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51-564: For model year 1933, Pontiac introduced the all-new Economy Eight Series 601 with the 223.4 cu in (3.7 L) Silver Streak Straight-8 using a Carter one-barrel carburetor and shared the slanting vee-type grille that concealed the radiator used on all GM products, and was built on the GM A platform shared with the Chevrolet Master . The front fenders now fully covered the front wheels and adopted aircraft-inspired appearance as

102-420: A B-bodied car until 1959. Pontiac straight-8 engine The Pontiac straight-8 engine is an inline eight-cylinder automobile engine produced by Pontiac from 1933 to 1954. Introduced in the fall of 1932 for the 1933 models, it was Pontiac's most powerful engine at the time and the least expensive eight-cylinder engine built by an American automotive manufacturer. During its 21-year run displacement of

153-524: 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). 1941 was the last year Pontiac offered a model with the GM C-body until the big " Clamshell " tailgate Pontiac Safari and Grand Safari station wagons of 1971–76. For 1942, the Torpedo name

204-497: A 4-door Convertible Sedan seating five passengers. The options list continued to grow with such items as a tenite shift lever ball for US$ 0.50 ($ 11 in 2023 dollars ), 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 ($ 64 in 2023 dollars ). Calendar year production

255-1025: A Deluxe Eight, again making them Pontiac's most expensive model. Sales of Streamliners totaled 128,660 in 1947, or nearly 56% of all Pontiacs sold. In 1948 a new Pontiac styling included triple "Silver Streaks," a horizontal grille theme with vertical shaft, and round taillights. The word "Silver Streak" was carried on the sides of the hood with eights having an "8" placed between the two words. Streamliners were again larger and more expensive than other Pontiacs. All Streamliners, be they 2-door or 4-door fastbacks, or station wagons, now came standard or Deluxe. Deluxe models were distinguished by spear moldings on front fender, bright gravel guards, and chrome plated wheel discs on all cars except wagons. 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. Standard Streamliner station wagons had tan imitation leather seats and Deluxe wagons had red upholstery of

306-458: A Pontiac was promoted as a likable automobile, with enough power under the hood to get the job done in affordable luxury. However, by the early 1950s, powerful overhead valve V8s from sister GM Divisions Cadillac , Buick and Oldsmobile , as well as new overhead valve V8s from Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation , made the flathead "Silver Streak" all but obsolete. It was a quiet, smooth running, cheap to produce engine that served

357-560: A column mounted shift lever the cars offered true six passenger comfort. It was related to the Chevrolet Special Deluxe Fleetline . In 1941 the A-body and B-body were similarly redesigned. Consequently, Pontiac renamed its entire line-up "Torpedo", with models ranging from the low-end A-bodied Deluxe Torpedo (with a 119.0 in (3,023 mm) wheelbase), the mid-level B-bodied Streamliner Torpedo (with

408-469: A die cast plate with indianhead relief. Interiors for sedans and coupes were redesigned with Berwicke beige panels for dashboard and windows. Windshield, door and garnish moldings were finished in Autumn Brown with dado stripe border moldings. All coupes and sedans were fastbacks with full-loop around window moldings. Streamliner station wagons ranged in price from $ 1,992 for a standard Six to $ 2,111 for

459-532: A different script read Pontiac Eight. 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. Pontiac's headquarter operations at the Pontiac, Michigan plant was responsible for 49.2% of all Pontiacs built in 1951. With the demise of the Streamliner, 1951 would be the last time Pontiac offered

510-403: A minimum 600-700 rpm. The electrical system was a 6-volt primary with a negative ground, and a conventional mechanical ignition , with the firing order 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4. The Pontiac engines employed a full pressure oiling system and full bearing inserts, unlike its Chevrolet cousin. Below are specifications as per the model year and displacement, with output shown as horsepower (kilowatts). At

561-477: 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 ($ 465 in 2023 dollars ). It shared some appearances with the Vauxhall Light Six . The 1936 Pontiac Deluxe Series 8BA was introduced with a 116.625 in (2,962 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the longer engine, and

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612-402: 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. The 1935 Pontiac Series 605 Eight was now the senior sedan to the reintroduced Pontiac Standard Series 701-A and Deluxe Series 701-B Six and all shared the updated coachwork provided by Fisher Body , which shared an appearance with LaSalle and

663-526: A result of Art Deco influences. 1933 was also the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent 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 for Fisher Body . The feature redirected airflow into

714-482: A result of people protesting about having a car from “Italy” As of 1948 only General Motors sold cars with fully automatic transmissions and the only other way to get one was to buy a higher priced Cadillac , Buick or Oldsmobile . Chevrolet would not introduce Powerglide until 1950, Ford FordoMatic until 1951 ( Lincoln would start buying Hydramatics from GM in 1949), and Chrysler , PowerFlite on Imperials , until 1953. Hydramatic proved very popular with

765-402: 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 ($ 16,358 in 2023 dollars ) The wheel diameter was 17" and the overall curb weight was between 2,675–3,020 lb (1,213–1,370 kg). The Pontiac Series 603

