating five. The options list continued to grow with such items as atenite shift lever ball for US$0.50 ($11 in 2024 dollars[3]), two passenger compartment heater choices for either the Master or Deluxe trim package, fog lights, license plate frames, seat covers, floor mats, cigar lighters and the rear view mirror was still an extra cost item at US$2.95 ($66 in 2024 dollars[3]). Calendar year production was recorded at 95,128. A new Factory Delivery Program was introduced where custom ordered vehicles would be delivered to the customers address once the car arrived at the selling dealership.[1]
1939 offered appearance changes as usual, such as different types of Indian hood ornaments for the Deluxe Eight and the entry-level Quality Six. The heater and windshield defroster was now called "Weather Chief", two types of radios were offered and continued to install the radio antenna in both running boards, an retractable metal sunroof called "Sunshine Roof" was available, and the gearshift was now permanently relocated to the steering column instead of being floor mounted, called "Safety Gearshift", allowing a third passenger on the front bench seat. Total Pontiac calendar-year production was documented at 170,726.[1]
For 1940,Oldsmobile and Pontiac had the distinction of having all three ofGeneral Motors' mainstreamplatforms. In 1940 Pontiac continued offering the Deluxe EightSeries 28 which includes an engine and transmission imported from Italy on the "B" platform, and theTorpedo on theC-platform.[1] The new Pontiac C-body featured cutting-edge "torpedo" styling. Shoulder and hip room was over 5 in (127 mm) wider, running boards were eliminated and the exterior was streamlined and 2–3 in (51–76 mm) lower. When combined with a column mounted shift lever the cars offered true six passenger comfort. It was related to theChevrolet Special Deluxe Fleetline.
In 1941 theA-body and B-body were similarly redesigned. Consequently, Pontiac renamed its entire line-up "Torpedo", with models ranging from the low-endA-bodied Deluxe Torpedo (with a 119.0 in (3,023 mm) wheelbase), the mid-levelB-bodied Streamliner Torpedo (with a 122.0 in (3,099 mm) wheelbase up 2.0 in (51 mm) from the previous year), and the high-end C-bodied Custom Torpedo (with the same 122.0 in (3,099 mm) wheelbase as the previous year).[1]
1941 was the last year Pontiac offered a model with the GM C-body until the big "Clamshell" tailgatePontiac Safari andGrand Safaristation wagons of 1971–76.[1][2]
For 1942, the Torpedo name was assigned to the A-bodied Pontiac while the Streamliner became the B-bodied Pontiac.[1]
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| Series 26/28 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1948 Pontiac Streamliner Station Wagon | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1942–1948 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Cadillac Series 61 Buick Century Buick Special Oldsmobile Series 70 Chevrolet Fleetline |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 3-speedsynchromeshmanual 4-speedHydra-Maticautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 122.0 in (3,099 mm)[1][2] |
| Length | All but station wagon: 210.3 in (5,342 mm)[1][2] Station wagon: 215.8 in (5,481 mm)[2] |
| Height | 65.3 in (1,659 mm)[1] |
| Curb weight | 3,600–4,100 lb (1,600–1,900 kg) |
The Pontiac Streamliner is afull-sized car that was produced byPontiac from the 1942 to the 1951 model years.[1][2]
Streamliners used the largerB-body and, except for thestation wagons, usedfastback styling.[1] The 1941 Super Streamliner models with folding center armrest were known asChieftains in 1942.[1] All Pontiacs looked lower, heavier and wider.[1] Extension caps on the front doors lengthened the forward fender lines.[1] The hood extended back to the front doors, eliminating the cowl.[1] The grille, bumper and hood were widened and headlamps were further apart. Long horizontal parking lamps sat just above the vertical side grilles.[1] The horseshoe shaped center grille had horizontal bars and a circular emblem in the middle of the upper main surround molding.[1] The word Pontiac appeared on the hood side molding of six-cylinder models, while the moldings of the eight-cylinder cars said Pontiac Eight.[1] After December 15, 1941, wartime "blackout" trim was used.[1] All parts previously chrome plated were finished inDuco Gun Metal Grey.[1]
