1949 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe 8 Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Review

Hello and welcome to Saabkyle04! KZbin's largest collection of automotive variety! In today's video, we'll take an up close and personal, in depth look at the 1949 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe, with Pontiac's Silver Streak - 8!
During this presentation, we will take a 1st person look at what the vehicle is all about beginning with the start up, performance data, fuel economy, the occasional track data, and build quality. Also, I will teach you how to use most of the interior and exterior features in a detailed fashion, that before, you could only get from going to a dealership yourself! Throughout the video, I will highlight key styling and unique differences about the vehicle, any available options, and of course it would not be an enthusiast car video without the good ole engine portion with rev and exhaust note with interior and exterior perspectives. A thorough tour/review of this car designed to give others a greater overall appreciation of the vehicle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHANNEL SEE BELOW: In this channel you will find in depth educational videos of automobiles from all over the world, presented in a more detailed fashion than ever before. Basically, this gives the viewer the chance to view the most detailed 1st person look you can get without going to an actual dealer yourself! Every video is consistent in the way I present so viewers know what to expect in my presentations. I treat every vehicle with the same respect whether a 1960 Chevrolet Impala SS or the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. I film all types of vehicles from past, present, and future while broadening the knowledge of the automotive enthusiast. You will see everything from vintage, brand new, exotic, mainstream, old, etc. I am very proud of this channel and have built it up from amateur videos years ago to what you see today. I wanted to share my love for the automotive world with the rest of the world. Be sure to explore the massive video variety, have fun and enjoy The Driver's Seat of KZbin!
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FIND ME ON THE OFFICIAL SAABKYLE04 FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CONTINUOUS UPDATES ON WHAT'S TO COME AND INTERACTING WITH OTHER FANS! / 315743567772

[@allenjackson2846]

From a time where ALL car makers took pride in making their cars. I may be young and into exotic supercars but I have tons of respect for these cars. They are super beautiful and have their own character about them. Wish more of them could be around.

[@SwissMarksman]

Oh hell no, I don't wanna imagine Zurich with all those huuge cars on the road.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Those cars were wonderful unless ….... One was driving on, or, being required to park on narrow streets. Parallel parking was very difficult in them. On the highways, the gas mileage was what a modern compact car gets in the city. These beautiful beasts were meant for the open road. Ah … Those were the days! I wish my father hadn't junked his old '40's/'50's and '60's cars

[@kennyc388]

All individual pieces of art and so fun to drive !

[@JimBales]

I drooled over this car when it was new and I saw it for the first time. Of course I was just a small child, but very car savvy. I could name every make model and year. Thank you for bringing back the memories of my childhood. :)

[@diablocls55]

Are you still alive?

[@QuietDriver97]

I always loved the build quality of this era. Nice and solid with good weighting and balance. All the workers from the war effort really put their touch on the civilian vehicles. They knew how to get them off the line the best product they knew how.

[@nicholasryczywot6937]

i love how in the old days cars were art

[@365DaysofRockNRoll]

Honestly better than a Tesla model S Not a Tesla model X or 3 Just a Tesla model S

[@kennyc388]

You understand. Congratulations !

[@bobacquistapace2491]

FYI. To put the car in park, You turn the key off and shift to Reverse. This locks the car in gear , prevents it from rolling forward or backward. Bob A

[@BlakeParker15]

videos like this are very cool to watch because I'm only 20 yrs. old, so it's very interesting to see what cars used to look like and what features were available in that time period.

[@McBanditHope]

17 here, I'm always particularly curious about the old tube radios they have, as well as the flatheads.

[@yomomma6492]

BlakeParker15 I'm eleven I love old cars new ones are just sheets of plastic that you could tip over if you hit them with one of those

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I'm 69, but surprised today to see the 1949 Pontiac 8 ( or any Pontiac ever) was still a flathead engine... GM 'invented' Pontiac to be a step up from Chevy... (Pontiac wasn't its own free standing company earlier like the other divisions)... and a step below Oldsmobile... but Chevy's were always the more efficient OverHeadValve engines... Louis Chevrolet was a race car driver and his cars weren't going to have flatheads... Chevy's OHV 6's always had more power than the same year Ford flathead V8's used until 1953... Despite Ford fans bragging up their V8's... Chrysler was about the last flathead holdout with flathead 6's into 1959... then the brilliant, ultra reliable Slant 6 began... with even an all aluminum version briefly... Also, I thought Pontiac went OHV straight 8 in 1950 or 1951, but see it kept the flathead until the OHV V8 in 1955... no wonder they were by then known as boring cars...

