Advertise for Free
Advertise for Free

Pontiac Torpedo 249 Inline 8 1940

General description : VERY RARE '40 TORPEDO, 249 STRAIGHT 8, 3-SPEED, ALL-STOCK, WARM WEATHER CAR!!!

This lovely little 1940 Pontiac Deluxe Eight business coupe features the all-new A-body, which was shared with Chevrolet in 1940. Stylish, reliable, and practical, the Pontiac line had something for everyone in 1940, and the result was some of the most attractive cars of the era.
Finished in what might be close to Luddington Green, a popular 1940 Pontiac color, this handsome coupe looks fantastic driving down the road or parked in your driveway. The restoration is now several years old and showing its age in some areas, but it certainly falls under the category of a fine ten-footer with great eye appeal. The sleek bodywork looks sporting and trim, a great look for Pontiac because it sold a lot of cars in 1940. It retains all its original chrome and trim, including the trademark Pontiac streaks running down the center of the hood, and the front bumper is a triumph of pre-war design with three bumper guards and a pair of accessory fog lights. A red strip along the side trim adds some contrast and teardrop fender skirts are a period-correct accessory that make this modest car look big and expensive. It remains in ideal condition for club events, touring, and local shows, and it means you'll never have to fret about bugs, rain, or dirt while driving your vintage Poncho.
The interior has obviously been restored using tan fabric for the seats that's both attractive and durable. The original pattern was used, which offers plain seating surfaces front and rear and some subtle stitching on the seat backs and contrasting piping on the sides. For a coupe, the back seat is spacious and will be remarkable to those only familiar with today's cars, where rear passengers are almost an afterthought. The dash is beautifully woodgrained and houses the original gauges, which cover all the vitals and flank a large speedometer with wonderful art-deco numbers cut into the plastic trim. The steering wheel is unquestionably original and showing its age, but it's the only part that really needs some TLC; even the trunk is neatly finished with new materials and a correct spare tire stowed underneath.
Making an even 100 horsepower from the 249 cubic inch flathead straight-8, performance is lively, thanks to a set of steep gears in back (remember that there were no highways in 1940 and most cars never saw more than 50 MPH). The engine bay is not detailed for show but looks period-correct, showing and many authentic components including the oil bath air cleaner and downdraft carburetor. Wearing blue engine enamel, which is perhaps a shade or two brighter than original, the engine runs beautifully with a wonderful mechanical sound that's sadly absent from our cars today. A big part of these cars' appeal lies in the way the machinery does its work, and enjoying one as it was built is a true pleasure. Three-on-the-tree shifting was actually pioneered by Pontiac in 1938, and it works as well here as anywhere else, and with good gearing and lots of torque, shifting is not really necessary most of the time. It fires up easily and idles with a nice eight-cylinder grumble from the single tailpipe and wears a set of older 6.50-16 wide whitewall tires.
If your interests run to pre-war cars, this Pontiac makes a fantastic starter collectable. Parts are still easy to find, and there are enthusiasts everywhere. Performance will keep you from being a rolling roadblock, and its good looks will win you friends everywhere you go. This is a lot of car for not a lot of money. Call today!

Features : Seatbelts, Heat, Cloth Interior, Defrost, AM Radio

https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4197-atl/1940-pontiac-torpedo-eight-sports-coupe

1940 Pontiac Torpedo 249 Inline 8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $27995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : Torpedo Model Version : 249 Inline 8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1940 Sub type : Coupé Location : Atlanta

Sold

Seller Information

Sold

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Pontiac Torpedo

$ £

Other cars listed for sale by this dealer

Ford Thunderbird
Atlanta
Oldsmobile 88
Atlanta
Pontiac Chieftain
Atlanta
Ford F-350
Atlanta
Toyota FJ40
Atlanta
About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:

Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.