BaT Auction: 1949 Pontiac Streamliner Woodie

This 1949 Pontiac Streamliner Woodie comes from the first year of Pontiac tin woodie wagons and is powered by a 248ci straight-eight backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. Wood on the interior in genuine, while the exterior wood finish is painted onto the body panels. The car appears to have been restored in the past, and the current owner acquired it as part of an 80 car collection out of Bend, Oregon in 2012. Said to be in good mechanical condition after the mechanicals were gone through, the car is ready to use per the selling dealer. It is offered by BaT regular Garage Kept Motors with a clean Michigan title in the current owner’s name.

Details of the restoration were not provided with the car when the current owner purchased it from the estate of the previous owner. Work appears to have been finished to a high standard, with a glossy paint finish visible in the provided photos.

Chrome trim is documented extensively in the gallery below, while panel alignment appears consistent throughout. Paint finish is smooth and appears free of crazing or pitting.

The characteristic Chief Pontiac hood ornament is intact as seen above.

The exterior wood trim is painted metal but appears quite convincing from most angles. False joints are incorporated into the finish. 1949 was the final model year for factory Pontiac Woodie wagons, and this tin woodie was made alongside a small number of true woodie examples for a short time.

Unlike the exterior, the interior wood is real. The materials look to be in good condition, as does the remainder of the interior. The interior of the clamshell rear hatch shows a distinct grain from the exterior and interior paneling, and it is protected by metal stringers.

The passenger cabin appears largely standard, though lap belts have been added. Stock instrumentation and radio remain, and the gauges are working correctly but the radio is not. Door and cabin interior panels are simple wooden panels edged with dark red vinyl. The seats and carpets show little wear and tear.

The 248ci straight-eight is believed original and is backed by a 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission. Much of the engine bay is nicely detailed, and black painted items show a good finish. Some external corrosion is present on the engine, though it is said to run well. The current owner’s mechanic went through the car a month ago and notes that it can be driven without concern. The only issue reported is the battery, which does not hold a charge after sitting for more than a week without help from a charger or tender.

Underbody images show a straight frame and floors finished in black. Some faint surface corrosion is visible on the inside of the rockers and the passenger-side panel edge. The seller has provided a walk-around video with the car idling.