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1929 Pontiac Big Six Series 6-29

General Motors introduced the Pontiac brand in 1926 to fill the price gap that existed between the Chevrolet and Oakland brands. They wore attractive bodies by Fisher, initially offered as a two-door coach and coupe, and priced at $825. The L-head inline six-cylinder engine displaced 186.5 cubic-inches and had three main bearings, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, a cast-iron block, and developed 40 horsepower at 2,400 RPM. It was backed by a three-speed manual transmission with floor shift controls, a ventilated single dry disc clutch, and employed two-wheel mechanical brakes. During its first 12 months over 76,740 examples were sold.

Pontiac cars through the 1929 model year had '1/2 year' models and were sold as the next following years cars. This confusing practice came to an end with the 1930 introductions.

From December of 1925 through October of 1927, Pontiac sold 204,553 cars. The popularity of the Pontiac's eventually aided in the decision to discontinue the Oakland brand of vehicles in 1932.

The 1929 Pontiac New-Big Six models wore new styling derived from the British Vauxhall marque. Design cues included a concave belt molding, bullet-shaped headlights, and a radiator grille with a vertical center divider. The closed bodied cars had an oval rear window, and the new Landaulet had a collapsible rear roof section. A new Convertible Cabriolet body style joined the lineup, consisting of a roadster, phaeton, coupe, and 2- and 4-door sedan. Prices ranged from $745 for the two-door sedan and rose to $900 for the Landaulet. Approximately 120,000 New Big Six models were built for 1929.

The six-cylinder engine now displaced 200 cubic-inches and had a compression ratio of 4.9:1, a Marvel one-barrel carburetor, three-main bearings, solid valve lifters, and developed 60 horsepower at 3,000 RPM. The wheelbase measured 110 inches and had an overall length of 169 inches.

1929 was a rather important year for Pontiac, with the introduction of its first true convertible, an improved transmission, adjustable front seats, self-energizing brakes, and a twenty percent increase in horsepower, thanks, in part, to larger valves with increased lift, a larger carburetor, and wider intake manifold.

In August of 1929, the 'Big Six 6-29A' (1929 1/2) was introduced, carrying over into the next model year. The Landulette Sedan and Convertible Cabriolet were dropped from the lineup, but the rest remained, as did the prices and specifications.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet Convertible

Pontiac was the 'companion car' to its big brother, the Oakland. The Pontiac was marketed as 'Chief of the Sixes' and the motor in this 1929 offering was touted as 'the new Big Six.' Ironically, the popularity of the Pontiac continued to the discontinuation of the Oakland in 1932.

The L-head 'Big Six' motor develops 60 horsepower. It is equipped with a Marvel updraft carburetor. Riding on a 110-inch wheelbase chassis, this resulted in a quick automobile.

This body style, with its 'convertible' top, is known as a cabriolet and features a rumble seat, as well. The exterior is painted in colors authentic for its era - Santa Fe Beige and brown with Custer Red striping accents.

Rumble Seat Roadster
Chassis number: 486693P

This 1929 Pontiac Big Six 6-29 Convertible is powered by a six-cylinder engine backed by a three-speed manual transmission. It has functional lights, a horn, throttle, choke cables, and gauges. The interior features a flip-out windshield, rolling windows, Pontiac floorboards, and original leather seats. There are six new wide Whitewall tires including the dual side mount spares. There is a rumble seat, original instructions for the care and operation of Pontiac Big Six Motorcars, and Series 6-29 specifications from November 1928.

by Dan Vaughan