The Pontiac 6 was a more affordable version of its predecessor Oakland Six that was introduced in 1926, sold through Oakland Dealerships. Pontiac was the first of General Motors companion make program where brands were introduced to fill in pricing gaps that had developed between Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Oakland and Chevrolet. The original marketing approach began when GM was incorporated in 1908 was to offer a range of vehicles in various body styles based on affordable to extravagant, and the customer base would gradually trade up every few years to the next hierarchy brand. Pontiac was introduced as an affordable Oakland, followed by LaSalle for Cadillac, Marquette for Buick and Viking for Oldsmobile. Pontiac's introduction was a sales success while customers shied away from the more expensive Oakland, and once the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression followed, both Pontiac and Oakland were being considered for cancellation but the decision was made to keep Pontiac as the economy began to recover.
40-643: The 1926 Pontiac 6 was first introduced as the Series 6-27 using Fisher Body coachwork, and only offered a 2-door 2-passenger Coupe or 5-passenger Coach with a list price of US$ 825 ($ 14,199 in 2023 dollars ). It was first introduced January 3, 1926, while manufacture at the Oakland Factory in Pontiac Michigan began December 28, 1925 and introduced the Pontiac straight-6 engine split-flathead which
80-502: A "Body by Chevrolet" tag) each displayed a "Body by Fisher" emblem on their door sill plates until Fisher Body's demise. Fisher Body's beginnings trace back to a horse-drawn carriage shop in Norwalk, Ohio , in the late 1800s. Lawrence P. Fisher (1852 Peru, Ohio – 1921, Norwalk, Ohio) and his wife Margaret Theisen (1857 Baden , Germany – 1936 Detroit, Michigan) had a large family of eleven children; seven were sons who would become part of
120-409: A 1919 deal put together by president William C. Durant , General Motors bought 60% of the company. The Fisher company purchased Fleetwood Metal Body in 1925, and in 1926 was integrated entirely as an in-house coachbuilding division of General Motors. Fisher Body Division was dissolved in 1984, with some of its plants taken over by the newly created Fisher Guide Division (later Inland Fisher Guide), and
160-566: A plant in Walkerville, Ontario . By 1914 their operations had grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of auto bodies. One reason for their success was the development of interchangeable wooden body parts that did not require hand-fitting, as was the case in the construction of carriages. This required the design of new precision woodworking tools. The Fisher Body and Buick chassis were built in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, in
200-795: A stainless steel alloy developed by AK Steel that allows the bus to be half the nominal weight of a standard transit bus and achieve twice the fuel economy. As of 2010, Fisher Coachworks, LLC went out of business after two years, producing only a single prototype bus. On March 3, 2011, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation received a check for $ 29,000 for all of Fisher CoachWorks’ remaining assets. Alfred J. Fisher Jr., an automotive safety pioneer and son of Fisher Body's Alfred J. Fisher Sr., died June 19, 2012. Chevrolet Master The Chevrolet Master and Master Deluxe are American passenger vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet between 1933 and 1942 to replace
240-579: Is the post between the front door wing windows and the roll down windows: on the Eagle the chrome divider between these two windows goes down as the window goes down, whereas on the Master this divider remains fixed and does not go down with the window. The Series DA Master offered an increased wheelbase of 112 in (2,844.8 mm). This increased the difference with the cheaper Standard wheelbase to 5 in (127.0 mm). Powered by an upgraded version of
280-469: The Chevrolet Master , and as a junior vehicle to the eight cylinder vehicle introduced in 1933. As all GM vehicles shared a common appearance due to coachwork was provided by Fisher Body vehicles, a streamlined appearance with a narrow grille covering a concealed radiator with a chrome waterfall grille extending along the center and top of the engine cover was added, which showed a resemblance to
320-523: The LaSalle and the Cadillac Series 60 . The chrome trim piece evolved from an earlier hinge that was used to fasten the two sides of the engine cover together. For 1937, an additional trim piece was added to the rear trunk. This styling flourish was called the "Silver Streak" and was associated with Pontiac products until 1960 and it was a common practice to call the car and the straight-8 engine
