We do cover quite a few cars from the early ’30s here on Barn Finds, but the usual suspects, Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth, occupy most of our written web space. But of course, there were others and today T.J. has discovered a listing for a 1934 Pontiac “Sport Coupe” – a model name that seems more appropriate for the ’60s but that’s what it was called so many years ago. There’s a lot of originality here, so let’s take a detailed look and see how GM’s “Excitement” Division rolled 90 years ago. Newton, New Jersey is this coupe’s home and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $35,000.
All auto manufacturers were still feeling the effects of the Great Depression in ’34, though the clouds were lifting. Pontiac managed a seventh-place finish in the domestic production race, knocking out 78K units. The seller, who has owned this Poncho for nineteen years and claims to be its third owner, states, “The body is original but an older repaint was done most likely 30 or more years ago…This is a unique car and a rare find “Barn Find.” I’d refer to this car as a mostly survivor and not a “barn find” as so designated by the seller, and an often overused term. It’s hard to describe something that you’ve owned for nineteen years as a “barn find” unless you’re suffering from amnesia. Anyway, the finish is faded and the chrome is pretty weak, but the body is straight and rot doesn’t appear to be a problem. Same with the running boards, they show as being sound. Fortunately, the prominent grille is untouched, perhaps protected over the years by the stylish bumper-mounted grille guard.
There’s no image of the engine but we’re told it’s a 223 CI, straight-eight affair that should be good for approximately 84 HP. The seller states that it, “runs very well; but again not a super duty racing Pontiac.” A three-speed manual transmission, the only gearbox available, handles gear changes. The recorded mileage is 62K miles but no authentication is provided.
The interior is a neat, clean, and simple environment with the seller adding, “The interior was redone many years ago in Mo-hair cloth. The headliner and some interior, wood grain dashboard, and gauges are all original.” Out back, it is believed that the rumble seat is still wearing its original cover. One thing that I have noticed about rumble seat-equipped cars is what appears to be a dearth of knee room – this one looks like entry and exit was probably a real knee knocker.
Original and unmessed with is one way to describe this early Pontiac – it’s a refreshing find! And it would be nice if it stayed that way though there’s no telling what a future owner may have in mind. Speaking of future owners, I’m questioning the market draw considering this car’s era and its $35K price. What’s your thought, will this Pontiac be a tough sell?
Nice looking coupe, has a bit of what I think would be called “Streamline Moderne” styling cues. Hope it doesn’t get turned into a hot rod but that’s probably what will happen.
Hi Todd, actually, for 1934, this WAS a hot rod, for the time. The straight 8 in a small coupe like this, was a powerful car. I bet not many could keep up to this car when new. It was very similar to the Catalina shown earlier. Pontiac kept that power image throughout its history, and I’m sad they are gone. I read, this car cost $745 new, and almost 80,000 were sold. Keeping in mind, for the depression, not all were poor.
Like I said in the Chieftain blog, the good times are gone, there’s a few of us who remember these cars but the market is past..hopefully there is atleast one who will take it on..GLWTS
There is nowhere in time that this car is worth $35k. It could be completely restored and still not worth that much. I might get hate here but I really don’t care, if a person could get this for less than 10k they could have a really classy street rod. Leave the look of the car alone but update all the underpinnings and drive train and that would be a fun cruiser.
I would have to accessorize with a Thompson sub-machine gun.
CT Dave
A Desilu Production? I bit too new for The Untouchables as most cars in the series were from late 20s to early 30s, I read.
Beautiful picture of the radiator cap!
Newton, NJ is about a half hour from where I live, and this is a nice survivor, but if the owner thinks he’s going to get $35K for this car, he’s from another solar system! As someone else said, even fully restored, the car isn’t worth anywhere near that much.
I really like it but alas, not to the extent of the $35k buy in.
Agree, drive or hot rod, do not see $30K, maybe $10K. Not in the increasingly smaller category of pre -’55 cars that anyone cares about.
I’m not sure why people get so focused on the asking price. A seller can always lower the price, it’s difficult to raise it – although I did have somebody raise the price of a car I drove 90 miles to look at!
Did you buy the car?
Heck, no! I told the guy to pound sand and make a quick exit after some perceived threats from the guy’s “goon squad.”
A nice old car, but probably a realistic $7500 car in today’s market. Young guys don’t have much use for 30’s cars. It would be a shame to take a complete original car and street rod it.
Yup better keep it original and possibly put it in a parade once a year instead of turning it into a reliable daily driver.
If he lets it go for $7500, that’s exactly what will happen to it. I think his high asking price is an attempt to preserve it. If I bought it I would not put a bunch of $$ into a restoration. Just maintain it and keep it from deteriorating.
Got to agree with you Poppy, it’s art deco on wheels. Keep it as it is without further deterioration. Enjoy it for what it is.
All that metal and a straight eight engine, for 2 people. Whata cool car!
It will be worth 35K in about 5 years at the rate that the dollar is being debased…
I think just the opposite–us old guys are dying off- the youngsters have no idea what this is or the idea of why someone would own something like this!!
I’d go 18k just for original condition.