The dawn of the 1940s marked a significant stylistic evolution for American automakers, embracing sleeker designs. This beautifully refurbished **1940 Pontiac Special Sport Coupe** is a stunning example of that pre-war streamlining. The car underwent an extensive refurbishment completed in 2020 by Realistic Auto Restorations in St. Petersburg, Florida. The deep burgundy paint and re-trimmed interior highlight the classic’s timeless appeal. Ultimately, this Series 25 coupe represents a high-quality restoration of an important piece of automotive history.
The Streamlined 1940 Pontiac Special Bodywork
Pontiac completely redesigned its lineup for the 1940 model year, resulting in much more streamlined bodywork. This Sport Coupe features front fenders with inset headlights and rear-hinged hoods with side louvers. The Fisher-built body was stripped to bare metal, receiving necessary rust repairs before its current burgundy repaint. New window seals, door felts, and weatherstripping were installed at that time. Additional features include a chrome grille guard, turn signals, and distinctive Silver Streak hood trim with a hood mascot.
Chassis and Mechanical Overhauls
The Pontiac Series 25 Special rode on a 116.5-inch wheelbase, typical for the era. The suspension uses a coil-sprung independent front setup and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Importantly, the suspension, steering, and brakes were completely overhauled during the refurbishment. Stopping is provided by four-wheel hydraulic drums, providing reliable performance. The steel wheels were refinished in black and feature Coker Classic whitewall radial tires, mounted with classic chrome Pontiac-branded hubcaps.
Interior Refinements and Classic Style
The cabin features front and rear bench seats, providing seating for four passengers. During the refurbishment, the seats were retrimmed in handsome taupe cloth, complementing the exterior color. The restoration included fitting **Dynamat sound insulation** before installing replacement color-coordinated carpets. The dashboard and window trim feature a painted woodgrain finish for a touch of class. Driver conveniences include a Pontiac Master under-dash heater and an **Ididit Tilt Steering Column**.
Gauges and Driver Controls
The three-spoke steering wheel frames a simple yet functional instrument cluster. The main feature is a **100-mph speedometer**. Surrounding the speedometer are auxiliary gauges for battery charge, fuel level, oil pressure, and engine temperature. While the five-digit odometer shows 96k miles, total mileage is unknown. The classic style is maintained with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
Propelling the 1940 Pontiac Special Sport Coupe is a replacement **222.7ci inline-six engine**. This six-cylinder engine was fully serviced and repainted during the comprehensive restoration process. Fuel is delivered via a **Carter WA-1 carburetor**, which was also professionally rebuilt. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission, which was removed and resealed. Furthermore, a replacement clutch throw-out bearing and full exhaust system were installed. This combination provides smooth, torquey performance characteristic of pre-war American automobiles.
Summary of the 1940 Pontiac Special Sport Coupe
In summary, this **1940 Pontiac Special Sport Coupe** represents a high-quality, comprehensive refurbishment of a classic pre-war design. The work by Realistic Auto Restorations ensured that the burgundy paint and taupe cloth interior are flawless. With a replacement 222.7ci inline-six engine and overhauled mechanicals, the car is prepared for reliable enjoyment. This Pontiac stands as a well-documented and beautiful example of the streamlined styling that defined the era.
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