[@joshn938]

I remember Pontiac used to be the "old man" car before the 60s. They were smooth riding, reliable, inexpensive, and quality cars that were generally well taken care of by their owners and more reliable than others until the Chevy small block came out in '55. They weren't really desirable until the early 60s, when they had changed their image, and to this day the postwar Pontiacs to 1961 are still affordable classics because they aren't as collectible as other GM cars of the era. They can be had for a song, and they had more luxury features than the average Chevy.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Pontiac had changed their image by 1957 with powerful engines and 1958 with the Bonneville model added...

[@rootbeerfan6]

I absolutely love the reviews of older cars. The older the better. The lines and styling is a time capsule into the golden age of domestic cars.

[@fredericosemedo3548]

GOD I LOVE THAT CAR, SHE IS PERFECT!

[@svenmonroe5371]

I'm sorry but I'm from Austria and I don't know why are you saying SHE to the car can you please explain that to me

[@mahmuttekin9025]

@@svenmonroe5371 bir asğpslsppspspspsps

[@T-Rex-nm1se]

@@svenmonroe5371 it saying for a car or ship. Like they called the Titanic a she. People call their cars "she" nowadays

[@svenmonroe5371]

@@T-Rex-nm1se Thank you soooo much 👍🏻

[@huntingtonbeachsasquatch]

@@svenmonroe5371 A lot of people from the US call cars "She" must be a holdover from calling boats She. I had a few cars over the years that are clearly a "He" thou.. They'll let you know if you listen!👍😉

[@1940limited]

You sure got a lot of car for your money in 1949.

[@Saturn-om4xd]

R.I.P Pontiac (1926-2010)

[@MrAgentd]

R.I.P Saturn (1985-2010) and of course R.I.P Oldsmobile (1897-2004).

[@92ASC]

MrAgentd Saturn was some garbage that I don't think anybody will miss, but Olds and Pontiac (pre 1990's) were responsible for some of the classics.

[@MrAgentd]

92ASC Saturn was not garbage, they were some of the last cars that MOST people could work on without have to take it to a dealer for some BS special repairs.

[@brigganthewolf1461]

R.I.P mercury 1936-2011

[@BuzzLOLOL]

R.I.P. Oldsmobile, Hudson, Studebaker, Willys, Kaiser-Frazier, American Motors, Plymouth, Imperial, Desoto, Saturn, Datsun, Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, Knight, Auto Union...

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Ten years ago today! Still a classic to buy.

[@ladyyuna2000]

I love classic cars

[@davidortega633]

Me to

[@365DaysofRockNRoll]

They are probably better than Electric automatic cars

[@fredericom.semedo1626]

After 7 years...its still my dream car

[@VioletGiraffe]

What a beautiful car. Every time I watch a video review of such cars I regret being born outside US :) Not only is my salary about 5 times lower than in US, but I have to pay additional 100% in customs taxes should I decide to buy one of these cars.

[@markzimmerman8074]

I was born in the US 3rd generation to a Ukrainian/Russian immigrant who immigrated in1905 and who worked for Oldsmobile from minimum wage to head foreman of the motor division. Wish I could afford to have or save one of these vehicles too. Wished I could swap your enjoyment of American cars for Ukrainian/Russian aircraft. Antonov is a genius no one has figured out how to surpass.

[@stevew270]

Now that's a horn!

[@mambooooooo917]

ikr

[@carwhiz90]

A classic american sound

[@jedk9523]

When horns had a deep sound

[@retroluminico]

8 cylinder in line!!!!! insane and extremly beautiful

[@djcocum]

the ornament on the hood looks amazing.

[@beastby10]

Old school with pushstart

[@Dragonballz296]

very ahead of it's time

[@365DaysofRockNRoll]

Now we got Automatic car starters L0L 😂

[@StewMM]

It's beautiful. And push button start! It's more modern than most new cars!

