1940 Pontiac Eight - $39,900 - Orange Village, OH - Older restoration still in good order. Recent dashboard restoration (since photos were taken) and new canvas top. Runs and drives excellent.
Of the 1940 Deluxe Eight models, the 2-door convertible coupe, or cabriolet in Pontiac marketing terms, is among the rarest and most desirable. Some estimates suggest that fewer than a dozen are still in existence, and that probably explains why you’ve never seen one before. With an older restoration and a few recent upgrades, this handsome convertible coupe remains in great shape for touring and casual shows. The Parma Wine color is straight from the Pontiac color charts in 1940 and on the rounded 1940s bodywork, it looks appropriate and elegant. Its show days are probably over, but if you’re the kind of guy who likes to drive more than collect trophies, then this Pontiac will be an excellent companion in the future. The chrome and stainless trim is still bright, and it’s worth noting that the eight cylinder models had a plastic and metal hood ornament that differentiated the senior-series cars from the lower-cost Six.
The red leather interior was restored with the rest of the car some years ago, but is holding up remarkably well. Of note, this car has recently had the entire dashboard restored with fresh woodgraining and restored trim pieces (not shown in photos). The carpets are just about the only component showing age, but it’s tough to make red survive in the sunlight and condition-wise they’re quite good with no rips or tears and a correct heel pad for the driver. Dash plastics and instruments are in very good condition, and while the original radio is missing, there’s a modern AM/FM/CD head unit under the passenger’s side of the dash and powered by a 12-volt inverter so the electrical system remains as original. The tan canvas convertible top is brand new and folds easily, while the trunk is fully outfitted with a complete carpet set and matching full-sized spare tire.
Mechanically, the 249 cubic inch straight-8 is as smooth and torquey as you’d expect. Rated at an even 100 horsepower, it feels like more thanks to well-chosen gear ratios in the rear end and the smooth operation of the engine. Rebuilt with the rest of the car, it shows well with green engine enamel and correct details like the downdraft carburetor and oil bath air cleaner. With a recent tune-up and new ignition components, it starts easily and settles into a smooth, humming idle that’s characteristic of straight-eight engines. The transmission features “three-on-the-tree” shifting that was pioneered by Pontiac in 1938, and out back there are 4.44 gears for great performance around town with a minimum of shifting. Braking is powerful with typical GM hydraulic drums all around, and thanks to the recently introduced “knee-action” front suspension, it rides like a modern car. Correct 6.50-16 wide whitewall bias-ply tires have been fitted to the original wheels which offer trim rings and hubcaps as original.
Handsome, rare, and delivering sparkling performance on the road, this Deluxe Eight is a great find for the Pontiac fan who thinks he’s seen it all. There are vastly more Buick and even Cadillac convertible coupes out there, all sharing the same body, so if you really want to stand out in a crowd, this is a great way to do it.
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