The Enigmatic Pontiac Torpedo
Though the Pontiac brand is now obsolete, the company did produce some of the most exemplary automobiles of the mid-20th century. Pontiacs were sold by General Motors throughout Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Available to consumers from 1940 to 1948, the Pontiac Torpedo was the largest full sized automobile released by the manufacturer at the time.
In 1940, General Motors released a few cars on their C platform which was a rear wheel car platform created specifically for its full sized vehicles. Cars that were generated with this platform were said to have a C-body. This body type was also present in other cars of the time including the Buick Roadmaster, the Buick Super, the Cadillac Series 62 and the Oldsmobile Series 90.
The term “torpedo” was a result of the styling of the car. The Torpedo offered almost six more inches of hip and shoulder room while boasting a streamlined exterior. Six passengers could ride in comfort. Improvements to the original concept could be attributed to the Cadillac Sixty Special.
Features of the Pontiac Torpedo
The Torpedo had many features that made it attractive. When compared to other Pontiacs, it had wider seats and larger windows. All of the extra wide doors used concealed hinges. The hood ornament of the Pontiac Torpedo was a visually stunning head of a Native American mounted on a metal base.
Keyholes were sealed for inclement weather and used on all door locks. The outer perimeter of window portals were trimmed with moldings made of metal the shone brightly in the sun. The only Torpedoes manufactured were sedans that were either two-door four-passenger or 4-door 5-passenger models.
Complementing the sophistication of the vehicle were other optional adornments such as a cigarette lighter, a trunk light, a six-tube radio, and an electric clock.
Growth of the Pontiac Torpedo
In 1941, Pontiac expanded its lineup of the Torpedo by manufacturing additional models available with a six or eight-liter engine. The higher end model had a 122-inch wheelbase as did the mid-range version. The low end version had a 119-inch wheelbase, slightly smaller but still respectable.
World War II raged from 1939 to 1945. After 1941, the Torpedo was given “blackout trim”. All shiny pieces of chrome were painted in gunmetal gray. After the war ended, 1946 versions resembled models that were reminiscent of a period before the conflict. The dashboard was full of instruments with circular gauges. The Native American hood ornament was upgraded in 1947 and an 8-tube radio was offered as an option. In 1948, the Torpedo had a sticker price of $1,500 and this was the same year new grills would no longer be put on the automobile.
Though there was a progressive evolution of the Torpedo since its inception, in an effort to cut costs, almost all models of Pontiacs were basically 1942 models with slight modifications.
1948 was the last year of the Pontiac Torpedo. It was a truly iconic vehicle reminiscent of old school gangsters who robbed banks in double-breasted suits, fedoras, polished shoes and handkerchiefs tied around their faces.
