HPOF certified survivor. Known ownership history from new with just THREE owners! Runs and drives very well, beautifully preserved, lots of documentation. Inexpensive fun that’s not a Model A Ford.
This Pontiac is almost entirely original—an important part of the HPOF award is the “preservation” thing. That’s original Seminole Blue paint on the body and it has a wonderful soft shine that only comes from age and lots of polishing. A few areas of the black fenders and on the roof have started to crack and chip, but as an original car, it would be a mistake to chase perfection here. We’ve found that original cars, warts and all, seem to attract much more attention than shiny new cars—yes, it’s a change in your mindset, but it’s a worthy one because you’ll find cars like this have a great many admirers. There’s just nothing like the precision sound the doors make when they close, the warm tone of the polished chrome radiator shell and bumpers, and the feeling that you could reach back through time just by sitting in the passenger’s seat. This car has been used as a benchmark for judging standards in the Pontiac-Oakland Club International (POCI) and it retains all its original fittings, from the Chief Pontiac hood ornament to the just-barely-visible “PONTIAC” lettering on the running boards to the single taillight out back.
The beautifully outfitted interior still carries vintage 1930 olive-colored mohair, a popular and surprisingly durable material that was a staple throughout the GM line. Two buckets up front offer good access to the rear bench and aside from a few split seams along the back of the driver’s seat, the upholstery is in fantastic shape. Floor coverings are simple rubber mats over wood floors, just as when it was new, and it’s somewhat surprising to see that the map pockets still have a bit of elastic left in them. Nice! The simple flat instrument panel has all its original gauges and knobs, as well as a long list of accessories: heater, ashtray and lighter, a fan mounted above the driver along with an interesting odometer for setting service intervals, dual rear-view mirrors, plus the primitive turn signal device mounted on the steering column. The rear seat remains in fantastic condition and even includes a silk shade for the oval rear window. It shouldn’t be a surprise that this car has scored as well as it has in preservation class judging.
Pontiac’s rugged and reliable 200 cubic inch “split head” inline-6 runs as well as ever thanks to proper maintenance over the years. Hit the starter and it springs to life easily with a little choke, and it never seems to get fussy. It shows 61,305 miles and we believe that is an authentic reading, so the engine remains healthy and ready to tour. It’s not detailed and perfect, but it’s also evident that this car has been spared the harsh realities of winter weather, because the block is clean, the manifolds show only the usual surface scale, and all the fittings remain bright. A mechanical fuel pump was a recent innovation and has been recently rebuilt, as has the updraft carburetor, and the ignition system was recently treated to points, condenser, wires, and plugs. You’ll note that the electrical system has been upgraded to an external regulator, which is a clever idea that works well here, and there’s an accessory oil filter on the firewall. Cruising speeds are an easy 45-50 MPH, although it’ll do more without complaint if you’re in a hurry. It has a pleasing six-cylinder sound and the inline-six remains eminently smooth whenever it’s working.
Part of that comes from the 3-speed manual transmission, which has GM’s Synchro-Mesh to make shifting easy and smooth. As an original car, the underside isn’t detailed and shiny, but with wooden floors, a frame made of 3/16-inch thick steel, and heavy-duty hardware, rust is a non-issue. The brakes are mechanical, so you’ll need a little planning, but they’re effective if you drive the car within its limits. The same goes for the steering and handling, and this Pontiac offers a big car ride at a Model A price—there’s just no comparison. Wood spoke wheels were painted in 1930 instead of natural, an updated look that certainly helps clean up the styling, and it carries older G-100 Goodyear wide whitewalls.
Extras include period Pontiac literature, advertisements, and service manuals, plus receipts from the car’s extensive history. We also have dozens of service parts, spares, lights, lenses, wiring, and a spare transmission.
This is an easy car to enjoy. The originality is extremely appealing, yet very low maintenance. The engine is simple and rugged, but 50% more powerful than a comparable Model A Ford. There’s a level of sophistication to the Big Six that other cars in its price range—then and now—don’t quite match. And with history on its side, you’ll have the honor of being the next chapter in this Pontiac’s story. Will you own it for decades like the others? Only time will tell, so call today!