[@tulsatombob2769]

I saw a picture of me being held by my grandmother next to my parents when I was a few months old in 1952. That exact same car was in the background of the photo! I remember when I was about 3 years old visiting grandma and being hypnotized by the Amber Pontiac head on the hood that lit up. The funny part is the fact that my grandmother weighed about 90 lbs and was 5 ft. tall. I don't know how she had the strength to steer that behemoth with no power steering. LOL

[@FH99]

Wow, that car looks to be in amazing condition. That is quite a find at the local car lot. Where else on youtube can you find a car like this and a Lamborghini all in one stop?

[@albertmatheny7396]

I can’t believe what good shape this old Pontiac is in! It looks like it only has 3,500 miles on it! It must have been kept in museum conditions, although I did notice it burned a little oil, when he revved it up. I had a '50 Pontiac SilverStreak Chieftain 4-door for years and loved it. It was my grandmother's old car. Lots of good memories in that car. It was not as fancy as this '49, but it was originally all sage green, hydramatic transmission, incredible low-end torque. If you took it real slowly up to speed, and let off on the gas a tad, as you were doing so, it would shift to a higher gear, so, with practice, I could trick it into 4th gear at 18 mph! It had so much low-end torque, it didn’t even faze it. My friends and I called it "The Green Pea."

[@robertk4138]

Nice to see an original example like this Pontiac. These were common cars on the road when I was growing up. I appreciate Kyle's regard for older cars as well as the newest exotic models. I hope whoever buys this cars preserves it as the piece of history that it is.

[@JuniorFan08]

Both of my grandfathers had '49 Pontiac 2 door sedans, straight 8s with 3 speed manual transmissions. While one grandfather ran his until 1961, the other traded his for a '53 4 door with hydra-matic when the arthritis in his hips made it too difficult for him to use a manual. An uncle had a '54 Chieftain sedan.

[@streetbikerer-572]

Wow... Such a beautiful car, and started so easily, first time. I am going to get an Indian Vintage motorcycle and thought that this would look good with it.

[@rondoletti64]

Nothing idles like an L-head straight 8,beautiful survivor restored in original colors,great crae must have been taken for the interior to survive with no castings broken and I couldn't see any micro blistering on the plated metals.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Those were great, tough cars that were a good value for the money when new.

[@southbend3406]

My dad bought one like this new in 1949, same color, same straight 8, but it was a 4 door. Sold it and bought a new 1953 2 door, and then sold that Pontiac for a new 1955 Star Chief Custom Catalina 2 dr. HT. He owned that car until the day he died in 2011. It's all original with 37k miles on it, but now has to be sold as part of his estate. Will miss this car a lot. Wish I could keep it.

[@8avexp]

I'm from South Bend myself! My father bought a '53 Chieftain 2-door brand new with that same paint scheme AND turn signals, but no radio. When told that a radio would cost an extra $102.00, he said, "For that kind of money, I can whistle and be happy!" Same straight 8 with Hydramatic. He was going to trade it in for a '56, but after rupturing a disc in his back which hospitalized him for some time, he canceled the order and kept that '53 until we left South Bend exactly 50 years ago today (he sold it to a coworker at the Ball Band plant). Coincidentally my father passed away in 2011 as well.

[@southbend3406]

Small world!! My dad loved his 49, 53, & 55 Pontiacs, that for sure. He was either going to guy a new 57 or 58 also, but never did. Where did you guys move to??

[@8avexp]

We moved to New Jersey. After 6 years we moved to Connecticut and finally to Colorado. My father bought that Chieftain at Nelson Pontiac; he left the dealer's license plate frame on the '56 plate (we kept all of our old license plates) and I asked him once if it had anything to do with the fact that I was born that year. That car had 109,900 miles and change when he sold it. The engine had a valve job and the transmission's front seal had to be replaced.

[@southbend3406]

Dad bought either the 49 or 53 from Nelson (maybe both). But the purchased the 55 from Stoney Island Pontiac in Chicago. It's interesting to hear your story! I still live in Indiana (New Carlisle-17 miles west of SB). Are you still in Colorado?

[@8avexp]

I've been in Colorado since September of 1980, but have been back to South Bend plenty of times. I can still get around there without a map and could drive that stretch of the Toll Road to Chicago blindfolded.:).

