1939 Pontiac Quality 115 Six

Pontiac models for 1939 included the Quality 115, the Deluxe 120, and the Deluxe Eight. Both the Quality 115 and the Deluxe 120 were powered by an L-head, 222.7 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine with a cast-iron block, solid valve lifters, four-main bearings, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, and delivering 85 horsepower at 3,520 RPM. Both had a three-speed synchromesh gearbox (the Quality had a 4.1:1 ratio and the Deluxe had a 4.3:1 ratio) and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The transmission featured a redesigned clutch and a column-mounted Safety Gearshift was standard. Other mechanical improvements included Variable rate Duplex springs and an improved long-life muffler.

The Quality 115 had a 115-inch wheelbase platform while the Deluxe 120 rested on a 120-inch wheelbase. Both were available as a two-door, three passenger coupe, five-passenger sport coupe, convertible coupe, and a two- or four-door touring sedan. The station wagon with seating for eight was exclusive to the Quality 115 model line.

The Quality 115 was clothed in the Chevrolet A-body shell while the Deluxe used a larger GM A-body shell. Both had similar front end styling, with the Deluxe bodies having larger windshields, vee-shaped window openings, additional beltline trim, and a wider back window. They were also longer, lower, and wider than the Quality 115.

The bodies had a new streamlined appearance with Silver Streak moldings, horizontal grille bars, and headlights mounted directly to the front fenders. There were conventional running boards and horizontal louvers on the hood.

Pontiac produced 55,736 examples of the Quality Six and 53,830 examples of its larger sibling, the Deluxe 120. An additional 34,774 examples of the Deluxe Eight models were produced wearing the same bodies as the Deluxe 120 Six. The L-head eight-cylinder engine displaced 248.9 cubic-inches and delivered 100 horsepower at 3,700 RPM.

Among the list of optional equipment on the Quality Six included fog lamps, oil filter, cigar lighter, wind-up clock, electric clock, Deluxe radio, dual horns, fender skirts, bumper guards, seat covers, and white wall tires.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008