Pontiac History & Information created on April 15, 2013 01:14PM total pins 122

1932 Pontiac V-8

Everybody knows that Pontiac set the world on fire with its first V-8 engine in 1955, right? Wrongo! This article, complete with seldom seen artwork and copy straight from a 1932 Pontiac V-8 brochure, tells all about this seldom seen Pontiac engine. You'll enjoy seeing what was new for the V-8 Pontiac way back in 1932.

Read all about the 1932 Pontiac V-8 engine, and the special promotion of the Pontiac V-8 car in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 18, 2013 11:24AM

1966 Grande Parisienne- Canadian Flagship

It's never been a secret that our northern neighbors, the Canadians, loved their Pontiacs. After all, for many years just saying you had a Pontiac was quite a bit of a different contortion than how you got one "down yonder" in the lower 48. And, in addition, the Canadians wanted the luxury of the big Pontiacs we enjoyed too. So, came the birth of the Grand Parisienne... and what a beautiful baby it was, as described by Pontiac historian and PontiacRegistry.com contributor Mark Potter.

Read all about this big, beautiful Pontiac in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
February 16, 2016 08:16AM

1989 Pontiac Timeline

It's only fit that our PontiacRegistry.com 1000th On-Line Magazine article would feature Pontiac's history. After all, that is what we are doing here, preserving the Pontiac story for everyone to enjoy.

This "Pontiac Timeline" is a feature from a 1989 Pontiac brochure. They were very optimistic at that time that their all new directions would pay off. We all know the answer to that. But, nonetheless, a trip down Pontiac's Memory Lane is always fun. Enjoy.

Enjoy this piece of Pontiac history in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 19, 2013 09:25AM

25 Years of Pontiac Progress- Silver Anniversary

Twenty-five years sounded like so many back in 1951. Who would have been thinking about 75+ back then, much less and end to those years. . . but that's a whole 'nother story. Let's stick with this happy Silver Anniversary time.

Our Pontiac friend, collector, and historian in England, Graham Webber, located this rather rare book created especially for this anniversary celebration. It is probably one of few around as it was not produced for general public distribution.

Her we have gathered the many pages of these 25 years into one article featuring the cars and highlights of the times. It is very interesting viewing and a glimpse into or car's and nation's history long ago.

Enjoy this trip back to a much more celebratory time for Pontiac in our On-Line Magazine at Click Here

Added by: Larry
June 08, 2020 01:58PM

75th Anniversary- Ad Agency Version- PT. I

Didn't we already have a feature covering (in multiple parts) the 75th Anniversary of Pontiac? The answer would be yes, and you can find it elsewhere in this part of our On-Line Magazine. But what we have here is Part I of an Anniversary brochure released by the Pontiac advertising agency- but NOT "in any way endorsed by Pontiac"... their own words. Weird, huh?

But it does contain a good outline of Pontiac's great history. So, always being excited to share as much Pontiac history and information that we can, here is Part I of what will be many parts working through to Pontiac's 75th year... so stay tuned for much more.

Check it out in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
November 16, 2016 08:06AM

Australian Pontiacs

When deciding to study up on the connection between the cars of Pontiac and the country of Australia, we were shocked to find so little information available on the topic. Surely one would think this would be a well documented historical connection... not so.

What we have done here is pulled together pretty much all that is available on the internet on the subject. It makes some interesting reading, but still makes you come away with the question "Is that all there is?" (to quote Peggy Lee).

If any of our members have any additional information about the history of Pontiac and the Land Down Under, please share it so we can preserve it for everyone.

Read all about Pontiac's Australian history in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 18, 2013 11:03AM

Canada Only: General Motors Cars

If anyone wonders if we have a fascination with Canadian Pontiacs... you're right. What better way to get a totally unique Pontiac and still be a part of our great Pontiac heritage? We have here some history of GM's presence in Canada, and especially the concentration on Pontiac- after all, it was the best seller of all the GM products in Canada, even though the last one introduced. Be sure to check out our other Canadian Pontiac articles too.

Read all about GM and Pontiac in Canada in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
August 25, 2017 08:49AM

Car Spy- behind the scenes

James Bond and Maxwell Smart have nothing on Jim Dunne who has spent his professional life snooping the automotive world scoring super secret shots of yet to be released models and designs.

In a cat and mouse game of sorts, Dunne tells his story in his new book "Car Spy." Here we share a review and a particularly funny Pontiac story. Good reading for all car lovers.

