Tuesday, February 26, 2013

1954 Pontiac Strato-Streak



The 1954 Pontiac Strato Streak was a four-door pillarless (no center post) hardtop. It was inspired by the European Lancia. It was equipped with a straight-eight; 1954 was the final year of this engine. The fate of this car is unknown.

The 1954 Pontiac Strato Streak concept was a 4-door “hardtop type” car inspired by the Pontiac Catalina. With no center post between the doors, the car could be opened up completely. It had 4-bucket seats and the front set swiveled sideways for easier entry. Controls for safety and convenience accessories were on the drive shaft tunnel.

The Strato Streak was built on Pontiac’s 124-inch Star Chief’s wheelbase and was only 54.7-inches high, 8.7-inches lower than contemporary production models. The interior featured beige leather and a special nylon fabric with gold metallic threads. The Strato Streak’s backlight pillars were as narrow as possible. The wide rear window was supplemented by quadrant shaped sidelights. The rear doors opened into the wind, with special locks to prevent opening unless the car was stopped and in neutral.

It originally had a metallic green finish on its fiberglass body, but was later painted iridescent metallic red and renamed the Strato Streak II.

Source: Internet