Pontiac Torpedo
Encyclopedia
The Pontiac Torpedo was an entry-level car produced by the American car manufacturer Pontiac
from 1940-1948.
In 1941, Pontiac renamed its entire line-up, with models ranging from the low-end Deluxe Torpedo(with a 119" wheelbase), the mid-level Streamliner Torpedo(with the 122" wheelbase from the previous year), and the high-end Custom Torpedo(also with the 122" wheelbase). All models came with either the six or eight cylinder engines. A power top for the convertible was added.
For 1942, the Torpedo became the base car while the Streamliner became the high-end model. The grill got horizontal bars, while the headlamps were placed farther apart. It had notchback
styling. After Dec. 15, 1941, the Torpedo received wartime 'black-out" trim, which meant that all the chrome pieces were painted in Duco Gun-Metal Grey.
1947 Torpedoes received a new "Chief Pontiac" hood ordainment. An 8-tube radio became optional.
1948 was the last year for the Torpedo. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission became optional. Base price was $1,500.
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
from 1940-1948.
Pre-war
In 1940, Pontiac introduced the Torpedo on the GM C-body. The first year it came out, it was only available with the Inline 8-cylinder engine. It was either a 4-passenger coupe or a 5-passenger sedan. A heater, cigarette lighter, six-tube radios, an electric clock, and a trunk light were all optional.In 1941, Pontiac renamed its entire line-up, with models ranging from the low-end Deluxe Torpedo(with a 119" wheelbase), the mid-level Streamliner Torpedo(with the 122" wheelbase from the previous year), and the high-end Custom Torpedo(also with the 122" wheelbase). All models came with either the six or eight cylinder engines. A power top for the convertible was added.
For 1942, the Torpedo became the base car while the Streamliner became the high-end model. The grill got horizontal bars, while the headlamps were placed farther apart. It had notchback
Notchback
Notchback is a styling term describing a car body style, a variation of three-box styling where the third distinct volume or "box" is less pronounced — especially where the rear deck is short or where the rear window is upright...
styling. After Dec. 15, 1941, the Torpedo received wartime 'black-out" trim, which meant that all the chrome pieces were painted in Duco Gun-Metal Grey.
Post-war
In 1946, the first postwar Pontiac's looked very similar to the pre-war models. The dash contained full instrumentation with round gauges. The engines were the same.1947 Torpedoes received a new "Chief Pontiac" hood ordainment. An 8-tube radio became optional.
1948 was the last year for the Torpedo. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission became optional. Base price was $1,500.