Pontiac
Brief History
In 1926 Oakland Automobile Co introduces the first Pontiac, the Five-Passenger Coach Pontiac, to the public at the New York Auto Show.
The 500,000th Pontiac is built in 1929, and the lineup is called the "Big Six" because the engine increased in displacement to 204 cid, Horsepower rises 25% to 60 hp.
The Pontiac 302 Series V-6 Convertible Coupe is introduced in 1932.
In 1933 sales rise 50% from 1932, and some advertising campaigns target female buyers.
1936—300 employees of the Pontiac Motor Co, assembled to honor the production of the one millionth Pontiac car, all were employed by the company nine years prior when the first Pontiac was built.
In 1937 under two new slogans: “The Most beautiful Thing on Wheels” and “built to last 100,000 Miles” Pontiac introduces an all-steel body, with the exception of the station wagon which still features a wood rear fascia.
The most expensive Pontiac model—The De Luxe Eight convertible sedan—costs $1,235.00.
1940 the Torpedo S Four-door Sedan and the Special 6 Station Wagon are introduced.
1941—Pontiac offers engine options for all of its models—6 or 8 cylinders,
Market share jumps to 7,6% and production sky rockets to 330,061 units.
1942—Last Pontiac rolls off the assembly line as WW II halts all automobile
production. Pontiac is commissioned by the government to assist in the creation
of rocket bombs.
1946—Post-war production begins again and the Pontiac lineup changes little
from where it left off in 1942.
1948—Pontiac introduces the Pontiac Torpedo Deluxe S Convertible Coupe.
1950—The best year in the automotive industry to date, Pontiac production
soars and the Chieftain Super Deluxe Catalina Coupe is introduced.
1955—The Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari is introduced.
1956—The Pontiac Star Chief Catalina Coupe, a variation on the Chieftain
Super Deluxe Catalina Coupe, is introduced.
1957—The Bonneville, with Fuel Injection, is introduced at the Daytona Beach
NASCAR race, and "fins are in".
1958—The Bonneville Sport Coupe is introduced.
1959—The birth of the Wide Track—which was a function of styling rather
than engineering at the onset - as seen on the Bonneville Vista Hardtop.
Pontiac wins its first Motor Trend Car of the Year Award.
1962—Pontiac is given the esteemed privilege of building the 75,000,000 GM
car—a Bonneville Convertible. The Grand Prix is introduced.
1963—Pontiac Grand Prix sets the styling trend for the entire industry wit
unadorned sheet metal exterior, hidden tail lights, a concave rear window,
among other standard features. The Pontiac Banshee is introduced as a concept
car.
1964—The GTO is introduced
1966—Bonneville convertible coupe. Pontiac celebrates its 40-th birthday.
1967—Firebird is introduced with 5-model line-up, differing in engine and
power trains.
1970—The Cirrus concept car is introduced.
1971—Firebird begins to take on some of the unique body contouring that still
can be found in today’s models, and Grand Prix sales are on the rise.
1973—Grand Am is introduced, marked as performance orientated mid range car.
1976 Pontiac 50-th anniversary is market by sharp rises in Firebird and Grand
Prix sales.
