Norman Rockwell on wheels

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Let’s continue the timber theme for one more day, as we found another gem being offered for sale this very week. This time it’s an all-American woodie in the shape of a 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak wagon. And it is a remarkable car in every sense. Not just is this woodie wagon version of the ‘Streamliner’ model rare; this one simply has to be the best in existence today. It’s all original and with just 4,900 original miles from new. To speak with the seller: “The phrase ‘It’s only original once’ describes this preservation Pontiac that has escaped the hands of time unscathed.” Paint, upholstery and wood are all untouched just like the ‘leather’ roof is still factory original.

The famous Pontiac eight cylinder line engine supposedly runs as smooth as it should. And have a look at that interior! The beautiful dash is a feast for the eyes with chrome and mahogany wood everywhere. This model was the top of the bill for Pontiac in 1948 and featured things like electric glovebox door clocks and Hydramatic automatic transmission. Driving this must be the automotive equivalent of owning an original Norman Rockwell painting. 

So what is its story?, you will ask. Well, it’s all pretty straightforward. The car is said to have been sold new in 1948 in Albany, New York to a family in the Catskills who used it exclusively at their summer home. The wagon saw very little use in their hands and was eventually sold to a collector in Pennsylvania in the 1980s. One more sale took place in 1991 and that was it. We like the auctioneers description, adding: “All this wagon needs is a few kids and a Golden Retriever.” Plenty of room for that. The estimate is $125- to  $150,000. Full lot list here.

(Words editor, pictures Dragone Auctions)

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