When you look at this 1939 Pontiac, what you are not seeing is a car that has undergone restoration at some point in the past. What you are looking at is a survivor that is wearing its original paint, and has been owned by the same person for the past 38-years. Barn Finder Ikey H referred the Pontiac to us, so thank you for that Ikey. The Pontiac is located in Clinton Township, Michigan, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking $11,500 for this well-preserved vehicle.
Sadly, we only get the two photos of the car’s exterior, but what we do see looks to be extremely promising. The panels look straight, while there are no signs of any rust issues. The owner doesn’t mention the state of the floors and frame, but if outward appearances count for anything, then they should hopefully be quite good. The trim and chrome also appear to be in extremely nice condition, as does all of the glass. The Quality Six was something of a sales success for a struggling Pontiac brand, and one that they sorely needed at that point in their history. In 1938, the manufacturer had sold less than 100,000 cars, and looked destined for extinction. The introduction of the new model in 1939 saw sales leap to 170,726, which saved the company’s bacon.
As with the rest of the vehicle, the interior trim is said to be original. If this is true, then it is remarkably well preserved. It doesn’t look like it really requires any major work, although the carpet, which may not be original, could stand to be tidied up where it fits around a few areas on the floor. There are no engine photos, but what should be under the hood is the 85hp, 222.7ci flathead 6-cylinder engine, hooked to a 3-speed manual transmission. The owner doesn’t give us a lot of information, beyond the fact that the Pontiac has a genuine 43,000 miles on the odometer. Hopefully, they will have some documentation to verify this.
This 1939 Pontiac is a really nice looking survivor, and it looks like the sort of car that can be driven and enjoyed exactly as it stands today. I always find the concept of long-term ownership to be reassuring, and that is what we get with this car. If it is as good as the limited photos and description would tend to indicate, then it could be a great classic to park in your driveway.
About as nice as it gets.
I am constantly amazed by the original cars coming out of the woodwork. What a find, an original paint pre-war Pontiac. Looking at its condition, I guess the saying goes, “They don’t make them like they used too.” Now, they don’t make them at all. RIP Pontiac, (We build excitement, if you recall).
If you get a chance to own and drive a car from the 30’s, you will likely get more attention than you want. Great way to meet ladies in the retirement community. Everybody has a story to tell.
Hey dirtyharry, pull this car up at the retirement home, and you’ll have all the “prunetang” you want!
Wow…
Not in the market at the moment.. but if i were…
Agree with dirtyharry… roll up to a show in an original or at least original looking 30’s car… you will be noticed. Don’t know how many will be woman though..
I’d like to know how the seller stored this car. I could certainly use some pointers…
This one usually would not have been in as great of shape in 1958 let alone 2019! It is amazing.
Gorgeous Pontiac!
Love this car. It is amazing. Are the buttons in the seat backs correct? Even if they are not, they look really good.
Very nice. I love the interior. O think I’d fall asleep in that back seat, really easily. For 11 K. Just right if I was in the market for one. So which ones had the straight 8’s?
The only eight offered in 1939 was the DeLuxe Eight. Starting with the 1940 models an eight was offered in all three sizes of car.
This model Pontiac, the Quality Six, (model 2500 – 115″ wb) used GM’s A body (Chevrolet) and Pontiac’s 222.7-cid flathead six.
Next up was the B body DeLuxe series available with either flathead six (model 2600) or eight (model 2800) on a 120″ wb.
In Canada the DeLuxe Eight models were imported while the DeLuxe Six was not offered.
The Quality Six (model 2500) was sold in Canada as the Chieftain and used the 224-cid ohv six Canadian GMC engine along with 4 wheel coil springs and torque tube drive.
Pontiac in Canada also offered a Chevrolet-based Pontiac model – model 2200 – 112½” wb, complete with 216½-cid ohv Chevrolet engine and torque tube drive.
Well this is certainly a good example of taking care of your car. If I had the funds and the space I’d be bidding, but sadly I live in the city and only have a two car garage and I already have a vintage car taking up space. What a nice car though.
I purchased an original owner 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe. I crossed my fingers and went on a tour with the Vintage Chevy Club from Orange County to Solvang. Up and back no serious problems! Once the touring season was over with the club, my friend and I dug in and took her apart. Brakes, suspension, engine refresh and ready to go! NOT! We decide to fix a few dents on the fender and sand it completely down, take it apart and paint it 10 coats of hand rubbed lacquer! We where trying to make it to the Vintage Chevy 25th anniversary in Colorado Springs. Needles to say I was assembling the car on the way to Colorado. I didn’t have time to re-jet the carb for the Pikes Peak Climb, so again with fingers crossed we made it to the top without a problem!! We passed newer cars that were farting and belching on the way! Just shows you don’t need new technology to make it up Pikes Peak! Really proud of “Jesabell”.😎🇺🇸
WOW!! Great looking car. And, for what we have, the price isn’t steep, at all. I just wish the seller would have included a few under side pics and at least one under hood pic. Plus, if I had the money and place to store it, I would bid. From what I see on CL, there is no way of knowing how high the bidding has gone. This is truly a great find. Thanks BF.