Tuesday, February 26, 2013

1955 Pontiac Strato-Star



Scalloped front wheel openings, gull-wing front bumper, and a cantilevered roof were among the many features of the 1955 Pontiac Strato-Star. It was one of eight unique concept vehicles built for exhibition on the 1955 GM Motorama circuit. Its fate is unknown.
The 1955 Pontiac Strato-Star concept car was a 6-passenger coupe that debut at the 1955 GM Motorama in New York City. It was a functional Pontiac dream car and was powered with the new 1955 Pontiac V8 engine with modifications that were good for 235 horsepower. With ultra-slim door pillars and lots of glass, it stood only 53-inches high. Hinged 6-inch roof panels built into the roof opened and closed automatically when the doors opened.



Fresh air intakes were built into each front fender above the single headlights. Parking lamps were built into twin pods suspended below the outer section of the front bumpers. Pontiac stylists retained the old-fashioned Silver Streak moldings.

The rear of the Strato-Star was very futuristic looking. Pontiac designers adapted many styling cues like the rolled pan, nerf bar bumperettes, and frenched visored taillights, from California Customizers of the 1955 era. Tail fins were a natural back then. Fiberglass door trim panels were used inside the car.

Source: Internet