360-677: The Special Deluxe . The updated corporate appearance introduced a concealed radiator behind a façade with a grille. This was the last Chevrolet that was exported to Japan in knock down kits and assembled at the company's factory in Osaka, Japan before the factory was appropriated by the Imperial Japanese Government. When Toyota decided to develop their own sedan called the Toyota AA , a locally manufactured Master
400-428: The " Pontiac Silver Streak " while it was not an official Pontiac name designation until the 1950s. As it was a commonly recognized appearance change that GM would make yearly changes, the silver streak chrome stripes would change to refresh the appearance. The first appearance of a Pontiac station wagon using wooden panels for the doors, accommodating seven passengers for a list price of US$ 992 ($ 21,025 in 2023 dollars )
440-518: The "Fine 6 Series 401" was introduced in January, and the most notable changes were a 112" wheelbase, seven body style choices, while it shared appearance and technical advancements introduced by GM on all cars for this model year. This was the last year for Oakland, and prices remained close in comparison to Chevrolet at US$ 675 ($ 13,524 in 2023 dollars ) for a choice of a 2-passenger Coupe or 2-door 5-passenger sedan to US$ 785 ($ 15,727 in 2023 dollars ) for
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#1732771962170480-589: The 1920s. In 1916, the company became the Fisher Body Corporation. Its capacity was 370,000 bodies per year and its customers included Abbot , Buick , Cadillac , Chalmers , Chandler , Chevrolet , Church-Field , Elmore , EMF , Ford , Herreshoff , Hudson , Krit , Oldsmobile , Oakland , Packard , Pontiac , Regal , and Studebaker . The company constructed the now-abandoned Smith, Hinchman & Grylls -designed Fisher Body Plant 21 (commonly misattributed to Albert Kahn , who designed
520-479: The 1928 Pontiac 6 "New Series 6-28" was the new sales leader favorite of GM and saw various changes too. The front fenders now had a higher crown which meant that the edge of the fender came further down the sides of the tires and covered more of the front of the tire with a beaded edge. All previous "Deluxe" models were renamed "Sport", and the Indian head hood ornament no longer had a headdress , which now signified it
560-634: The 1933 Master Eagle . It was the most expensive model in the Chevrolet range at this time, with the Standard Mercury providing an affordable product between 1933 and 1937. Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the Art and Color Section headed by Harley Earl . From 1940 a more expensive version based on the Master Deluxe was launched called
600-403: The 206 cu in (3,380 cc) "Stovebolt" six-cylinder engine , now producing 80 hp (60 kW). The independent front suspension was something GM called " Knee-Action " using trailing arms and coil springs. The Master underwent a redesign, utilising a new "Turret Top" construction method. This consisted of steel used entirely in the body construction to include the roof and wood
640-406: The 4-door 5-passenger Custom Sedan. Model year production improved to 84,708. 1932 was the first year that Pontiac offered two products, with the Series 302 V8 being renamed from the previous Oakland Model 301 V8. The Series 402 Six offered the same appearance, mechanical and optional equipment installed on all GM vehicles that year, a 114" wheelbase, including the availability of a radio, relocating
680-536: The C. R. Wilson Company, a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriage bodies that was beginning to make bodies for automobile manufacturers. With financing from their uncle, on July 22, 1908, Fred and Charles Fisher established the Fisher Body Company. Their uncle soon wanted out, and the brothers obtained the needed funds from businessman Louis Mendelssohn who became a shareholder and director. Soon Charles and Fred Fisher brought their five younger brothers into
720-517: The Fisher Body Company in Detroit. Lawrence and Margaret were married in Sandusky, Ohio , in 1876. Margaret Theisen Fisher lived in Detroit after her husband died. The Fisher brothers were: In 1904 and 1905, the two eldest brothers, Fred and Charles, came to Detroit where their uncle Albert Fisher had established Standard Wagon Works during the latter part of the 1880s. The brothers found work at
760-739: The Fisher brothers resigned from General Motors to devote their time to other interests, including the Fisher Building on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit . The brothers also mounted a bid to take over Hudson Motors , but their tender offer fell short of its market value and the effort was rejected by stockholders. On January 19, 1972, the last of the Fisher brothers died. The seven brothers donated millions of dollars to schools, churches, and other charitable causes and were active in directing those endeavors. The Fisher family has continued on in
800-713: The Fisher division were combined with the Guide division, which manufactured headlights and plastic parts, to form the Fisher Guide Division. Other plants formerly operated by Fisher were reorganized to become the Chevrolet Pontiac, GM of Canada and the Buick Oldsmobile Cadillac (BOC) group. The name and its iconic "Body by Fisher" logo were widely known, as General Motors vehicles (except the fiberglass Chevrolet Corvette which got