816-481: A standard Six to $ 2,047 for a Deluxe Eight, Streamliner station wagons continued to be the most expensive Pontiac model. A total of 92,731 Streamliners were sold in 1946, accounting for over two thirds of all Pontiacs. 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. Hoods and fenders were protected by an inverted steer's horn shaped bar incorporating

867-433: A straight eight design has very low inherent vibration, while the side-valve layout contains the moving parts of the valve train within the cast-iron block, enabling it to be very quiet compared to an overhead valve configuration (as in the contemporary Buick engines). Combined with a substantial exhaust manifold and effective intake and exhaust muffling this can lead to a very quiet vehicle, both internally and externally. At

918-411: 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. Since Hydramatic was still only optional on Cadillac and Oldsmobile, and Dynaflow optional on Buick Roadmaster , given the total sales of Cadillac (50,619), Oldsmobile (173,661) and Buick Roadmaster (80,071), and the fact that Dynaflow

969-503: The Cadillac 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

1020-468: The "eight" increased twice as platforms grew. It was superseded by Pontiac's new V8 , the 287 , in 1955. Engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations then assembled at Tonawanda Engine before delivery to Pontiac Assembly for installation. The straight-8 was dubbed the Silver-Streak at Pontiac Division. Powered by the "eight", optional in lower-end models,

1071-595: The "horsepower race" initiated in the early 1950s ensured the dominance of the overhead valve V8. During its run, the eight came in all Pontiacs, which included the Special and Deluxe (1936–40), Torpedo (1940–48) and Streamliner (1942–52), as well as the first six years of the Chieftain (1949–58) and the debut year for the Star Chief (1954–66). Compression on the "eight" started at 5.7:1 initially, and

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1122-503: The "speedline" fender ribs. They also had longer front fender crown moldings and were generally larger in size. Lettering on hood emblems and badges placed forward of the "speedlines" identified Eights. Interior trim on passenger cars were in gray striped cloth. Station wagons had three seats in standard trim, two seats in Deluxe trim and used imitation leather upholstery and passenger car style interior hardware. Ranging in price from $ 1942 for

1173-586: The Deluxe Eight Series 28 which includes an engine and transmission imported from Italy on the "B" platform, and the Torpedo on the C-platform . 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

1224-505: The General Motors Motorama for 1954, Pontiac debuted its all new Bonneville Special , a concept car envisioned by head designer Harley J. Earl . The concept was equipped with the "Special"-8, a high output 268-cubic-inch (4.4 L) engine that was painted bright red and detailed in chrome. This was a unique configuration for the "eight", installed in the only two Specials ever made. Similar in appearance only, this

1275-593: 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. 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 1959 Pontiac Star Chief and Bonneville . The first postwar Pontiac available (September 13, 1945)

1326-404: 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. The optionally listed price was US$ 7.90 ($ 167 in 2023 dollars ) while the heater for the Deluxe model was listed at US$ 17.95 ($ 380 in 2023 dollars ) 1937 was also the first year that

1377-420: The front doors lengthened the forward fender lines. The hood extended back to the front doors, eliminating the cowl. The grille, bumper and hood were widened and headlamps were further apart. Long horizontal parking lamps sat just above the vertical side grilles. The horseshoe shaped center grille had horizontal bars and a circular emblem in the middle of the upper main surround molding. The word Pontiac appeared on

1428-427: 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 " using trailing arms , an automatic choke for the carburetor, and a pressurized cooling system for

1479-453: The guidance of Bunkie Knudsen Pontiac was determined to change its image into a performance car to boost sales, this led Knudsen to look for further talent, including Pete Estes as chief engineer (taken from Olds division) and John DeLorean as director of advanced engineering, a former Packard and Chrysler engineer. Pontiac became known as a performance division based upon the durable, well performing V8s that came later, all of them based upon

1530-576: The hood side molding of six-cylinder models, while the moldings of the eight-cylinder cars said Pontiac Eight. After December 15, 1941, wartime "blackout" trim was used. All parts previously chrome plated were finished in Duco Gun Metal Grey. With the end of the C-body Pontiac Custom Torpedo , station wagon production was transferred to the new Streamliner line. The final body work continued to be done at either

1581-482: 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. The 1937 Pontiac Deluxe Eight Series 28 was the first year all GM vehicles offered an optional "Dual Safety Electric Fan Windshield Defroster" combined with a passenger compartment heater. This device used an additional heater core installed behind

Pontiac Streamliner - Misplaced Pages Continue

1632-573: The lower middle price range enabled by General Motors' manufacturing expertise and volumes of the time. As with other iron block straight configurations, the engine is considerably heavier than an equivalent V configuration, requiring more materials for the crank and crankcase and so increasing overall vehicle weight in even greater proportion. The long crankshaft tends to exhibit torsional vibration modes under high power, while side-valve flathead engines inhibit smooth intake and exhaust gas flow, limiting power. None of these disadvantages were disabling until

1683-487: The model year. 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. The 1950 Pontiacs utilized the popular 1949 envelope bodies with revisions to trim and appointments. The horizontal center grille bar now wrapped around the corners of the body. Deluxes had a chrome body strip, chrome wheel rings, chrome headlight rings and stainless steel gravel guards. Eights had an "8" between

