• First top-of-the-line model offered by Pontiac after postwar production resumed
• Only known surviving example of the Streamliner Deluxe Eight Station Wagon
• One of the rarest and most collectable Pontiacs from the era
• Restored and beautifully preserved example featuring original wood and hardware

When Pontiac production resumed in September 1945 following the conclusion of World War II, the Torpedo and Streamliner series from 1942 carried over. Flathead six- and eights-cylinder were offered in both Pontiac production lines, with the short-wheelbase A-body Torpedo models priced under comparable Streamliner B-body versions.

New 1946 models were identified by wraparound bumpers and a revised grille; 12 Torpedo body style and engine options were offered, and there were eight additional Streamliner configurations available. The most expensive Pontiac body style was the Station Wagon. Built either at the Hercules Body Company or Ionia manufacturing plant, it was offered only for the Streamliner series. Wagons could be ordered on either the Six or Eight chassis with Standard or Deluxe trim.

Instantly recognizable with a dramatic Indian hood ornament and red headdress flowing over chrome hood spears, Streamliners set themselves apart from the more economical Torpedo with additional chrome beltline moldings, longer front fender crown moldings, and “speedline” fender accents carried through rear skirted fenders. Station Wagons further accentuated this speedline theme with ribbed wood trim highlighting doors and flanks. The Deluxe model featured unique touches, such as interiors trimmed in simulated leather on seats and armrests matched to passenger car interior hardware. Most noticeably, the Deluxe model six-passenger seating configuration allowed for a more spacious back seat and additional room in the rear cargo area for picnics or extra luggage, while the Standard was intended for more utilitarian use with three bench seats for eight-passenger seating.

When checking every box for the premium Station Wagon body style with the higher-priced Eight engine and Deluxe trim upgrade, the rarest and most expensive Pontiac model you could buy in 1946 was the top-of-the-line Streamliner Eight Deluxe Station Wagon, priced at $2,047. Due to their substantial cost, few examples were produced, and survivors are so exceedingly rare that the wagon offered here is the only example known at this time to have survived.

Presented with a high-quality and well-preserved older restoration in correct Royal Maroon metallic, this Pontiac was discovered in Old Castle, Ontario in 2004 and has been maintained in a significant private collection in Colorado ever since. At the time of its discovery, it was said to have lived in a private museum in Maine for many years.

Powered by a 249-cubic-inch flathead Eight with Carter dual downdraft carburetor and mated to a three-speed manual column-shift transmission, this example includes a Super Deluxe radio, electric clock, Venti-Heat air and defrost, chrome exhaust deflector, and whitewall tires. Such an extraordinarily rare and significant top-of-the-line Pontiac offers unlimited opportunity for taking the whole family on a road trip, while being the star at every Pontiac and woodie gathering.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf21.