Vehicle Description
1948 Pontiac Torpedo Deluxe Convertible. This convertible was
purchased in May, 1971 and is the last in the line of Torpedo named
Pontiacs that extended back to 1940. This particular car is
complete including the ivory steering wheel and chrome facial
tissue dispenser. The Torpedo had more chrome trim than any other
GM vehicle at that time and this car has stainless steel full
window surround, front fender stainless, wheel trim rings and
chrome gravel guards. Pontiac, like all American automotive
manufacturers, was wholly dedicated to the war effort until 1945.
Accordingly, when Pontiac introduced its new line for 1946, as
every other builder did, it was essentially a 1942 model with a new
grille, fenders, and trim. They did not have to do much, as demand
was also at its highest point ever with newly returning servicemen
and their families literally buying anything that they could get
their hands on. The refreshed 1942 design would stay in production
for a solid three years, remaining tremendously popular for each of
those years. To many, the streamlined Torpedo design of this model
represents post-war Pontiac design at its best. It has a
wonderfully aggressive, purely American appearance, which when
paired with the famous power of the Pontiac straight eight and the
iconic "Silver Streaks" on its hood represents the best of 1940s
Detroit motoring. Currently not running.
