Pontiac dropped the Torpedo onto the market in 1940, reserving the name only for its largest and most well-appointed line of cars. That car was built on GM’s C-body chassis with a majestic 122-inch wheelbase, and it was equipped with an eight-cylinder engine. But in 1941, Pontiac called all its cars “Torpedos”, whether situated on the A, B, or C chassis. Trim levels included Custom, Deluxe, and Streamliner, and each of these in turn was offered in multiple body styles. Here on craigslist is a barn find 1941 Pontiac Torpedo Deluxe two-door sedan with an asking price of $3900 – cash only. The Deluxe was the smallest of the Torpedo bodies, utilizing the A platform. These Pontiacs featured breakaway styling: running boards were finally disappearing, and headlights were incorporated into fenders. Rather than wrapping the grille around the car’s nose, the new look demarcated the hood and the grille with long horizontal bars overlapping the fenders. The handsome hood ornament of early years remained, however. This car is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and though it will run if encouraged by starting fluid, it should be towed to its next home. Barn Finder T.J. pitched us this tip – thanks T.J.!

A 239 cu. in. flathead in-line six-cylinder powers this Series 25 Deluxe, though customers could opt for either the six or a 249 cu. in. in-line eight in all three trim levels. The motor makes about 90 hp when in good fettle; this one will need recommissioning though it’s a good sign that it will run at all. The transmission is a three-speed column-shift manual. It has a new six-volt battery (early six-volts are a specialty item so when it comes time to replace it, a little research goes a long way.) The car was last on the road in the mid-1990s, but its last registration was in 1967. The title is clean.

The roomy interior is tattered but at least the front seats are serviceable. Weirdly, the rear seats are worn to the burlap as are the rear trim panels; usually, it’s the fronts that bear the brunt of wear. A modest gauge set is counterbalanced by an extravagant clock. The trim around the clock reminds passengers that Pontiac was still known for its “silver streak” style details in 1941. The seller says a few trim bits are missing, and so is the hood latch; otherwise this Torpedo is complete and original.

The condition of the underside confirms the seller’s claim that the car was stored inside exclusively. In fact, given the car’s age, it’s in decent condition all around. Of course, plenty of these big ’40s cars have been made into resto-rods. Here’s one on Hemmings in the Art Deco Streamliner body style with a modern V8 – at a $70k asking price! What direction do you think would be best for this Torpedo?