See this story of automotive stealth in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 19, 2013 09:41AM

First Trans Am

Everyone knows the rarity of the 1969 Trans Ams, and probably at one time or another has lusted for one. We wonder how much of that lusting has gone into creating so many "tribute" Trans Ams. Also known as clones and fakes- just be careful if you're looking to buy one.

Once again automotive author, historian, and Pontiac lover John Gunnell has tracked down some great Pontiac information and shared it with us. Not only does John give us the Trans Am's beginning history, but he also features here the VERY FIRST Trans Am ever. That's right... #1! Think about owning the first of anything, but then add the mystique and value of the '69 Trans Am and you have the holy grail of cars.

Read all about this first of the first in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 29, 2020 01:24PM

Four Decades of Excitement

Remember the "We Build Excitement" era of Pontiac? Do you also remember wondering who they were actually trying to convince of that?

Well, a close look at the 1991 Pontiac full-model brochure makes you wonder if even the advertising/marketing people were actually convinced themselves. Sometimes going back over the years exposes information that might not have been so easy to see in the haze of the moment.

Check out this advertising review in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 19, 2013 09:32AM

On With the Show: 1938 Pontiacs- Part I

This first installment from a very interesting, and probably kind of rare, Pontiac dealer instructional brochure, shows what the factory was telling the dealer to do to drive traffic into his showroom in 1938. Much of it is just information about the all new '38 Pontiac, featurtes, advantages, sales points, etc., but some of the ideas are down right strange (especially by today's standards). Be sure to check out additional installments as we cover this entire brochure.

Enjoy this look into the dealer showroom of 1938 in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 15, 2013 02:24PM

PMD Factory Photos

Enjoy a rare glimpse into the Pontiac assembly process from the early-'50s to the mid-'60s through these magnificent old factory photos from the collection of Pontiac hobbyist, Doug Klein of Long Island, New York. In them we see assembly processes off the beaten path too, into chroming, painting, engine assembly, and more. We also see other General Motors cars traveling on the same assembly line as the Pontiacs, pretty strange, for sure.

Enjoy this rare photographic journey back into time in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 18, 2013 11:20AM

Pontiac Advertising- Part II

In Part I we discussed Pontiac's advertising as they moved from a simple machine to a car of style and performance.

In this Part II we visit a very unique time in Pontiac's- and our nation's- history... World War II. With the demands of the period came many additional challenges probably unthought of before... mostly, how to promote your product during a time when you can't even produce it.

Read about this unique advertising period for Pontiac in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Read Part I about Pontiac's early years of advertising in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 15, 2013 01:47PM

Pontiac Belt of Champions Award

In the highly competitive world of auto sales and service, Parts & Accessories plays a very big part. If the parts that make up each car- and which wear out- are marketed with gusto (remember there are aftermarket parts every where competing for the money), there is a lot of money to bring back into the manufacturer's coffers. The same goes for all those add-on goodies that makes your car "Your" car. So finding incentive programs to capitalize on these items/income is to the advantage of all involved- if the "prize" is right.

Here we see a special belt buckle that may not seem important today, but years ago was a huge mark of success... something to wear with pride.

Check out this interesting PMD program in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
December 23, 2017 01:04PM

Pontiac Historic Services- How it Began

Unlike any other automobile manufacturer, Pontiac saw the wisdom of supporting the Pontiac hobbyplace with a documentation service that is still running today, many years after the demise of PMD itself. But few, if any, know how this service came to be and who was the one person who started the service this was picked up later, independent of PMD, and continues to this day. It is time that we let you know all about this unsung Pontiac hero. You will be surprised.

We at PontiacRegistry.com send MANY hobbyists to this service to help document their car- and to protect themselves for any planned investment. Too many people trying to save a buck cry the blues later when their GTO turns out to be a Tempest- worth only a fraction of what they paid for it. That's called "penny wise, pound foolish."

Read all about this important part of Pontiac's continuing history in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
January 06, 2024 07:16PM

Pontiac Milestones: Part II 1935- 1941

In this Part II of a continuing series we get a snapshot look at Pontiac through its development. We look at year groups and models, and examine the similarities and differences. Here we see how Pontiac progressed in its development through the years and get a better understanding of how we got to where we are today. As Part I witnessed the earliest years of Pontiac's development, in this Part II see it developing into a much more modern vehicle.

Be sure to read Part I in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here
and this continuing Part II at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 15, 2013 02:19PM

Pontiac Pace Cars at Indy

While many like the more rough and tumble "stock" car races (though they are far from stock!), most will admit that the Indianapolis 500 Memorial weekend race is to auto racing what the Kentucky Derby is to horse racing. But surprisingly, Pontiac has had little participation in this major event, having only 3 pace car duties in the race's history (back to 1911). Here we have researched the three Pontiacs that performed top honors pacing the Indy 500.