840-532: The automotive industry with Fisher Corporation (metal stamping), General Safety (seat belts), and Fisher Dynamics (seat mechanisms & structures), in the U.S., Mexico, China, and India. On July 22, 2008, Fisher Coachworks, LLC was launched with Gregory W. Fisher, grandson of Alfred J. Fisher, as CEO. The new company was developing a prototype of the GTB-40, a hybrid-electric 40' transit bus developed by Autokinetics of Rochester Hills, Michigan , that uses Nitronic ,
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#1732771962170880-474: The business. Prior to forming the company, Fred Fisher had built the first closed-body coupe, the 1905 Cadillac Osceola at the C. R. Wilson Company. The Osceola was requested by Cadillac founder Henry M. Leland to determine the feasibility of a car body that was closed to the elements. It was built on the chassis of the 1905 Cadillac Model E . Starting in 1910, Fisher became the supplier of all closed bodies for Cadillac , Buick , Oakland and Oldsmobile . In
920-455: The coupe was available in blue with a red stripe, the coach was available in blue or gray with an orange stripe. Deluxe models could be distinguished by having both the fender and body in one color. When the model year had finished 76,742 cars had been manufactured. When model year 1927 began, it was renamed the "New Finer Series 6-27" and a Sport Roadster or Sport Coupe was now offered as a 2-passenger with optional rumble seat . Prices reflected
960-487: The early years of the company, the Fisher Brothers had to develop new body designs because the "horseless carriage" bodies lacked the strength to withstand the vibration of the new motorcars. By 1913, the Fisher Body Company had the capacity to produce 100,000 cars per year and customers included: Ford , Krit , Chalmers , General Motors , and Studebaker . Highly successful, they expanded into Canada, establishing
1000-596: The historic landmark Fisher Building ), on Piquette Street, in Detroit, in 1919. The building is now part of the Piquette Avenue Industrial Historic District and is being revived by Detroit developers Greg Jackson and Richard Hosey and architecture firm McIntosh Poris Architects as Fisher 21 Lofts, a mixed-use project combining 433 apartments and commercial spaces. At the time, Fisher had more than 40 buildings encompassing 3,700,000 square feet (344,000 m ) of floor space. In
1040-549: The improvements recorded were appearance, mechanical or feature enhancements to include a vertical center divider on the surface of the radiator, vertical louvers on the sides of the engine cover, oval opera windows on closed body sedans, and a combination transmission and ignition lock. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 occurred in September, both Pontiac and Oakland sales dropped dramatically and because Oakland
1080-825: The lower priced Standard Six , while the higher equipment Master Deluxe edged the range upwards. While external differentiation was limited to trim and equipment, the Master Deluxe introduced independent front suspension while the Master retained a beam front axle on leaf springs. Master Deluxe: 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Coach, 2dr Town Sedan, 2dr Business Coupe, 2dr Sport Coupe-4p, Transmission: 3 speed manual, Syncro-Mesh, floor-shifted, Silent second speed. The Master (HB) and Master Deluxe (HA) sold well, with 162,430 and 302,728 respectively. Master Deluxe: 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Coach, 2dr Town Sedan, 2dr Business Coupe, 2dr Sport Coupe-4p, Transmission: 3 speed manual, Syncro-Mesh, floor-shifted, Silent second speed. The Master returned for 1939. The Master Deluxe
1120-466: The more upscale "Master Deluxe" model (KA). The even better equipped "Special Deluxe" also appeared for the 1940 model year. Master Deluxe: 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Town Sedan, 2dr Business Coupe, 2dr Four-Passenger Coupe Special Deluxe: 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Town Sedan, 2dr Business Coupe, 2dr Four-Passenger Coupe, Cabriolet, Station Wagon Transmission: 3 speed manual, Syncro-Mesh, column-shifted Overall Length: 192.25 in (including bumpers) This
1160-705: The popularity of the brand and ranged from US$ 775 ($ 13,594 in 2023 dollars ) for a choice of the Sport Roadster, 2-passenger Coupe or 2-door 5-passenger Coach to US$ 975 ($ 17,102 in 2023 dollars ) for the Deluxe Landau Sedan. Earlier in 1925, the GM Art and Color Section, headed up by Harley Earl standardized all GM products and continued the tradition of planned obsolescence which introduced yearly appearance, mechanical upgrades or new optional equipment that in later years became standard equipment, and
