Until I saw this listing, I had completely forgotten that Pontiac made, what I consider one of the 20th century’s more unusual body styles, a sedan delivery. The idea of a panel van makes sense but I guess a lot of the basic build is already done when a station wagon body and frame can be used and thus, this result. And today, for your review, we have a 1950 Pontiac Sedan Delivery that appears to be a stalled project. Located in Wright City, Missouri, this old Poncho is available, here on craigslist for $5,900. Thanks to Gunter K for this great find!
The last time that I can recall seeing a 1950 Pontiac Sedan Delivery was in the ’70s when my parents had the inside of their house painted. They had hired painters of an uncertain background who had a paint-splattered, black ’50 Pontiac S.D. that decided to take a knee in front of our house. It was there for some length of time and my mother got increasingly wigged out as the days passed with what looked like an oil-dripping hearse from the Munster’s auto fleet cooling its heels out by our front walk. Ah yes, memories…
Today’s subject car is a roller, it has been relieved of either its 239 CI in-line six or its 268 CI, in-line, flathead eight – the original powerplant is not disclosed. Instead, this Sedan Delivery is set up for a small-block Chevrolet V8 and a four-speed manual transmission – and the seller has just such a get-up that he’ll offer under a separate sale.
The exterior condition of this Pontiac appears to be pretty sound but I find it interesting that it has rear-side windows, one would think that it would have steel panel sides. Any input on that matter from our informed readership would be appreciated. The seller notes, “all trim in good shape, new old stock front fender, new gas tank, original front bumper included“. There are no overly detailed images of this Pontiac’s exterior, but what is provided does not indicate any signs of major rust or crash damage. The “Silver Streak” trim on the rear door looks tacked on but based on other examples that I could find, it appears to be correct.
There are two images of the interior, one of the dash and another of the cargo area – neither are terribly revealing and the condition of the driver’s compartment is not revealed. the instrument panel, however, is included and it’s a perfect representation of what was found in late ’40s/early ’50s Detroit iron. It appears to be mostly intact with just a missing air control knob and lighter. Note the cool stainless speedometer bezel with the stylized “Silver Streak” designation stamped just below the odometer.
The seller mentions that he believes this is one of only 400 Sedan Delivery’s produced by Pontiac in 1950. I wasn’t able to validate that count though Hemmings claims there were 1,382 knocked together in ’51 so whatever the count, these were low volume vehicles. At this point, the Sedan Delivery was a dying body style and Pontiac terminated it in 1953 though there was a Canadian version (Pathfinder) that continued in that country through 1958. OK, so now it’s what to do with it time. Based on the powertrain situation, this Sedan Delivery seems to be headed towards a hot-rod redo. That seems like the logical call, what do you suggest?
I googled 1950 Pontiac Sedan Delivery pics. Not one of the pics had rear windows. They were all steel panels. However, pics of a 1951 Sedan Delivery show windows.
I remember reading years ago that Plymouth offered a vehicle that had steel panels that could be removed for the windows or used as a regular sedan, could Pontiac have done this as well?
1935 Plymouth Commercial Sedan, which was the slant back sedan delivery, was the only year for removable side panels as well as the 1940 Studebaker Champion Coupe-Delivery.
That pic of a 51 with windows might be mine…..
His production numbers may be based on the rear window configuration/sedan delivery designation…
Whatever the case, one rare bird. The Craigslist ad mentioned there may be a fire service history, if so all bets are off. Probably could have been a special order etc.
I’m sorry it’s such a distance away because I’d love to finish this one!
Original color (red) makes me think there’s a better chance this was built as an ambulance. That would explain the side windows.
I have seen these in an ambulance configuration before. There were a couple of them in our local salvage yard in the early 90s. I was surprised by the small size of these compared to the Cadillac versions.
Can’t imagine this as a delivery vehicle, red is saying either fire service or ambulance. Would be a a great looking car when completed, looks decent now.
Former ambulance/hearse is my guess.
I had a 1953 Pontiac Hearse with a complete interior that indicated it’s past use. It had the side windows and the flat straight 8 motor. I repurposed it into a mobile electronics demo vehicle with 16 15″ subwoofers and 3600 watts (rms). I did convert mine to a small block Chevy for power and reliability.
What is with pulling out the drive trains lately, and selling them separately as “additional powertrain available”? It’s an insult to collectors and greed on the part of the sellers.
This old Poncho looks fairly rust free and tough as nails. I believe a resto mod would be the way to go on this one. Maybe it was an ambulance or a hearse in a former life. Also agree with the statement about yanking its drivetrain and then offering one in a separate sale. Kinda greedy.
I tend to agree with you, HC, if it was the original drivetrain. This one, however, is a blank canvas and may interest more people without the engine (at a lower price) than with (at a higher price), depending on their intentions for the vehicle. The buyer of course has the option of buying the drive train if the setup is just what he/she’s looking for.
A buddy of mine has a 50 Pontiac with a straight 8. The back has a lift up back glass in it. The old ride is rough but nothing a good paint and body man can’t handle.
So very cool!
There will NEVER be a twin at car show!
The price seems right to me. And that is most likely because the seller removed the “$10,000 engine and transmission” I would want to put in a Pontiac 455,428 or 421 anyway. (the 455 would be the cheapest and more easily obtainable) The perfect car show vehicle, plenty of room to load up the easy-up tent, cooler, picnic basket and air mattress for the occasional nap. (can you tell I’m old?) I want this, would probably try to pick it up if it wasn’t for other current priorities.
You guys are misreading the information on the power plant. What he is referring to is a V8 and a 4 speed transmission 4 sale sold separately. Go back and read again. 😄
Considering this one without the motor or trans, by all means, I would drop a Pontiac motor in. And put some elbow grease to it. And drive !!!
Ambulance or Fire Service vehicle. I know it has been repainted, but you can still figure out it’s original purpose. Look for common locations for a siren, and/or emergency lights, back then installers would literally bolt those items onto the the fenders or roof. Same with emergency lighting along the top back section of the roof. Of course the bolt holes would have been filled with Bondo, or led, easily detected with a magnet run along the surface. Common during those years was the installation of hand operated spot lights mounted forward of the side mirrors on both or the driver side. Remember those spotlights had a significant hole for the manual handle that led into the passenger compartment, again those could have been covered supporting the repaint. Emergency radios were common and mounted over the transmission tunnel under the bottom of the dashboard.
My research says 2158 total units were made in ’50. SD’s were specifically built for hauling light goods mostly for business use. The blank side panels served a specific purpose…hand-painted company logos/signs are what helped build those businesses. As for the side windows, many people added that to see what was coming and going. It is a huge blindspot. If you’ve never owned and are not familiar with how to drive one, it is a mentally challenging re-do driver’s training requirement a done without the side windows. I re-learned how to drive on every SD I owned
I like what Wayne said about the Pontiac motors . I like the sound of a 421 with trips and 4speed and maybe 3:90 pos. in the rear end.
Looking again, $5-$6 grand isn’t too bad for a rust free and straight bodied rolling chassis like this one. I would love to drop a rebuilt 60s Pontiac 389 in her and enjoy it. Maybe an Upgraded steering column and box with power steering. I can’t really tell from pics what sort of column it has if any at all. Good find
A one piece windshield doesn’t look correct for a ’50 Pontiac.
‘SD’ ups the price or the guy just doesn’t know what a 2 dor wagon is. May B he sees the barn-dor-style rear door? I’d call it one w/that back dor’n no rear windows (a la the other companies).