1940 Pontiac Chieftain

1940 Pontiac Deluxe 6 Series 26 Sport Coupe The 1940 Pontiac lineup consisted of the Special, (Series 25 Six), the Deluxe Six, (Series 26), Deluxe Eight, (Series 28), and the Torpedo Eight, (Series 29). The L-head inline 6 cylinder engine had a 222.7ci displacement, four main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Carter 1-barrel carburetor, and delivered 100 horsepower at 3,700 RPM. Both the Deluxe Six and Eight wore the same bodies, but an '8' emblem signifying the 8 cylinder engine. The Torpedo was a new model this year and built atop GM's large C-body platform. Total 1940 Pontiac Special production was 106,892 units, nearly half of all 1940 Pontiacs produced. Thx to conceptcarz.com For consignment, a 1940 Pontiac Deluxe 6 Series 26 sport coupe showing 23,248 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Pontiacs extensive line for 1940 was touted in the sales brochures as, the biggest, smartest, finest performing 'Silver Streaks' ever built. The widest choice offered by any motor car manufacturer today. Exterior Emerald Green Metallic envelopes this elegant car and although only ones series was named 'Torpedo', the entire line displays the torpedo body style which raises the hood in line with the beltline of the car and forms a continuous line, highlighted here by a silver trim piece that travels the length of the car. The high nosed front is accented with triple lined ornamental trim that emulates vents on the hood. In front, a split grille, cross trim with Pontiac engraved and the Odawa war chief emblem, and below it an intricate bumper with accent stripes on the bumperettes. Of course, this is topped with the Indian head hood ornament, stretching forward as if pulling the car. 16-inch steel wheels are painted black, pinstriped, and wear beauty rings and Pontiac hubcaps. Imperfections include some evident filler, scuffs, scratches, and chipped paint, rough spots, touched up chips, rust near the running board, itself dry and cracked. Interior Better than barn find condition on the inside, but it is a candidate for restoration. The cloth door panels are heavily stained, as are the side walls and headliner. The front split bench is covered with plaid material while the rear bench shows its age and has a tear on the front. A wrap around the brown plastic steering wheel is fraying and the center cap faded but our eyes advance to the dashboard which the sales brochures describe as the plastic and chromium instrument panel is typical of the fine taste and thoughtfulness that has gone into the styling of Pontiac interiors. We don't disagree as it represents period luxury in art deco style and presents in decent condition with some patina. The floor is covered with a faded rubber mat and the barren trunk shows some rust spots and some previous lead repairs. Drivetrain Driver quality and original looking is how we find the 222.7ci inline six cylinder, originally rated at 87 horsepower and utilizing a 1-barrel carburetor. It's rowed into motion by a three on the tree manual transmission that sends power to 4.30 gears in back. Undercarriage Driver quality here as well with some grease and gunk build up around the rear differential, engine, and steering components along with typical surface rust, and the rust through from the running board shedding light. While on the lift, we're able to see significant rust under the driver's door. Meanwhile, a single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler, terminating just under the rear bumper. Drum brakes are front and rear and suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability We settle into this 85 year old, get her running, and head out onto the test loop where aside from the exhaust leaks, the inline six runs well and the car tracks straight. Looking over that big hood gives a feeling of invincibility and power, it's a fantastically shaped car! There are limited functions on board but they all work as intended and we slide this green