1952 Pontiac Chieftain Super DeLuxe Catalina
Engine: Inline 8
Displacement: 249 Cubic Inches
Horsepower: 122 BHP
Cost New: $2,370
         As was the industry norm for all automobiles in the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were only a few cosmetic changes for the 1952 Pontiacs. A slight alteration to the grill, spelling "Pontiac" in clock letters on the hood emblem, and a change to the front fender molding, were the only real exterior updates.
         The interior, however, offered a new with a new selection of luxury color choices on most of the cars Pontiac offered. The DeLuxe cars had both upholstery in grey, blue and green to match the body colors of the cars. The base models had only a tri-color grey interior with a check pattern, and had a button-back upholstery. The Super DeLuxe, like the car you see here, offered a color-coordinated cloth and leather upholstery, deep pile carpeting and a matching two-tone instrument panel.
         The engine received a boost of 6 BHP by increasing the compression ratio. The biggest development was the all-new Dural-range Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. By giving three selectable forward gears, the new transmission gave increased performance and also engine braking capability when needed. Even with the increased horsepower and transmission, the lack of a V-8 motor option doomed the Pontiac to being called an "old man's car."