Lot details
Registration No: 840 XUC
Chassis No: GP6982
Mot Expiry: Aug 2013

When introduced in 1940, the Harley Earl-designed Pontiac Torpedo was only available with GM's so called C-Body platform and in-line eight cylinder power. The cutting edge 'torpedo' styling was notably streamlined and the wide, low-slung body featured such aerodynamic innovations as concealed door hinges, the petrol cap secreted behind a hinged flap and a complete absence of running boards. The distinctive body furniture included a bonnet mascot and 'speedline' ribbing on both front and rear wings. For 1941 the overall design theme was extended to the company's A- and B-platform models and the Torpedo name adopted for the entire range. The De Luxe model was based on the A-Body platform with 119-inch wheelbase and was powered by either a 3.9-litre (239ci) six-cylinder engine or 4.1-litre (249ci) eight-cylinder unit that drove through a three-speed manual gearbox. The platform could be clothed in no less than six different body styles - two Coupes, three Saloons (a two-door; a four-door, four-light and a four-door, six-light) and a Convertible.

The striking right-hand drive Torpedo being sold is a 1941 four-door, six-light Saloon that's finished in Blue and trimmed in a combination of Grey leather and cloth. It was apparently first registered in Zimbabwe (nee Rhodesia) to a Mr Pollard. He passed it to his grandson, Lister Pollard, in 1960, who retained the car for the next 50 years and treated it to an extensive restoration between 1996 and 1999. Shortly after its completion, the Pontiac was brought to the UK, and was acquired by the vendor in 2011. He considers the bodywork, paintwork and interior trim to be "excellent", the three-speed manual gearbox to be "very good" and the flathead in-line six-cylinder engine to be "good". '840 XUC' is MOT'd until August next year and the odometer currently displays an unwarranted 89,000 miles.