[@mickyt4638]

Really cool old style push button start

[@mauwalker]

That's a very well-preserved Pontiac. Well done, Kyle.

[@barnacles62]

I love the way this guy explains everything, very informative. But more than that, I love that car....

[@ngtflyer]

Wow! Well over half a century old and looks to have been kept in a time capsule. This car is in terrific shape and the seats look brand new! I love these old cars. They just ooze class. I have had the pleasure of riding in a '56 Chevy 600 and it rode like you were on air. Thanks for these detailed videos!

[@LandOfTheFreeMediaBlogspot]

I completely agree with that because when Kyle was explaining the startup process being explained @ 1:27, I was shocked to hear such a feature being equipped on a vehicle that old. - Michael Land

[@frequencyfluxfandango8504]

I met a black example of a Pontiac of this model at a car show in Dorset. The lady driving it had a 2 week old baby and told me that now she had her dream car (and baby, I suppose) she was totally happy.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

VERY nice video Kyle! I love yours tours of the classic cars the best! The all original classics like this one are the best in my opinion, and while many "original" cars are in rough shape, this one is nearly immaculate! A true time capsule like you said. Hopefully I'll be able to own a time capsule like this someday. Please do more classic cars whenever you have the time!

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Sweet set of wheels! :) Those "handles"/"cords"/"ropes" attached to the back of the front seats were NOT meant to be pulled on to get oneself up from the back seat. Those were intended to store "lap-robes"/"throws"/blankets for the back seat passengers. There were no heat ducts going to the back passenger area; the floor and leg area were rather cold. The loops near the doors are, as you said, were installed to assist one in rising out of the seat.

[@OfficialRaddeck]

I love American "Noir" cars.

[@therealdirtydan908]

Raddeck same

[@carwhiz90]

I love that game. Had some great variety from Lincoln all the way to Studebaker. From tiny cars to commercial trucks. LA Noire had it all

[@dudcats]

@@carwhiz90 Thats not what he means but almost

[@CamaroAmx]

Almost bought a 51 recently. It was blue on blue. Straight 8 auto. It was rust free, complete (some parts were off it but came with the car). The engine didn’t turn over... they sold it for $2700.

[@freddy2903]

The best and detailed car description I ever saw.... Love that model!!!

[@myleshana]

I have watched this video several times.Very well done!! Hope the person who bought car is enjoying it!! I have a 52 - love my Pontiac!!

[@westerntraveler2835]

Super excellent car and video! The Indian chief hood ornament that lights up when headlights are on is "Chief Pontiac" of the Chieftain Tribe, if I remember correctly.

[@jimordee]

The pure. hand-stitched quality of these cars is something that no car will ever come near again. In my opinion, they lost some quality after the '60s, and it was all gone by the late '90s. Some late '80s vehicles (think Ford Eddie Bauer packages) were nice, but still no comparison to these when it comes to being well made.

[@sadame1414]

Jimordee YOU SAID IT.

[@kennyc388]

Rear seat is like sitting in your living room on a fine sofa !

[@dagothur9674]

I wish cars still had this style

[@jouruji]

this is when I love what you do and remember why I love what i love the most, thank you Kyle...

[@tonyricchiuti9878]

We had one of these cars when I was a child, so this video brings back old memories. I don't think the hub caps were stainless steel though but, rather, were chromed steel. Also the entry guards weren't stainless steel. Chrome or polished aluminum. Not much stainless steel on cars of those days.

[@derrickrees8895]

I had a 1948 Torpedo , much of the trim was stainless .

[@Trance88]

Dang. What a car! Almost in near mint condition too. I wonder if the original radio actually still works. I'd think by now the original tube amp would need to be reconditioned.

[@fredericom.semedo1626]

9 years...still my dream car

[@ArthurSperotto]

Absolutely beautiful. One of the most entertaining videos in your channel, Kyle. I'd love to own this piece.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Thumbs up, A wonderful snapshot of the past.

[@therealdirtydan908]

straight 8 exhaust notes raise my hair Jesus

[@dragonflyquyn898]

Beautiful car and amazing condition loved the video and overall walk around awesome thanks 🤩❤️...!!!!

