MAKE & MODEL: Pontiac Silver Streak Coupe

REGISTRATION: 382XUS

DATE OF REGISTRATION: 1st January 1950

COLOUR: Metallic Green

ENGINE SIZE: 3900cc

CHASSIS NO: P6TS31262

ENGINE NO: NOT KNOWN

DOCUMENTS: V5C, Latest and old MOT’s, Extensive history file with many Invoices, Handbooks

The original Pontiac, brilliantly conceived by General Motors president Alfred P. Sloan as a “six-cylinder Chevrolet,” in his words,was a big seller and a major money maker for the auto maker. Sloan and his staff accurately predicted that American car buyers were heading upmarket, and they were shifting from open to closed body styles. The Pontiac met those desires perfectly, and since it was based on low-cost Chevrolet components, it sold at a very profitable mark up.

When Pontiac sales started to suffer as GM upgraded their engines to a 6 cylinder motor, to the rescue came Frank Hershey, chief of the Pontiac design studio under GM styling czar Harley Earl. The son of a well-to-do Detroit family, Hershey worked for Pasadena coachbuilder Walter M. Murphy and spent a brief time at Hudson before he came to GM. Hershey enjoyed along, distinguished career in the Motor City, lending his considerable talents to the 1948 Cadillac tail fin and the 1955 Ford Thunderbird.

With the Silver Streak styling theme, a wide band of bright metal that ran straight down the centre line of the bonnet and deck, Hershey accomplished two feats: He cleverly disguised the Chevrolet-based sheet metal,and he gave Pontiac something it badly needed: a visual brand identity.

Purchased from a passionate collector and perching on whitewall tyres, our stunning rare 1950 Silver Streak showing just 75958 miles which is believed to be correct has some serious presence and is much admired when on the roads. Remarkably easy to drive with its 3 speed manual, 3.9 litre Flat Head 6 Cylinder engine it cruises comfortably at all speeds.

The collector purchased the vehicle direct and imported it from Michigan USA from the son of the original and first owner who was an executive employee at Pontiac.

Much cherished, the paintwork is in excellent condition with just a few minor marks, the chrome is also immaculate. The Indian Bonnet Ornament Lights up when the headlights are turned on. The Interior is in great shape and it benefits from recent new professionally tailored carpets.

We have just had the vehicle checked over and although MOT exempt we had it put through a test and it came back with a pass and no advisories.

It now just needs a new custodian to jointly enjoy further adventures.

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