Pontiac Torpedo

Pontiac Torpedo
1948 Pontiac Torpedo Convertible
Overview
Manufacturer	Pontiac (General Motors)
Production	1939–1948
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size
Layout	FR layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Pontiac Six
Successor	Pontiac Chieftain

The Pontiac Torpedo was a full-sized car produced by Pontiac from the 1940 through the 1948 model year (war years excepted). When released, it was the biggest Pontiac, used an 8-cylinder engine, and it had more standard features than other Pontiacs. Although the Torpedo name was exclusive to the highest line of Pontiacs in 1940, in 1941 the name was applied to all Pontiacs in three separate lines. The Custom Torpedoes were now top-of-the-line name, while the DeLuxe Torpedo became the base line, and the Streamline Torpedo became the middle line of Pontiacs. All Torpedo models could be had with either a 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engine beginning in 1941. From 1942 to 1948 the Torpedo name designated only the base line of Pontiacs.^[1] The Torpedo was replaced by the Pontiac Chieftain in 1949. It was with this generation that all GM vehicles experienced increased width dimensions to accommodate three passengers on the front bench seat and an additional three passengers on rear bench seat installed vehicles. This was accomplished with the deletion of running board thereby adding additional room inside the passenger compartment.^[2]