Check out this Pontiac history in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 20, 2016 05:49PM

Pontiac Safari Magazine: Vol. 2 No. 1 January 1961

Pontiac's "Safari" magazine was a beautifully produced product that gave PMD an opportunity to keep in touch with it's customer, new, old, and potential. Under the guise of a travel brochure sort of magazine, they snuck in messages from the company leaders, letters from customers, and great Pontiac ads. All the while taking the reader to some special spot in America for an arm chair vacation.

In this Volume 2 Number 1 issue dated January 1961 they Safar-ied to "Old New Orleans" and featured lots of very interesting historical and cultural accounts. They also showcased a beautiful 1961 Pontiac Bonneville convertible full-spread color ad, and a neat ad on the back cover featuring the Guide-Matic power headlight control.

Check out Pontiac's adventures in New Orleans in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

View the two Pontiac ads featured in this edition even larger in our Vintage Ads forum at:
1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible Click Here
1961 Pontiac Guide-Matic Headlight Control Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 15, 2013 01:45PM

Pontiac Safari Magazine: Vol. 3 No. 3 May 1962

In this issue of the Pontiac "Safari" magazine the reader takes a trip to the oldest corner of our country- "Down East." Where life can be a bit rugged, and the people too. So, if Pontiac can catch their eye, and live up this hearty group's expectations (actually demands) of quality and dependability, it will be doing good. Something we're sure the Safari crew accomplished just fine!

Travel along by checking in here: Click Here

Added by: Larry
March 24, 2017 01:18PM

Pontiac Silver Streak Story

Because our goal at PontiacRegistry.com is compiling the single largest source of Pontiac information in one place, we jump at the chance of sharing something interesting we might find. However, we also learn that often times the story isn't complete, so here we bring you an interesting article... and "the rest of the story" as needed to be accurate. So, if you love design history, take a trip through the "Pontiac Silver Streak Story."

Do some streaking in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
January 18, 2017 03:15PM

Pontiac's 75th Anniversary- Part II

Enjoy a look at the special 75th Anniversary brochure that Pontiac released in celebration of this mile marker in their history. The year was 2001. Part I covered the beginning years of Pontiac. This Part II visits the exciting "Fabulous Fifties." Future features will present the "Muscle Years" and on through to include the PMD Motorsports successes. Watch for more, coming soon.

Read all about Pontiac's seventy-five years of history in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 15, 2013 01:53PM

Rise and Fall of the Pontiac GTO

We don't normally post another web site's articles as a link in our On-Line Magazine, but in this case, we have made an exception. At this web site "Ate Up With Motor" (strange name, I know, but it is explained at their site), is an excellent GTO history article that traces the GTO performance roots, and the background of its developers to the pre-GTO years... very interesting.

Read this article by "going through" or site via our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here (see our "informational" layout and the link at the top of the page)...

or go directly to the article at: Click Here

Don't let the big photo at the top of their site showing the beautiful '41 Cadillac fool you... it is a great GTO article.

Added by: Larry
April 19, 2013 09:57AM

The MEN of PONTIAc

Before any sexists get riled up, we only use the word "MEN" because that is what/who we are talking about here, and we only capitalize the word as sort of a sign of respect/honor for the greatness they brought to the industry. Or, as Greg Gutfeld would say "A sexist would say!" There, now we got that out of the way.

We have a separate Magazine section for "Pontiac History and Information" where we try to save as well as inform concerning the growth and development of this car we enjoy so much. Its history is both deep and rich and features some individuals who stand out from their ideas, dedication, and thus achievements. These short biographies are from PMD's 75th Anniversary booklet. We hope it is enough to make you want to learn more about these individuals. We will certainly try to feature more in coming installments too.

Check out these great names in Pontiac history and development in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
June 09, 2022 04:21PM

Thom McAn GTO Shoes

Sometimes the history of our beloved car took some strange turns. Such was the case with this GTO Shoes advertising gimmick.

Not surprisingly, Pontiac Ad-man Jim Wangers was right in the middle of this campaign. And like so much he was involved in (even if slightly off-beat), it was a huge success. But, then again, when you're giving away hot new GTOs, how the heck are you gonna fail?!

Check it out in our On-Line Magazine at: Click Here

Added by: Larry
April 26, 2013 11:08AM