1948 Pontiac Silver Streak

Due to the depression Chevrolet and Pontiac Divisions were merged together as a cost saving measure, and at one point GM execs considered killing the Pontiac brand all together. A well heeled gentleman named Frank Hershey swooped in and kept the brand alive. He created the Silver Streak which was essentially a silver band running down the center of the hood which would distinguish virtually the same parts from Chevy and Pontiac with something as simple as a chrome band! Now Pontiac had a visual brand identity.

For consignment, a 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak which is in very good condition, has styling to beat the band courtesy Harley Earl, a beautiful color combo, lots of chrome, and a very comfortable interior which drips Art Deco design motifs. Our consigner states the engine underwent a complete rebuild with less than 200 miles clocked on it since the rebuild. New brakes, and that rear wiper, which was certainly a first, all in working condition. With this car turn the key and go and show.

Exterior
One would be tempted to start upfront, however the distinguishing factor to this car is it is a post war car, and a year prior to the newly introduced post war designs. The torpedo back with its long smooth line that takes a deep dive smoothly downward and including on the way a rounded curved rectangular rear glass complete with a rear windshield wiper, (remember its 1948 WHO came up with that?). It also includes its namesake the tri bands of curving downward chrome beginning just below the rear glass and heading toward the trunk lever hence the name silver streak. A wrap around bumper with some added trimmings in top frames the bottom of this car. Presenting in two tone black main and silver accenting on the doors and just above the bulbous fenders on back the paint is nearly perfect. Moving forward there is a black painted bulbous rear fender which neatly frames the rear doors which conform in their lower shape to the fender. A britework gravel guard adorns the front of each rear bump out, and this car is complete with fender skirts somewhat hiding chrome plated wheel discs on all 4 corners. As we move to the front fender more curvaceous lines than a pinup gal and some spear moldings throw in just to add a bit of motion when standing still. The front fenders are indeed impressive as they spill into the front doors and dive downward mid door to the small but still remaining running board. Upfront the silver painted hood is beautifully rounded and is housing a 4 bar front grille and another curved bumper with added guards and signal lights on the lower bar just absolve the bumper. Noticeably evident is the silver streak making its way from the grille to the split windshield. On top of the bands is an art deco styled Chief face complete with a winged headdress in chrome. Wide whites wrap those chromed dishes and a hint of red is on the wheels just as a small band prior to the whitewalls.

Interior
Inside a metal dash has a faux wood grained wrapped dash which has some beautifully bezeled instruments in front of the warm white bakelite wheel and its central chief badge. Vertical ribs curve downward on the radio speaker just below the original push button radio. A lineup of bakelite knobs also in warm cream are on the bottom of the dash. Door panels are using fuzzy broadcloth in tan and stitched with a square pattern. Bands of chrome separate the uppers and lowers from the tan squared pattern panel and present in gray fuzzy broadcloth. Shiny knobs and actuators and cranks are present in the doors as well. Inside, like new gray broadcloth is tufted and buttoned on the backs and has an overstuffed seat. Bolsters are a tub within which these gray couches sit. In the back plenty of luxurious legroom is covered in clean gray carpeting, and another tufted and buttoned gray broadcloth couch is for the rear passengers. Mohair covers the headliner and appears to be original.

Drivetrain
Under the hood within a pristine engine bay is a 248.9ci Inline 6-cylinder mill. It is topped by a rebuilt 1-barrel carb with an oil bath air cleaner. On back is the newly introduced 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission which links in the very back to a 4.11 rear axle. All looking good under this hood and our consignor states the engine was completely rebuilt by Willow Automotive in Willow NY approximately 200 miles ago. To keep things running tip top, the engine was treated to all new belts and hoses, a recored radiator, a rebuilt starter and rebuilt generator in 2021.

Undercarriage
Thick spray on undercoating has done its job as it is virtually structurally rust free. A few spots if surface rust is united on the exhaust, driveshaft and rear pumpkin. The rockers are solid, brake lines are looking very nice, and they pump hydraulic fluid to the 4-wheel drum brakes which have had their drums turned and new shoes installed in May 2022. Independent coil sprung front, and leaf springs for the rear provide the glide as you snake your way through those country backroads.

Drive-Ability
I hopped in this classic mass of Detroit Iron, and was immediately struck how comfortable the seats were. Also, the dash is striking with its instrument cluster and radio setup. With a few quick movements the engine came to life thanks to a new battery in 2021. All was working save for the horn and the radio would not turn on (possibly a tube?), and even the rear wiper is functional. It's a smooth runner, a great eye-catching cruiser and a not oft seen car as it is not known how many exactly were produced, but it was only one year prior to the post war intros that hit the floors in 1949.

Two tone silver and black, the silver streaks running through the center of the hood and trunk lid, a torpedo design, 4 doors and wonderfully comfortable interior , and bumpy out bulbous fenders to die for this car exudes late 40's styling. Look up in the sky!!! It's a bird, no it's a plane no…it's a Silver Streak and it's driving down the highway at amazing speed. The car dinner bell is ringing for someone. Come on in chief.

VIN DECODE
P8PB50458
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
8-8 Cylinder
P-1948
B-Streamliner
50458-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.