1948 Pontiac Torpedo

Pontiac began using the Torpedo nameplate in 1940 on the C-body platform that it shared with the Cadillac Series 62, Oldsmobile Series 90, and the Buick Roadmaster and Super. By 1942, the Torpedo had moved to the A-bodied platform while the Pontiac streamliner used the B-body. Production soon came to a close to support the war effort. When production resumed, the 1946 Pontiac line-up, like many other automakers, used pre-war designs and mechanical components. Thus, the 1946 Pontiac's were very similar to the pre-war models, with the same engines, same interiors, and most of the body styles returned. The 2-door Club Coupe and the four-door Metropolitan sedan were dropped.

Pontiac began using the 'Chief Pontiac' hood ornament in 1947, and an 8-tube radio became optional equipment.

The 1948 Pontiac Torpedoes received only minor changes as most of the design efforts were focused on new post-war designs that were introduced for the 1949 model year. 1948 Torpedoes were available with both six- and eight-cylinder power. The inline six-cylinder L-head engine had a cast-iron block, four main bearings, solid valve lifters, a 6.5:1 compression ratio, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, and delivered 90 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. A higher 7.5:1 compression version of the engine added three additional horsepower.

The inline eight-cylinder engine had a 248.9 cubic-inch displacement, solid valve lifters, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 104 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. An optional 'high head' version of the engine added two extra horsepower. A three-speed manual transmission with column shift was standard equipment, and a new Hydra-Matic drive was available for $185. Performance options included an automatic No-Rol device, performance or economy rear axle ratios, and higher compression engine.

The Torpedo had a wheelbase of 119 inches and an overall length of 204.5-inches making it smaller than its Streamliner sibling. The Streamliner and the Torpedo were the only 1948 Pontiac models, with the Streamliner being larger and more expensive.

Body styles on the Torpedo included a business coupe, sport coupe, 2-door sedan coupe, and convertible. A two-door and a four-door sedan were also available but only equipped with the six-cylinder engine. Prices began at $1,500 for the six-cylinder Business Coupe and rose to $2,070 for the eight-cylinder convertible. Deluxe trim levels added bright metal gravel guards, fender moldings, and chrome-plated wheel discs. Closed body Deluxe models had tan and dark blue pattern cloth combination interiors. Convertibles had genuine colonial grain leather or imitation leather upholstery and instrument boards lacquered in body color. Otherwise, Gray tan cloth was standard.

Pontiac sold 245,419 cars in 1948, placing them fifth amongst American automobile manufacturers.

1948 was the final year for the Pontiac Torpedo nameplate as it was replaced in 1949 by the Pontiac Chieftain.

The 1948 Torpedo came with triple 'Silver Streaks,' a horizontal grille design with vertical shafts, and round taillights. The 'Silver Streak' name was placed on either side of the hood. Cars with eight-cylinder engines had an '8' placed between the two words.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020