Q: In the July 16, 2006, Auto Roundup Magazine you told Keith Penticton the value of a 1937 Pontiac sedan. His was a 6-cylinder model and you told him if it were the V8, it would be even more valuable.
I’m under the impression that the Oakland models had V8 engines, but didn’t the 1937 Pontiacs have Inline-8 engines? Thanks and I look forward to your column in each issue and enjoy it. David B. McConnell, Huntsville, AL.
A: Very good catch, David. Oakland-designed V8’s were around until 1931, when parent company General Motors decided to abandon both the engine design and nameplate. GM’s “Straight-8” then arrived in Buick, and would also power the above-mentioned Pontiac, too. The Straight-8 served them well into the early 1950s, as my 1951 Buick Special had a straight-8 hooked to a Dynaflow transmission. Thus, you are correct, as I should have said “Straight-8,” and thanks for the nice comments, too.