Pontiac re-introduced pre-war models in the post-war era powered by flathead sixes and eights. The price points were affordable and they quickly regained its reputation for being a value-packed and reliable product. The models included the Torpedo and Streamliner, both of which had been introduced in the pre-war era. The six-cylinder L-head unit displaced 239.2 cubic-inches and delivered 90 horsepower; even more with the optional high compression cylinder head. The eight-cylinder unit displaced 248.9 CID and delivered just over 100 horsepower. Both were backed by a three-speed manual transmission with column shifting.
2-Door Sedan
Chassis #: P6RH5385
View info and history
Auction entries : 1On the front of the hood was a straight-back Indian head ornament. Continuing the 'Native American' theme, Pontiac introduced Chieftain line 1949. They had a similar footprint to the Streamliner line, the only difference being a 3/4-inch higher body on the Chieftains. Except for the station wagons, the rest of the dimensions were identical to the Streamliner. The majority of the differences between these two lines were in the level of trim and accouterments. Offered with either a six- or eight-cylinder engine, the Chieftain was available as a 2- or 4-door sedan, sedan coupe, business coupe, and Deluxe Convertible. Pricing began at $1,590 and rose to $2,200 - slightly less than the Streamliner but similar none-the-less. In comparison, the Streamliner six-cylinder, 4-door sedan sold for $1,740. A comparable Chieftain example began at $1,760. The 239.2 CID Six continued to deliver 90 horsepower while the eight-cylinder was still rated at 103 hp. Pontiac would continue the Chieftain name through 1958, by which point it was joined by similarly themed names such as the 'Super Chief', and 'Star Chief' models.
by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020
2-Door Sedan
Chassis #: P6RH5385
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020
Related Reading : Pontiac Chieftain History
As World War II ground to a halt in the late 1940s, production once again resumed at the Pontiac Motors Division of General Motors. Commissioned by the Government in 1942, Pontiac had assisted in the creation of rocket bombs throughout the duration of the war. Embroiled in the midst of the hysteria of a Communist Witch Hunt, in 1951, America also found itself of the long-lasting Korean War. At this....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Pontiac
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1949
1949 Pontiac Chieftain Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
Chieftain Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 90.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 93.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 103.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 106.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 93.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 103.00hp
8 cyl., 248.90 CID., 106.00hp
$1,590 - $2,185
271,373
120.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 100.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 102.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 122.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 102.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 122.00hp
$1,960 - $2,615
418,619
122.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 115.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
$1,960 - $2,800
172,656
122.00 in.
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 115.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 122.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 127.00hp
6 cyl., 239.20 CID., 118.00hp
8 cyl., 268.00 CID., 122.00hp
8 cyl., 268.40 CID., 127.00hp
$1,967 - $2,580
354,453
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 173.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 200.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 287.20 CID., 200.00hp
$2,100 - $2,960
7,359
122.00 in.
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 240.00hp
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 270.00hp
8 cyl., 370.00 CID., 270.00hp
$3,025 - $3,025
Related Automotive News
Auctions America's 2013 Auburn Spring Event Offers Ultimate Collector Car Weekend
Auctions America presents the first of two annual Auburn sales, May 9 – 11 at historic Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana
Multi-day sale lifts gavel on 600 quality collector cars and an assortment of memorabilia
Notable early highlights in...
Magnificent Series of Coachbuilt Classics To Grace RM's Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Sale
RM Auctions returns as the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, March 9, 2013
Single-day sale features breathtaking roster of more than 80 investment-quality collector cars
Notable highlights include an outstanding s...
Mercedes-Benz Classic at the 2012 Grossglockner Grand Prix
Revival of the mountain race from the 1930s
Mercedes-Benz SSK and W 125 at the start
92 bends, 14 hairpins, 15 kilometres and a 1300-metre altitude difference
The Grossglockner mountain race was one of the most prestigious motor sports event...
The Champion in Touring Car Racing : The BMW M3
In August 1985, a rumour surfaced in motor magazine Auto-Deutschland which emanated from a new sports car. An A Group Car from BMW that was a thoroughbred racing car according to the rules but was also to be produced in a version licensed to drive on...
Auctions America By RM's 2012 Auburn Spring Auction
Variety is the buzzword for this years Auctions America by RM June 1-3 Auburn Spring auction, which will offer a huge range of collector vehicles and an enormous private collection of automotive memorabilia. More than 600 American muscle cars, Classics,...