1937 Pontiac 4 door identification

[tirediron]

Just acquired this survivor car which is identified in its Washington state paper work as:

Make: 1937 Pontiac
Model: Sedan Body Style:  4 DR Sedan
Exterior Color: Grey Interior Color:  Beige
VIN: 6363502 Engine Size : Stock 6
Transmission:  Standard # of Speeds:  3 [on the tree!]
Condition: 3.1
Firewall Chassis Plate: “ /PONTIAC MOTOR CO/ PONTIAC, MICH/ STYLE NO. 38-2610/ BODY NO. G G15/ TRIM NO. 56/ PAINT NO. 2217/ BODY BY FISHER/"

I understand there may have been two different 4 door models in this year. I'm anxious to identify (corroborate) my vehicle as precisely as I can. The engine is destroyed, rod thru block & pan. Was the 8 cyl. fitted to this model or is it too long? Did this model ever have side mounts? What possible donor engine(s) would be consistent with my "survivor". Was this called a "Silver Streak"?

[Larry]

I almost missed it when reading your description, but stopped in my tracks when I saw the reference to 3 on the tree.

Is your Pontiac titled as a '37? because the 3 on the tree (column shift) wasn't introduced until 1938- a $10.00 option. Also the style number you show is "38" which cinches uop that you have a '38 and not a '37. Also, double check the style number. It is probably a 2601 (2-door sedan) or 2611 (2-door touring sedan). There wasn't a 2610.

Al Pontiacs from 1935 through 1956 were refered to as "Silver Streaks" because of the chrome stipes on the hoods.

The 1937 and '38 bodies were all the same size, using the same bodies as Oldsmobile, Lasalle, and the small Buicks, so an eight cylinder should have plenty of room.

Almost any flat 6-cylinder up through as far as 1954 would look nearly identical to the one in this car (as would even a '37 engine- not sure on the '35 and '36, but why go backwards anyway). A later engine is very available from late '40s on, but to be 100% authentic an actual '38 engine would be best.

[tirediron]

Thanks for the informative reply, I am compelled to conclude as you have, that my car is a 1938. It was listed as a 1937 in the Silver Auction (Reno, Hot August Nights auction) and was declared as such by their seller. I am "once removed" from the buyer and the title has not yet been furnished. It is to be a Washington title, supposedly in process. I have attached an image of the chassis plate, A re-reading of the chassis plate suggests my original post was in error. It reads instead, “ /PONTIAC MOTOR CO/ PONTIAC, MICH/ STYLE NO. 38-2619/ BODY NO. C 615/ TRIM NO. 56/ PAINT NO. 2217/ BODY BY FISHER/

I have thus far been unable to find an appropriate flathead to replace my engine. At the risk of offending "purists" I have acquired a 1968 Firebird Sprint OHC engine which I hope to retrofit together with a T5, Overdrive transmission. With this combo i hope to be able to minimally affect the survivor appearance of this vehicle, improve driveability, and retain the ability to return this survivor it to it's original flathead engine status if and when a donor engine can be acquired. In the interim it should be a good driver with an unusual (but Pontiac/GM) power train.

I hope my choice of "donor" engines will not affect further responses to this post. It is a Pontiac engine in a Pontiac and could surprise some people when shown.[img][/img][img][/img]

[super]

Why worry about offending others. It is your vehicle and you should enjoy it in every aspect.

I believe you have chosen a unique drivetrain that adds character to your Pontiac. Good luck on your project.

[Larry]

Your engine choice will make a very nice combination both for uniqueness and driveability. Anyone can jam a 350 Chebby into an old car, this will be all Pontiac and a real conversation piece. We have an OHC-6 Technical Advisor to help you too.

Please post your picture using the browse button below. "Browse" it in your computer, click on it, then click the "Add Atachment" button and it will be there. You can add it in your original post by just clicking on the "Edit" button at the upper right of your message.

Keep us posted on your progress.