1950 Pontiac

The 1950 Pontiacs were the second year for the all new post-war cars and notable for the introduction of the 2
door “hardtop” coupe model known as the Catalina. The Deluxe Catalina was available in any standard color
with a conventional deluxe interior. The ultimate Catalina was the Super Deluxe and only available in Sierra
Rust over San Pedro Ivory; the interior featured leather upholstery and exposed bright metal top bows to secure
the headliner. This precedent of offering only one special two-tone color combination for the Super Deluxe
Catalina continued into the future.

The venerable Pontiac straight eight was enlarged for the second time since it’s inception in 1933, growing to its
final displacement of 268 cubic inches. The standard compression ratio of 6.5:1 was good for 108 horsepower
while the optional ratio of 7.5:1 boosted power output to 113. All eights were equipped with the compound fuel
pump that included a vacuum booster for improved operation of the vacuum windshield wipers utilized on all
Pontiac models.

1950 was the final year for the Streamliner models with their distinctive sloping rear bodies. The Streamliners
were only available as either a 4 door sedan or rather confusingly, a sedan coupe. In appearance, a Streamliner
sedan coupe was a 2 door version of the 4 door sedan. The Chieftain line also offered a sedan coupe, but unlike
the Streamliner version, a Chieftain sedan coupe didn’t share the roof line and side rear window size of the 4
door model. The Chieftain sedan coupe shared the shorter roof and smaller side windows of the business coupe.
There was also a Chieftain 2 door sedan model, which was exactly what its name implied, a 2 door version of
the 4 door sedan.

The Streamliner and Chieftain lines were both available in either standard or deluxe trim. The standard trim
level is easily distinguished by the lack of stainless side moldings and the black rubber gravel guards at the
leading edge of the rear fenders.

Pontiac had a record production year in 1950, selling 446,429 vehicles.