1946 Pontiac Streamliner

The euphoria of World War II coming to a close was becoming a reality in 1945 when the American economy shifted its focus back to civilian production. Production of all civilian vehicles had come to a halt during World War II as the labor force had been drafted to support the military effort, and raw materials quickly became in short supply.

Pontiac resumed civilian production in September of 1945 and the vehicles that exited their factory were mildly updated versions of their pre-war lineup. The Torpedo and Streamliner models were carried over from 1942, and the flathead six- and eight-cylinder engines were offered in both Pontiac production lines, with the short-wheelbase A-body Torpedo models priced below comparable Streamliner B-body versions.

The Torpedo models rested on a 119-inch wheelbase while the Streamliner had a 122-inch platform. The length of the Streamliner passenger cars measured 210.25-inches while the wagons measured just over 215 inches. The 239.2 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder engine had a cast-iron block, solid valve lifters, a Carter one-barrel carburetor, four main bearings, and delivered 90 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The standard compression ratio was 6.5:1 and a higher, 7.5:1 ratio was available as optional equipment. The eight-cylinder engine was also an L-head unit with a cast-iron block, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a Carter two-barrel carburetor. It delivered 103 horsepower at 3,500 RPM with the standard 6.5:1 compression ratio. Both the six- and the eight-cylinder engines used a three-speed manual transmission with column shifting. The 3.9:1 gear axle ratio was standard, while the 4.55:1 'mountain' ratio was optional. The suspension was comprised of an independent setup in the front with coil springs while the rear used semi-elliptic leaf springs. Stopping power was by drum brakes.

Depending on the body style selected, the addition of the eight-cylinder engine increased the base price by $27 to $30. Body styles on the A-Body Torpedo included a coupe, two-door sedan coupe, sport coupe, convertible, and a two- and four-door sedan. On the B-Body Streamliner, body styles included a two-door sedan coupe, sedan, and a station wagon offered in either eight-passenger Standard trim or six-passenger Deluxe trim. The two-door sedan coupe was priced at $1,438, the sedan at $1,510, the Standard Wagon at $1,940, and the Deluxe Wagon at $2,020.

All 1946 Pontiac vehicles wore wraparound bumpers, a 14-blade front grille, concealed safe-light parking lamps, and an Indian head mascot with upward curved feathers. The front fenders had short molding lines, a trim piece ran from the lower portion of the front fenders, directly behind the wheel, the rear fenders, in front of the rear wheels.

Along with the larger footprint, the Streamliner was distinguished by its straight-back Indian head hood ornament, bright moldings on the 'speedline' fender ribs, and chrome beltline moldings. Their front fender crown moldings were also larger. The interiors were comfortable and well-appointed with gray striped cloth on passenger cars. The station wagons in standard trim had three sets accomodating eight passengers while the Deluxe trim had two seats trimmed in simulated leather on seats and armrests matched to passenger car interior hardware. Station wagons had ribbed wood trim highlighting the doors and flanks.

Pontiac built its first postwar vehicle on September 13th of 1945, and for a period of time, only the Streamliner sedan coupe was being produced. By June 10th of 1946, the entire model line was back in production. Pontiac would build 131,538 vehicles during the calendar year and 137,640 vehicles during the model year.

The Torpedo and Streamliner line would continue, mostly unchanged, until the arrival of Pontiac's all-new post-war models in 1949.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2022