On January 3, 1926, General Motors introduced the first Pontiac car, named Six, equipped with a six-cylinder engine. Its debut occurred at the New York Auto Show, marking Pontiac’s entrance into the American automotive scene with a bold claim to performance and reliability.
The name Pontiac traces back to a Native American leader who clashed with British settlers during the mid-18th century in the territories now known as Illinois and Ohio between 1763 and 1766. This choice reflected a heritage of boldness and resilience that Pontiac aimed to embody in its cars.
The brand quickly earned widespread recognition, and the Pontiac Silver Streak became a major driver of demand. Production capacity surged to meet the growing appetite for the distinctive styling and dependable engineering that the Silver Streak represented.
In 1967, two additional iconic models joined the lineup: the GTO and the Firebird. As the decades progressed, General Motors steered toward smaller, more economical vehicles, leading to the introduction of compact models like the Fiero, Bonneville, and Sunfire by the late 1970s. These adjustments reflected the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences of that era.
By the end of the 2000s, financial difficulties culminated in bankruptcy proceedings for the company. The last Pontiac car rolled off the assembly line on April 24, 2009, the G6 sedan. The brand officially ceased operations on November 1, 2010, just shy of its 85th birthday. [Citation: Behind the Wheel]
- “Drive” can be read in Telegram.
A new voice emerges through the ongoing interest in classic marques, with enthusiasts continuing to explore Pontiac’s rich history, its milestones, and how the brand’s design language influenced American automotive styling for decades.
Vote – win Lada!
Participants are invited to take part in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix vote to help identify the standout car novelties of the year. The poll provides an opportunity for readers to share preferences and engage with automotive conversations across platforms.
As a token of appreciation for time spent, three prizes will be awarded to respondents who complete the survey by February 28, 2023. Everyone who contributes stands a chance to win, depending on the timing of submission.