1939 Pontiac Deluxe Touring Sedan

This Pontiac Silver Streak Deluxe Six Station Wagon was built in only the third year of Pontiac's Woodie production. This Deluxe Six was sent as a chassis to the Hercules Body Company in Evansville, Indiana - one of two companies that were contracted by GM in 1939 to produce wood bodies for Pontiac station wagons. This Woodie was acquired by a Connecticut owner and was used for many years as an estate vehicle, primarily during the summer months. It is believed that during the winter months, the car was stored on block.

In recent years, it has been owned by a Southern California collector. It was the poster car for the 2003 Wavecrest Woodie Meet in Encinitas, California. The Wavecrest meet is generally recognized as one of the foremost exhibitions of quality wood- bodied station wagons.

This Deluxe Six features period GM fog lights, bumper guards, mirrors, a Deluxe Safety steering wheel, a heater, and a cabin fan that is mounted on the dashboard. It has a recent repaint in the original color.

Though the correct numbers is not known, this station wagon is likely one of no more than a couple thousand examples originally produced. It is one of only seven 1939 examples of the Pontiac Woodie that are registered with the National Woodie Club.

Power is from a 223 cubic-inch L-Head six-cylinder engine breathing through a single-barrel Carter carburetor. It produces 85 horsepower and is mated to a three-speed Synchromesh manual gearbox. There are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a semi-floating rear axle.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $185,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $68,200 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012