1200-628: The remaining facilities absorbed by other GM operations. Founded in 1947 by members of the Fisher family, Fisher & Company continues to use the name, with such divisions as Fisher Dynamics. From its beginning in the "horseless carriage shop" in Norwalk, Ohio, to its sale in 1919 and 1926 to General Motors, the Fisher Body Company was built by the Fisher brothers into one of the world's largest manufacturing companies. The company owned 160,000 acres (650 km ) of timberland and used more wood, carpet, tacks, and thread than any other manufacturer in
1240-437: The sun visor to inside the vehicle, replacing the vertical engine compartment vents with individual doors, fender lights on deepened crown front fenders, and sharing the curved front bar between the headlights used on the 1932 Chevrolet. Kelsey-Hayes spoked 18" wire wheels were optional covering four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Pontiac management decided to reintroduce a six-cylinder engine as an increased content alternative to
Pontiac 6 - Misplaced Pages Continue
1280-492: The world. It had more than 40 plants and employed more than 100,000 people, and pioneered many improvements in tooling and automobile design including closed all-weather bodies. Fisher Body's contribution to the war effort in WWI and WWII included the production of airplanes and tanks . Alfred J. Fisher was Aircraft Director for Fisher Body. Fisher Body developed the unsuccessful Fisher P-75 Eagle heavy fighter. On August 14, 1944,
1320-673: Was designed by Henry M. Crane . As this was an entry-level vehicle, options were limited to a front and rear bumper, rear mounted spare tire and a heater for the passenger compartment. The Coach came painted in Sage Green with Faerie Red striping while the Coupe had Landau bars on the roof and was painted in Arizona Grey while both came with black fenders. Mid-year changes were introduced in August adding three more coachwork choices, while
1360-543: Was disassembled and examined to determine how Toyota should engineer their own cars. In May 1925 the Chevrolet Export Boxing plant at Bloomfield, New Jersey was repurposed from a previous owner where Knock-down kits for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac passenger cars, and both Chevrolet and G. M. C. truck parts are crated and shipped by railroad to the docks at Weehawken, New Jersey for overseas GM assembly factories. The Master name
1400-474: Was initially offered on the 1937 Pontiac Deluxe Six Series 26. Fisher Body 42°22′08″N 83°03′47″W / 42.369°N 83.063°W / 42.369; -83.063 Fisher Body was an automobile coachbuilder founded by the Fisher brothers in 1908 in Detroit, Michigan . In 1984, General Motors dissolved its Fisher Body Division — as part of its extensive North American restructuring. Eight parts-making facilities from within
1440-516: Was no longer used in bodywork or chassis construction. All Chevrolet took on an upgraded streamlined appearance as Chevrolet sought to take on a new and modern appearance called Art Deco , and the bodies were shared with the Pontiac Deluxe . Master Deluxe: 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Coach, 2dr Town Sedan, 2dr Coupe (5w), 2dr Sport Coupe-4p (3w), Transmission: 3 speed manual, Constant-Mesh, floor-shifted, The Master now replaced
1480-551: Was now the JA, while the base model was renamed the Master 85 (JB). A station wagon was first offered, though its construction had been contracted to Mid States Body Corp. Master Deluxe: 4dr Sport Sedan, 2dr Coach, 2dr Business Coupe, 2dr Four-Passenger Coupe, Station Wagon Transmission: 3 speed manual, Syncro-Mesh, floor-shifted, vacuum-assisted column-shift optional The Master continued to be available in Master 85 (KB) as well as
1520-450: Was the more expensive, GM leadership decided that Pontiac should remain. January 1930 introduced the Big 6 Series 6-30B and some of the improvements recorded were a rearward sloping windshield, a beltline molding that extended around the exterior, and exterior sun visors above the windshield. Wheel dimensions were measured at 29" and model year production dropped to 62,888. For model year 1931
1560-437: Was used on a number of different versions, and the Series name changed each year. A four door open top convertible was no longer offered starting in 1933. The 1933 Series CA began production as the "Eagle", but was renamed "Master" midway through the model year when the 1933 Standard model (Series CC) was introduced. Several changes were made to the Eagle when the name was changed to Master. The easiest to distinguishing feature
1600-472: Was using the likeness of an Indian brave. Prices remained under US$ 1,000 for all coachwork choices. January 1929, the updated Series 6-29 "New Big 6" was introduced, signifying that the engine displacement was now at 200 ci, and styling was now influenced by the Vauxhall 20-60 which GM had previously purchased in 1925. All vehicles built between August and October 1929 were identified as Series 6-29A. Some of
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