Vehicle Description
Pontiac Hood Ornaments
Several decades ago, car hood ornaments were more than just emblems
identifying car manufacturers-they were adornments that made bold
statements. History reveals that many hood ornaments were themed to
reflect the most powerful (or modern) technology of the
times-locomotives in the 1930s; airplanes, torpedoes & gunsights in
the 1940s; and jet aircraft and rockets in the 1950s. These
technology imageries coupled with several other stylized shapes and
themes inspired a wide array of hood sculptures that still
fascinate classic and vintage car aficionados today. When the next
county fair or antique car show rolls around in your area, take the
time to visit. You'll be amazed at the display of immaculately kept
(or restored) classic American automobiles sporting their original
grills, trim and yep, you guessed it-beautiful hood ornaments.
Historic photos of the automobile were legion in the press and key
among them were images of the dramatic. It is not surprising that
the Pontiac mascot was featured so prominently in the news since
Pontiac's ornaments are among the most striking from the flamboyant
era of the American automobile. In 1926, General Motors introduced
a modestly-priced car line produced in Pontiac, Michigan (so named
after a famous Ottawa chief). So, it's no surprise that throughout
the 1930s, '40s and '50s, car hoods would be adorned with sleek
variations of a "chief" with head-dress motif. Another identifying
ornamental feature of Pontiacs were their "Silver Streaks"-one or
more narrow strips of stainless steel which extended from the
grille down the center of the hood.
The flying mascot's sleek body trailing behind the bold, simplified
features of Chief Pontiac is replete with glistening surface and
tapering forms. Its swept wings were modeled after the jet aircraft
of the period and in that regard symbolized the military might
embodied in the Cold War fighters and bomber planes. In the words
of one designer, "We liked jet airplanes, we liked flashiness, we
liked power."
Our collector of Pontiac Memorabilia grew up and lived in Detroit
and had a company which produced fabric and paint swatch marketing
materials for various companies. He has restored and owned just a
FEW cars (Pontiacs of course) along the way but became attracted at
an early age to the Chief Mascot, hence this collection exists
today.
This collection is not all inclusive but geared to those items to
which the consigner was attracted. There are a total of 21
ornaments/mascots spanning from 1926 to the mid 1950's. These
ornaments were then mounted in a hand-crafted base made of Sapele
and Cherry wood. Highlights of this collection include but are not
limited to, a 1930 Indian head radiator cap, which was the only
emblem to sport a headband (RARE). Pontiac's first patented Indian
Head radiator cap from 1926-27 model year and is included in this
collection. Designs of the years are very evident in this mascot
span of time collection. For instance, in the 1940's the
streamliner design was in favor and Pontiac seized on this trend
with an aero clear plastic Indian Head that illuminated. As time
changed so did styles up until the last year which was 1954-55 when
the last of the heads were adorning cars. By this time the faces
had become more geometric and stylized utilizing several angled
cuts to form the shape of the heads and faces. It does still
resemble the original Indian face and head.
A chance to see some history of design and have many conversation
pieces. Years of diligent searching and collecting have a
collection which is unmatched that now could be yours. Then you can
continue the collecting and possibly can find the Indian Maiden
mascot from 1934-35! Keep the spirit alive from this once
ubiquitous company now no longer even a brand.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