1734-411: The more upscale Deluxe Eight was built on the GM B platform . This allowed extra room needed so that a third passenger could be accommodated on the front bench seat with a manual transmission column 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),

1785-408: The needs of the 1930s and '40s Pontiac buyers adequately for power. By 1953 the 287-cubic-inch (4.7 L) Strato Streak V8 was ready to go, with Pontiac chassis and steering already adapted for it, but it was held back by the protesting Buick and Olds divisions. It was a truly modern, durable but affordable design perfectly matched to Pontiac's target market. A few years later (fall of 1956), under

1836-561: The original 287 of 1955. Designed and priced for conservative lower middle class buyers, the Pontiacs filled a slot between the popular Chevrolet and the higher priced Oldsmobiles and Buicks . The "eight" was a typical American built engine for its time, a side-valve L-head, or "flathead" , with a chain driven cam. It was naturally aspirated through a Carter "W" series single or dual-venturi (one- or two-barrel) downdraft carburetor . Of all cylinder layouts without balance shaft,

1887-623: The overall length was 198.06 in (5,031 mm) using 16-inch steel disc wheels. As the economy began to recover from the Great 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 ($ 32,468 in 2023 dollars ). Five 2-door coachwork choices to include the Sport Coupe with rumble seat , Business Coupe, Touring Sedan and Convertibles, and three 4-door choices were offered including

1938-561: 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 at Muncie, 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

1989-513: 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. For 1940, Oldsmobile and Pontiac had the distinction of having all three of General Motors ' mainstream platforms . In 1940 Pontiac continued offering

2040-521: The same type. 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. In 1948 160,857 Streamliners were sold, accounting for nearly 66% of all Pontiacs. 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

2091-458: The time of its use, a quiet and vibration free engine was thought to be a mark of quality in an automobile. Bores need be of small diameter to keep the engine length down, and so strokes must be long to obtain larger displacements — such configurations (called "undersquare") exhibit good low-rpm torque and are capable of slow idle speeds, enhancing both drivability and quietness. While Chrysler vehicles had similar engines they were not targeted for

Pontiac Streamliner - Misplaced Pages Continue

2142-527: The words. Streamliners (except for station wagons and sedan delivery trucks) had fastback styling. The price of Streamliner station wagons fell to a range of $ 2,264 for standard Sixes to $ 2,411 for Deluxe Eights 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. The 1951 "Silver Anniversary" Pontiacs reflected 25 years of advanced engineering. A wing-shaped grille

2193-416: Was a high compression variant, modified with a high-lift cam and fitted with four Carter YH side-draft one-barrel carburetors, the same used in the 1953 Corvette , under open-mesh breathers. Total output was the highest ever for the "eight", rated at 230 bhp (172 kW), though some estimated it at over 300 bhp (224 kW). Like the Special , only two were ever made. Note: Pontiac’s new V8

2244-604: Was assigned to the A-bodied Pontiac while the Streamliner became the B-bodied Pontiac. The Pontiac Streamliner is a full-sized car that was produced by Pontiac from the 1942 to the 1951 model years. Streamliners used the larger B-body and, except for the station wagons , used fastback styling. The 1941 Super Streamliner models with folding center armrest were known as Chieftains in 1942. All Pontiacs looked lower, heavier and wider. Extension caps on

2295-399: Was increased to 6.2:1 in 1934. In 1940 it was increased again to 6.5:1. From 1952 to 1954 two compression ratios were specified, 6.8:1 with synchromesh (manual) transmission, and 7.7:1 with Hydramatic automatic transmission . The engine had a remarkably low idle speed of 450 rpm with standard transmission and 375 rpm (while in drive) for the automatic; a modern engine is usually tuned to

2346-722: 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. The 1949 Pontiacs featured low sleek envelope bodies. Streamliner coupes and sedans utilized the fastback B-body shell. 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. Standard coupes, sedans, and wagons were characterized by an absence of beltline trim along with use of rubber gravel guards and painted headlight rims. Deluxes had beltline moldings, chrome gravel guards and bright plated headlight doors. Silver Streak styling

2397-525: 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. 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

2448-509: Was seen again. Silver Streak lettering was placed above front fender spears on Deluxes and high on the fenders of standards. Eights had the number "8" between the two words. Most standard models had gray striped pattern cloth upholstery. Most Deluxes used dark gray broadcloth trims. Wagons were trimmed as before except imitation leather was only used on standard wagons. 1949 was the last year for wood-bodied station wagons , as production shifted to all-metal station wagons with woodgrain trim during

2499-465: Was seen and a Silver Streak theme continued. Streamliners again used the B-body shell with sloping fastbacks on coupes. Deluxes had chrome body strip, bright gravel guards, and headlight rings. Belt line moldings on all Deluxe passenger cars (not station wagons) had a dip behind the doors. Standard belt moldings were straight. A script plate reading Pontiac was used on Series 25 Sixes and on Series 27 Eights

2550-424: Was the Streamliner coupe, which remained the sole product for a time. 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. Streamliners could be identified by straight back Indian moldings on the rear hood ornament chrome beltline moldings and bright moldings on

2601-416: 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

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