The 1942-1948 Pontiac Streamliner was the last prewar Pontiac and its postwar continuations in the division's upper-priced series. Fresh pontoon-fender styling was changed only in detail during these years. Top-line Chieftain models are the pick among the rare 1942’s; only 11,041 Eights and 2,458 Sixes were built.
Choicest of the choice would be the wood-body wagon and the slick sedan-coupe. The convertible was relegated to the Torpedo line. Postwar hallmarks were triple chrome fender strips and a full-width grille on 1946’s, a simpler grille for 1947’s, and a top-of-the-grille nameplate on 1948’s.
The last Streamliners appeared with "Silver Streak" chrome script, a term earlier applied to Pontiac styling. DeLuxe versions of the four-door sedan, wagon, and sedan-coupe were offered for 1948 only. The 1948’s were also the first Pontiacs to offer Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
Pluses of the 1942-1948 Pontiac Streamliner:
- Among GM's nicer-looking mid-1940’s cars
- Quality materials
- Rarity of some models
- Solid construction
Minuses of the 1942-1948 Pontiac Streamliner:
- High maintenance on woody wagons
- Indifferent performance
- Lacks the appeal of concurrent Chevy's
- 1942’s hard to find
- Solid but stolid engines
Production of the 1942 Pontiac Streamliner:
- Six: 12,742
- Eight: 26,506
Production of the 1946 Pontiac Streamliner:
- Six: 43,430
- Eight: 49,301
Production of the 1947 Pontiac Streamliner:
- Six: 42,336
- Eight: 86,324
Production of the 1948 Pontiac Streamliner:
- Six: 37,742
- Eight: 123,115
Specifications of the 1942-1948
Pontiac Streamliner:
Wheelbase, inches: 122.0
Length, inches: 210.3
Weight, pounds: 3,400-3,870
Price, new: $1,030-$2,490 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1979 Pontiac 10th Anniversary Trans Am:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| I-6 | 239.2 cid | 90 | 1942-1948 |
| I-8 | 248.9 cid | 103 | 1942-1948 |
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