Pontiac Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Pontiac Performance 1960-1974: The Era of the Super Duty, H.O., & Ram Air Drag & Muscle Cars

In 1956, Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen became general manager of the struggling Pontiac division at General Motors. He transformed its conservative image by focusing on performance, guided by the motto "Race on Sunday; sell on Monday."

In 1957, Pontiac introduced the Bonneville, a limited-edition fuel-injected convertible aimed at car enthusiasts. This marked the start of a new, youthful identity for the brand, and sales quickly grew. Pontiac's Super Duty drag-racing cars soon proved highly successful, helping the division rise to third place in U.S. sales, behind Chevrolet and Ford.

Even after GM withdrew from racing in 1963, Pontiac maintained its momentum. In 1964, the launch of the GTO created the muscle car category, forcing competitors to respond. Over the following years, Pontiac produced several iconic models, including the 2+2, Ram-Air GTO and Firebird, Trans Am, the Judge, and the Firebird Formula.

This illustrated book recalls Pontiac's golden era, celebrating the cars that defined American performance in the 1950s and 1960s.

Product details

Author:	Don Keefe
Details:	160 pages, 10.8 x 8.25 x 0.39 in (27.5 x 21 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	CarTech Inc (USA, 2024)
ISBN:	9781613257777

Pontiac Convertibles 1953-1967

An up-close look at Pontiac Convertibles, 1953-1967. From straight Eights to V-8s. From classic sedate cars to muscle cars.
Includes: Chieftain, Star Chief, Bonneville, Catalina, Tempest, Le Mans, GTO,Firebird, Grand Prix.

Lots of detail, basic spec's and useful information. Great primer, excellent quick reference. Smart addition to your library. Over 200 large B&W photos.

Product details

Author:	Don Narus
Details:	94 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	200+ b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2015)
ISBN:	9781312903005

Standard Catalog of Pontiac 1926-2002

In this book, collectors can speed through thousands of listings to obtain specifications, production data, and serial number information for their favorite Pontiacs. Every Pontiac model ever made from1926 to 2002 is listed, along with the predecessors to Pontiac, the Oakland cars produced from 1908-1931.

• Over 500 photographs help collectors clearly identify the Pontiacs through the years. Current collector values are provided in six grades of condition.
• Thousands of listings of Pontiacs made from 1926-2002; includes new listings for models made from 1996 to 2002 including Bonneville SSEi, Grand Prix GTP, Ram Air Firebirds, Aztec and Vibe
• Specifications, production data, serial number information, and much more; and, features coverage of Oakland cars produced from 1908-1931.

Product details

Author:	John Gunnell
Details:	368 pages, 10.8 x 8.25 in (27.5 x 21 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	500+ b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	F&W Publications Inc (USA, 2012)
ISBN:	9781440232343

Pontiac - The Performance Years

Pontiac is the brand that brought us the GTO in 1964 and created a whole new market segment: Supercars. First an option in 1964-1965 and then a full model line in 1966, the GTO was the first of the Supercar genre and was supported by incredibly creative marketing programs, in-your-face advertising, and almost endless option lists.
Today we call vintage GTOs and competitive mid-size models with high-profile trim and large displacement, high-horsepower engines "musclecars." Back then, though, it was the Supercar Sixties, and Pontiac started it all!

"Pontiac: The Performance Years" is packed with a treasure trove of period photography and information from Pontiac engineering, specialty marketers like Royal Pontiac (Bobcat), and factory and private racecar builders.
It is a compilation of the best of three volumes covering the peak years of musclecar performance. The books were first published as part of the Quicksilver Supercar Series in the early 1980s. Out of print for decades, we've brought them back to provide a unique window into musclecar history.

Product details

Author:	Martyn L Schorr
Details:	220 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.51 in (24.5 x 19 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Stance & Speed (USA, 2011)
ISBN:	9780983060628

Pontiac (1948-1963) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Limited Edition Premier book about the Pontiac models from the period 1948-1963. Describes the Pontiac Streamliner, Torpedo, Chieftain, Silver Arrow, Super and Star Chief, Eight, Bonneville, Safari, Tempest, Strato-Chief, Ventura, Catalina and Grand Prix.

• The 59 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	160 pages, 10.25 x 7.9 x 0.39 in (26 x 20 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2009)
Series:	Limited Edition Premier
ISBN:	9781855208582

Grand Prix - Pontiac's Luxury Performance Car

In the late 1950s, Pontiac saw a need to bring to market a full-sized two-door hardtop that bridged the gap between luxury car and factory hot rod.
The result was the 1962 Grand Prix, a car that emphasized ''elegance in simplicity.'' With a four-barrel 389 Pontiac V-8 standard, buyers could option their cars with sporty 8-lug aluminum wheels, Tri-Power carburetion, a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission and even a 405-horsepower 421 Super Duty race engine - if they dared.
The public responded enthusiastically and the Grand Prix quickly became the choice of young, upscale buyers looking for a car that made a statement about their leading-edge tastes and hip lifestyle.

This book contains the complete Pontiac Grand Prix story, including production figures, powertrain offerings and a chapter on experimental and special editions.

Product details

Author:	Donald Keefe
Details:	128 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.43 in (28 x 21.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	185 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2007)
ISBN:	9781583881842

Pontiac's Greatest Decade - 1959-1969: The Wide Track Era - An Illustrated History

This book covers a decade in Pontiac's history when it jumped from middle of the sales pack to hold the coveted number three position behind Chevrolet and Ford. A position Pontiac held from 1961 until 1969.
The incredible talents and leadership of men like Bunkie Knudsen, Bob Estes, John DeLorean and Jim Wangers helped propel Pontiac to this esteemed position.

Beginning with the Wide Track 1959 Catalina, in rapid succession came the 1961 Tempest, the 1962 Grand Prix, the 1964 GTO (which launched the muscle car era), the 1967 Firebird, and the 1969 Grand Prix.
"Pontiac's Greatest Decade" captures the energy and the dynamic force of personality that ignited the spirit of Pontiac Motor Division and all of its employees, from designers and engineers to assembly line workers and dealers.

No other book on Pontiac's history has so completely captured the essence of the Wide Track era. Along with never before seen photographs, are evaluations of the products and significant milestones in the company's history from 1959 to 1969. Production and pricing information are also included.

Product details

Author:	Paul Zazarine
Details:	160 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.39 in (28 x 21.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	340 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2006)
ISBN:	9781583881637

Pontiac Fiero (1984-1988) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Pontiac Fiero models from the years 1984-1988. Describes the Pontiac Fiero 2M4 SE, SE, Pfaff Turbo, GT, GT V6, GTU and Formula.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	140 pages, 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.35 in (27 x 20.5 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	350 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2000)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855205321