The Pontiac Streamliner is a full-size car produced under the Pontiac brand by General Motors from 1932 until 1952. A mass-produced and popular vehicle, it was a significant luxury car during the recovery from the Great Depression, and during and immediately after the Second World War.
Pontiac Straight 8
Series 601
For model year 1933, Pontiac introduced the all-new Economy Eight Series 601 with the Silver Streak Straight-8 using a Carter one-barrel carburetor and shared the slanting vee-type grille that concealed the radiator used on all GM products, and was built on the GM A platform shared with the Chevrolet Master. The front fenders now fully covered the front wheels and adopted aircraft-inspired appearance as a result of Art Deco influences. 1933 was also the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes" which the patent application was filed on Nov. 28, 1932. It was assigned to the Ternstedt Manufacturing Company, a GM subsidiary that manufactured components for Fisher Body. The feature redirected airflow into the passenger compartment along with side windows that would retract into the front doors. The engine abandoned the flathead V8 offered in 1932 and reverted to the straight-eight architecture which was engineered internally by Pontiac, while the 3-speed synchromesh manual transmission was supplied by the new transmission factory at Muncie, Indiana. 1933 was also the first year that branch assembly plants were built while knock down kits originated from Pontiac Assembly in Pontiac, Michigan, adopting a similar practice used by Chevrolet since 1917. Six different body styles with a wheelbase were offered in 2-door configuration while only one 4-door configuration was offered with prices remaining under US$695 ($ in dollars ) The wheel diameter was 17" and the overall curb weight was between .
Series 603
The Pontiac Series 603 was the new designation used in 1934 and was the only model offered for 1934. Body style choices continued from the previous year and several appearance, mechanical and equipment changes were introduced. Vehicles equipped as Standard models could be identified with an Indian Brave's head in a circle on a teardrop base, while Deluxe equipment had an Indian Maiden hood ornament. Production began January 1, 1934 and a radio, called the "Air Chief" was on the list of options to include a front bumper, cigar lighter, clock, spotlights and a folding rear trunk rack.
Series 605
The 1935 Pontiac Series 605 Eight was now the senior sedan to the reintroduced Pontiac Standard Series 701-A and Deluxe Series 701-B Six and all shared the updated coachwork provided by Fisher Body, which shared an appearance with LaSalle and the Cadillac Series 60. The 4-door sedan was offered with doors that opened from the center to aid entry into the rear compartment, and the "Silver Streak" chrome trim piece was installed in the center of the grille and extended to the center top of the engine cover, and would be a Pontiac styling feature until 1960. An Indian maiden figurine was used for the hood ornament, along with twin rear taillights, twin windshield wipers, and a passenger compartment heater. Options included unusual features such as glove box smoker set with watch or a 30-hour mirror watch. A matching set of luggage was available for US$19.75 ($ in dollars ). It shared some appearances with the Vauxhall Light Six.
Series 8BA
The 1936 Pontiac Deluxe Series 8BA was introduced with a wheelbase to accommodate the longer engine, and the grille had a badge that identified the engine with eight cylinders with an overall length of . New standard features included retractable front and rear center armrests installed in the seats on mohair cloth upholstery. The independent front suspension was something GM called "Knee-Action" using trailing arms, an automatic choke for the carburetor, and a pressurized cooling system for the larger engine with a 6.5:1 compression ratio. With 176,270 Pontiacs sold it was the sixth ranked in U.S auto sales with five choices for 2-door models and two choices for 4-door sedans.