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With the end of theC-bodyPontiac Custom Torpedo, station wagon production was transferred to the new Streamliner line.[1] The final body work continued to be done at either the Hercules Body Company or at Ionia Manufacturing. The Streamliner station wagon ranged from $1,265 for a base Six to $1,340 for a Chieftain Eight, making it Pontiac's most expensive model.[1] At 215.8 in (5,481 mm) in overall length the 1942 Pontiac Streamliner station wagon also set a record for the longest Pontiac, this would not be exceeded until the 1959Pontiac Star Chief andBonneville.[1][2]
The first postwar Pontiac available (September 13, 1945) was the Streamliner coupe, which remained the sole product for a time.[2] The Chieftain trim level of 1942 was renamed the Deluxe trim level in 1946. Styling highlights of Pontiacs were wraparound bumpers, a massive 14-blade grille, new nameplates and concealed safe-light parking lamps.[2] Streamliners could be identified by straight back Indian moldings on the rear hood ornament chrome beltline moldings and bright moldings on the "speedline" fender ribs.[2] They also had longer front fender crown moldings and were generally larger in size.[2] Lettering on hood emblems and badges placed forward of the "speedlines" identified Eights.[2] Interior trim on passenger cars were in gray striped cloth.[2] Station wagons had three seats in standard trim, two seats in Deluxe trim and used imitation leather upholstery and passenger car style interior hardware.[2] Ranging in price from $1942 for a standard Six to $2,047 for a Deluxe Eight, Streamliner station wagons continued to be the most expensive Pontiac model.[2] A total of 92,731 Streamliners were sold in 1946, accounting for over two thirds of all Pontiacs.[2]
In 1947 the "Silver Streak" styling theme was continued, now with five bands of chrome on hoods. All Pontiacs had new grilles with four broad gently bowed horizontal bars.[2] Hoods and fenders were protected by an inverted steer's horn shaped bar incorporating a die cast plate with indianhead relief.[2] Interiors for sedans and coupes were redesigned with Berwicke beige panels for dashboard and windows.[2] Windshield, door and garnish moldings were finished in Autumn Brown with dado stripe border moldings.[2] All coupes and sedans were fastbacks with full-loop around window moldings.[2] Streamliner station wagons ranged in price from $1,992 for a standard Six to $2,111 for a Deluxe Eight, again making them Pontiac's most expensive model.[2] Sales of Streamliners totaled 128,660 in 1947, or nearly 56% of all Pontiacs sold.[2]
In 1948 a new Pontiac styling included triple "Silver Streaks," a horizontal grille theme with vertical shaft, and round taillights.[2] The word "Silver Streak" was carried on the sides of the hood with eights having an "8" placed between the two words.[2] Streamliners were again larger and more expensive than other Pontiacs.[2] All Streamliners, be they 2-door or 4-door fastbacks, or station wagons, now came standard or Deluxe.[2] Deluxe models were distinguished by spear moldings on front fender, bright gravel guards, and chrome plated wheel discs on all cars except wagons.[2] Deluxe interiors had two tone trims with pillow-and-tuft seatbacks, quarter sawed mahogany dash and window trim, electric glovebox door clocks, Deluxe steering wheels and other rich appointments.[2] Standard Streamliner station wagons had tan imitation leather seats and Deluxe wagons had red upholstery of the same type.[2] Station wagon prices ranged from $2,364 for a standard Six to $2,490 for a Deluxe Eight, making them Pontiac's most expensive model.[2] In 1948 160,857 Streamliners were sold, accounting for nearly 66% of all Pontiacs.[2]
Perhaps the biggest story of 1948 for Pontiac was the addition of an imported engine and transmission out of Italy. This changed the name for General Motors perhaps because their cars were not made fully domestic. In 1950 they decided to go back to domestic-made motor and transmission as a result of people protesting about having a car from “Italy”[2] As of 1948 onlyGeneral Motors sold cars with fullyautomatic transmissions and the only other way to get one was to buy a higher pricedCadillac,Buick orOldsmobile.Chevrolet would not introducePowerglide until 1950,FordFordoMatic until 1951 (Lincoln would start buying Hydramatics from GM in 1949), andChrysler,PowerFlite onImperials, until 1953.[2] Hydramatic proved very popular with a total of 171,946 Pontiacs sold with it, or about 71% of all Pontiacs, and with 122,327 Streamliners equipped with it, or about 76% of all Streamliners, in its first year.[2] Since Hydramatic was still only optional on Cadillac and Oldsmobile, andDynaflow optional onBuick Roadmaster, given the total sales of Cadillac (50,619), Oldsmobile (173,661) and Buick Roadmaster (80,071), and the fact that Dynaflow was only introduced in the middle of the model year, this implies that probably over 40% of all cars sold with automatic transmissions in 1948 were Pontiacs.[2]
