Like other divisions of General Motors, Pontiac rolled out new post-war cars in 1949. While the only badging on the seller’s wagon says Pontiac Eight, the simple VIN doesn’t tell us much more. P = Pontiac, MI assembly plant; 8 = eight-cylinder engine; U = 1951 model year; and H = Hydramatic Transmission. But it looks like a Chieftain, which was available as a wagon in 1951. We’re told this one runs well and has been treated to some new parts and interior pieces. Located in Nogales, Arizona, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $8,100 (but the reserve is north of there). Another GM tip brought to us by Larry D!
The body on this Pontiac isn’t bad for being 72 years old. Each of the four doors has some wood trim, harking to the Woodie era of station wagons that was on the way out in the early 1950s. These transports were sometimes referred to as “tin wood wagons.” If you don’t repaint it, perhaps a layer of clear coat could help preserve what’s left. The interior has had some attention in terms of upholstery that replicates how the wagon left the factory. But the to-do list will need to include carpeting and a headliner. The glass has been replaced except for the windshield.
Under the hood resides a 268 cubic-inch flathead eight and both it and the transmission are said to be original. While it hums along nicely (but does smoke a bit), some wiring gremlins need to be sorted out. New parts include the starter and radiator. The tires are newer, replaced about three years ago. So, the Eight has been more than functional for its latest adventures which reflect weekend outings to car shows.
The seller was thinking of creating a restomod with this wagon and has a 5.3-liter engine that was slated to be installed along with a modern transmission. But family obligations got in the way, so someone else can apply their vision to this old workhorse. BTW, the extra drivetrain is available for $3,000 on top of whatever the final bid is for the rest of the Pontiac.
Aren’t these worth big bucks ? 🤑🤑🤑
Not in the high dollar category because they had transitioned to all steel bodies, most or all of the wood was fake. Flip side is that these are much easier to maintain.
Thank you Fred W. I wasn’t sure. 👍👍
IDK about the value of the car, but the extra drivetrain seems way overpriced. Used examples of a 5.3, trans, and controller are less than $1K. But it is a pretty cool car.
If the seller expects more than “parts car” pricing, he needs to post some photos showing the front end and explaining the poor hood fit.
Russ, for ’51 most Pontiacs were under the Chieftain model, but the sedan coupe, sedan delivery and station wagons were all still Streamliners.
Fortunately, the dreaded LS swap did not happen. Hopefully, the next owner appreciates the cool Straight 8/
Hydramatic set up.
A Later Pontiac Engine would be the way to go.😂
Yes But For a engine change I’d put a 400 Pontiac V8 in there nothing to radical :)
Looks like it would be fun
Unfortunately the LS swap hasn’t happen yet. When I was 16 my ’53 Chevy 235 six cylinder blew my buddies Pontiac straight eight doors off. What a high speed contest that was. We used a hour class as a timer.
That’s funny, an hour glass for a timer 😂😂
A Later Pontiac Engine would be the way to go.😂
Its odd that not one single picture is posted with a straight on front shot. Maybe if anyone is really serious, seller could provide some. Im sure this straight eight could be warmed up abit, especially if it were rebuilt.
Not often I see my hometown on BarnFinds but always a nice surprise. The issue with living on the border with Mexico is everything old here is new in Mexico. I had a old ford f100 on my ranch and some fella took her to Mexico and she ended up used as a daily driver near Guasave.
Chevy had the OHV in 1918?, Oldsmobile had it in 49 and Pontiac and Buick kept the flathead into the mid fifties. You would have thought they would have went with a OHV earlier than that.
No pictures of the front end…Hmmm.