1940 Pontiac Series 25 Special 6 4 Door Sedan
"The 1940 Pontiac lineup consisted of the Special, (Series 25 Six), the Deluxe Six, (Series 26), Deluxe Eight, (Series 28), and the Torpedo Eight, (Series 29). The L-head inline 6 cylinder engine had a 222.7ci displacement, four main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Carter 1-barrel carburetor, and delivered 100 horsepower at 3,700 RPM. Both the Deluxe Six and Eight's wore the same bodies, but an '8' emblem signifying the 8 cylinder engine. The Torpedo was a new model this year and built atop GM's large C-body platform. Total 1940 Pontiac Special production was 106,892 units, nearly half of all 1940 Pontiacs produced." Thx to conceptcarz.com
For consignment, a 1940 Pontiac Series 25 Special 6 4 door sedan with an amazing title verified 46,887 actual miles. This car is well documented by its now third owner who informs us this was a "mascot" car and from 1963 to 1975, parked in the showroom of the dealership that originally sold it and occasionally used in parades. After that, the car became AACA Historic Preservation certified in 2006 and was awarded first place at the 2006 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance for Best Closed Pre-war car. Documentation, including a 1963 newspaper article about the car, will accompany it to the next steward.
Exterior
Consignor stated original Black paint envelopes this elegant car that does indeed display the torpedo body style which raises the hood in line with the beltline of the car and forms a continuous line, highlighted here by a silver trim piece that travels the length of the car. The high nosed front is accented with a five lined polished trim piece that travels over the hood and continues over the trunk, ending at the license plate bracket. Also in front, a split grille, cross trim with Pontiac engraved and the Odawa war chief emblem, and below it an intricate bumper with stripes on the bumperettes flanked by yellow fog lights. Of course, this is topped with the Indian head hood ornament, stretching forward as if pulling the car. The metalwork is in fantastic condition and the detail continues on the back which includes polished external hood hinges. 16-inch steel wheels are painted black, pinstriped, and wear beauty rings and Pontiac hubcaps. Imperfections are few and include some issues with the piping cord in several places and some surface rust near the running board and fender joint, various small scuffs, chips, and scratches.
Interior
Materials you'd find in your favorite high end saloon are included on the door that has wood painted framed windows, leather covered door pulls, fine metal accent pieces, and quality beige cloth. This beige cloth continues on the front bench where it covers the couch-like seat very nicely, and does so on the back bench as well which is accessed through the suicide doors and envelopes passengers with the comfort of a quiet sitting room. The same fine appointments, including the optional heater, and ample leg room abound. The steering wheel has a banjo spoke and beautiful center cap and a tan gauge cluster is wonderfully embedded in a woodgrain rounded dash that also houses ivory knobs and switches. A metal grille occupies the center along with an AM radio and in front of the passenger, a panel that mirrors the driver's, this time with a clock flanked by name plates. Pontiac Indian head emblazoned rubberized mats cover the floor in front, with a flannel like covering in the back which repeats to line the headliner and entire sizable trunk.
Drivetrain
Driver quality and very clean, the open engine cover reveals the 222.7ci inline 6-cylinder engine fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and tied to a 3-speed manual transmission sending 100 horsepower back to 4.30 gears in the back. Drum brakes are equipped on each wheel and our consignor states that the master cylinder, lines, and drums are new, along with the battery.
Undercarriage
The driveshaft comes through the large X-frame and enters a rear differential where we find some oil seepage. Not much surface rust underneath and generally clean but certainly areas of grime coatings, especially around the U-bolts and grease on the steering components. We noted some oil on the transmission as well. The single exhaust fishes its way through the X-frame after meeting a stock style muffler then exists under the rear bumper and topped by a chrome exhaust deflector.
Drive-Ability
We took this regal and storied Pontiac around our flat test loop to find a smooth and quiet ride and the three on the tree is an immediate reminder of the vintage. Speed wasn't the focus here, but comfort was and the car delivers. Brakes, instrumentation, and lights all work as expected.
This is a collection worthy car that has the optional heater, rear heater, clock, lighter, fog lamps, clothes hanger, and AM radio. It's also a three owner, low mileage car and finding something like that from 1940 is rare indeed. To find one in this condition and with a documented history is bordering on Holy Grail territory. Do make the call today.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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