Vehicle Description
1947 Pontiac Torpedo 6 Series 25 2 Door Sedan
The Pontiac Torpedo was a full-sized car produced by Pontiac from
the 1940 through the 1948 model year, (war years excepted). When
released, it was the biggest Pontiac, used an 8-cylinder engine,
and it had more standard features than other Pontiacs. Although the
Torpedo name was exclusive to the highest line of Pontiacs in 1940,
in 1941 the name was applied to all Pontiacs in three separate
lines. The Custom Torpedoes were now top-of-the-line names, while
the DeLuxe Torpedo became the baseline, and the Streamliner Torpedo
became the middle line of Pontiacs. All Torpedo models could be had
with either a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engine beginning in 1941.
From 1942 to 1948 the Torpedo name designated only the baseline of
Pontiacs. The Torpedo was replaced by the Pontiac Chieftain in
1949. It was with this generation that all GM vehicles experienced
increased width dimensions to accommodate three passengers on the
front bench seat and an additional three passengers on rear bench
seat installed vehicles. This was accomplished with the deletion of
the running board, thereby adding additional room inside the
passenger compartment.
For consignment, a 32,015 title verified actual mile 1947 Pontiac
Torpedo 6 which is in very good condition, has styling to beat the
band courtesy Harley Earl, a beautiful color combo, lots of chrome,
and a very comfortable interior which drips Art Deco design motifs.
Originally purchased by Mary Sowers from Yingling Auto Sales in
Hagerstown, MD and remained in her care until her passing in 1972.
From there the car was owned by Mary's nephew and upon his passing
it came to our consignor's hands. Wearing a prior repaint, original
interior and a few added options that can be verified by the
original invoice that is included with your purchase, but the real
rarity is the catalog of registration cards from 1947 until
1970...talk about some real history!
Exterior
One would be tempted to start upfront, and damn the torpedoes we
will! Upfront, the long rear hinged hood is beautifully rounded and
is housing a 4 bar front grille and a curved bumper with added
guards and signal lights on the lower bar just above the bumper.
Presenting in a repaint of the factory correct Smoked Pearl it is
now covering the entire car with its chrome trimmings and bulbous
fenders, the paint is nearly perfect. The front fenders are indeed
impressive as they spill into the front doors and dive downward mid
door to the small but still remaining running boards. From here the
bulbous rear fender takes over which neatly frames the rear quarter
panel that conforms in their lower shape to the fender. A britework
rocker trimming dresses the bottom of the body and this car is
complete with chrome plated dog dish caps coverson the black steel
wheel that shod in wide whites on all 4 corners. Noticeably evident
is the silver streak making its way from the grille to the split
windshield. On top of the bands is an art deco styled Chief face
complete with a headdress in chrome. Out back is a slowly sweeping
rear line that holds the oval rear window and chrome bar dressed
trunk lid. Just below is another dressed to the nines bumper with
added guards. Call the doctor! I'm in Art Deco cardiacarrest!
Interior
Inside a metal dash has a faux wood grain wrapping which has some
beautifully bezeled instruments in front of the warm cream bakelite
wheel and its central chief badge. Vertical ribs curve downward on
the radio speaker just below the original push button AM radio. A
lineup of bakelite knobs, also in warm cream, are on the bottom of
the dash as are the controls for the factory spec heater. The door
panels are using fuzzy broadcloth in tan and stitched with a square
pattern. Bands of chrome separate the uppers and lowers of the
panel and more faux wood dresses the window frames. Shiny knobs and
actuators and cranks are present in the doors as well. Inside, a
like new tan striped broadcloth split bench stretches from door to
door and sits within a tan and brown tub. In the back plenty of
luxurious legroom is covered in clean tan rubber matting, and
another striped tan broadcloth couch is for the rear passengers.
Mohair covers the headliner and appears to be original.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within a pristine engine bay is a 239.2ci inline
6-cylinder flathead mill. It is topped by a 1-barrel carburetor
with an oil bath air cleaner. On back is the standard issue 3-speed
manual transmission which links up in the very back to a 4.10
geared rear axle. All looking good under this hood and in 2021 our
consignor had the drivetrain checked over to ensure
reliability.
Undercarriage
Spray on undercoating has done its job as it is virtually rust free
on the structural front. While there is surface rust on the
flooring frame and suspension, all remains solid and intact. The
rockers are solid, brake lines are looking very nice, and they pump
hydraulic fluid to the 4-wheel drum brakes. Independent coil sprung
front, and leaf springs for the rear provide the glide as you snake
your way through those country backroads.
Drive-Ability
I hopped in this classic mass of Detroit Iron, and was immediately
struck how comfortable and original the seats were. Also, the dash
is striking with its instrument cluster and radio setup. With a few
quick movements the engine came to life and all was working save
for the gas gauge not providing a reading and even the radio and
optional heater were working as designed. It's a smooth runner, a
great eye-catching cruiser and a not oft seen car and it is not
known how many exactly were produced.
A single respray in the factory color, the silver streaks running
through the center of the hood and trunk lid, a great
papertrail,and wonderfully comfortable interior. Don't forget
thebump out bulbous fenders to die for, this car exudes late 40's
styling. Look up in the sky!!! It's a bird, no it's a plane
no...it's a Torpedo and it's driving down the highway at amazing
speed. The car dinner bell is ringing for someone, come on in
chief.
L6MA7236
L-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
6-6 Cylinder
M-1947
A-Torpedo
7236-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 47 2511-1947 Torpedo 6 Series 25 2 Door Sedan
BODY BL782-Linden Body #
TRIM 71-Tan Striped Broadcloth
PAINT 707-Smoked Pearl
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