| Series 25/27 | |
|---|---|
 1950 Pontiac Streamliner De Luxe Sedan Coupe | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1949–1951 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Cadillac Series 61 Buick Special Oldsmobile 88 Oldsmobile Series 70 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 239 cu in (3.9 L)FlatheadI6[2] 249 cu in (4.1 L)Silver-StreakI8[2] 268 cu in (4.4 L)Silver-StreakI8[2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 120.0 in (3,048 mm)[2] |
| Length | All but station wagons: 202.5 in (5,144 mm)[2] Station wagons:203.8 in (5,177 mm)[2] |
| Curb weight | 3,600–4,000 lb (1,600–1,800 kg) |
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The 1949 Pontiacs featured low sleek envelope bodies.[2] Streamliner coupes and sedans used thefastbackB-body shell.[2]Station wagons continued to be part of the Streamliner line. All of these cars came as standards or Deluxes. All station wagons and other standard models had small hubcaps.[2] Standard coupes, sedans, and wagons were characterized by an absence of beltline trim along with use of rubber gravel guards and painted headlight rims.[2] Deluxes had beltline moldings, chrome gravel guards and bright plated headlight doors.[2]Silver Streak styling was seen again.[2] Silver Streak lettering was placed above front fender spears on Deluxes and high on the fenders of standards.[2] Eights had the number "8" between the two words. Most standard models had gray striped pattern cloth upholstery.[2] Most Deluxes used dark gray broadcloth trims.[2] Wagons were trimmed as before except imitation leather was only used on standard wagons.[2] 1949 was the last year forwood-bodied station wagons, as production shifted to all-metal station wagons withwoodgrain trim during the model year.[2] Streamliner station wagons continued to be the most expensive Pontiac model, ranging in price from $2,543 for a standard Six to $2,690 for a Deluxe Eight.[2]
By the beginning of the new decade, the fastback body design, dating back to pre-war era, was no longer seen as futuristic, but rather dated. Most buyers were now preferring the new notchback-designed Chieftain.[4]
The 1950 Pontiacs used the popular 1949 envelope bodies with revisions to trim and appointments.[2] The horizontal center grille bar now wrapped around the corners of the body.[2] Deluxes had a chrome body strip, chrome wheel rings, chrome headlight rings and stainless steel gravel guards.[2] Eights had an "8" between the words. Streamliners (except for station wagons and sedan delivery trucks) had fastback styling.[2] The price of Streamliner station wagons fell to a range of $2,264 for standard Sixes to $2,411 for Deluxe Eights[2] due to the fact all-metal construction did not require final work be done at Hercules Body Company or Iona Manufacturing. Nevertheless, the Streamliner station wagon remained the most expensive Pontiac model.[2]
The 1951 "Silver Anniversary" Pontiacs reflected 25 years of advanced engineering.[2] A wing-shaped grille was seen and a Silver Streak theme continued. Streamliners again used the B-body shell with sloping fastbacks on coupes.[2] Deluxes had chrome body strip, bright gravel guards, and headlight rings.[2] Belt line moldings on all Deluxe passenger cars (not station wagons) had a dip behind the doors.[2] Standard belt moldings were straight.[2] A script plate reading Pontiac was used on Series 25 Sixes and on Series 27 Eights a different script read Pontiac Eight.[2] In its final year, the Streamliner station wagon continued to be Pontiac's most expensive model, ranging in price from $2,470 for a standard Six to $2,629 for a Deluxe Eight.[2] Pontiac's headquarter operations at thePontiac, Michigan plant was responsible for 49.2% of all Pontiacs built in 1951.[2]
With the demise of the Streamliner, 1951 would be the last time Pontiac offered aB-bodied car until 1959.[2]
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