[@ottodob]

Thanks Kyle. I love seeing these classics on your channel.

[@fordking1468]

I remember Mafia 2=)

[@kellinramirez1116]

+FORD KING wasn't it called the potomac indiana something like that

[@ladyyuna2000]

+FORD KING I love playing Mafia 2

[@fordking1468]

+ladyyuna2000 me too =)

[@lakers8054]

same Mafia 3 kind of sucked

[@user-bt4lo8bd2u]

FORD KINGq

[@Flies2FLL]

The thing about the "extremely smooth" is VERY true with this engine. The problem is weight and crankshaft strength. An interesting design nonetheless.

[@JRondeauYUL]

À true time capsule ! Pontiac, we miss you 😘

[@VictrolaJazz]

In '52, GM made a great innovation in this transmission by adding a fifth place on the shift quadrant with hash marks on either side of the "Dr" designation. They called it Dual-Range Hydra-Matic and when placed in the detent to the right of Dr, it shifted up to theird gear, then stayed there until manually changed to Dr. It also included a 3.07 economy axle ratio. In Oldsmobiles from '53 on, it was designated by "S", or Super, on the quadrant.

[@siddharthverma8540]

exactly. you're right. i was stunned to see that

[@ekiller5689]

saw this same car at a car show in Norwich, New York. very sweet ride, thanks for uploading

[@stephencarrigg4371]

Amazing time capsule! Absolutely splendid that you document these cars and pass on info to follow carnuts like me, thank you my friend!

[@MrGGPRI]

The early 4-speed Hydramatics up thru the late 1950's DID have a LOCKING parking position: R (reverse), functional only when the engine was off. The flathead "8" was a real turkey, gutless and had piston pin problems; pins were not contained properly and would ride in and out scouring the cylinder walls until the grooves were so big compression was lost and exhaust puked-out blue smoke like this one. Got tired of patching-up my '51 Chieftain "8", installed an Olds V-8 and never looked back....

[@joshn938]

The Pontiac sixes of this time period were much better than the straight 8s, a bit slower, but far more reliable. A friend of mine had a 53 as his first car in the early 60s. That car was still going in the 80s! Pontiac was the "old man car" of choice in the 1940s and 1950s, until around 1964 with the GTO.

[@casmatori]

If this is still for sale at ALL CITY I might persuade myself to take a trip up to Charlotte to take a look at this. I've always wanted a 40/50s car to work on as a hobby. Thanks Kyle you may have made me buy this. I hope the dealerships are paying you money for all this advertising because you sure deserve it. x

[@jas4925]

In the small town I grew up we had a full service Phillps 66 station. The oil change sticker brings back memories. Trop Artic was the first multi grade motor oil introduced.

[@junali94]

Dear saabkyle04, THANK YOU. I'm a diehard pontiac fan. :)

[@ocalakid55]

My Moms older sister and her husband had a 49’ Pontiac in the same color. My folks had a 49 ford in a light blue. Both cars had push button start but Dad’s was a stick shift on the column where uncle Roy’s was an Automatic which allowed my Aunt to Drive.

[@geoben1810]

Hood ornaments, windshield visors, chrome, fender skirts, and 2dr. coupes ! Oh, and convertables! 😍💕😍💕😍

[@Jon3800]

Kyle, you should do more cars from the 80s and 90s. I really miss those videos

[@hayksamvelyan]

Kyle, your videos of classic cars are my most favorite on this channel. This one is definitely no exception, the car is mint and a true time capsule. I haven't looked at the dealership website, but I'm gonna guess that this is priced somewhere around $40k.

[@RobertPlattBell]

Without further ado... love your videos!

[@MrBooster999]

what a peice of art. the way cars should be built. such a ausome car

[@elainenelson4332]

I found a old Pontiac hubcap from the 40s or 50s in the creek by my mothers house, it’s in great condition no rust even though it was in a creek for god knows how long. The paint is faded and chipped away slightly, but it is in great condition over all. Edit: I found it’s from a 1953 or 1954 Pontiac Chieftain

[@BirdsFamily1]

Awesome Kyle. I have seen many videos from other people that follow your technique, but your car tour videos are just amazing. I just have one request, can you do reviews like 1960's Chrysler Imperial, Mercedes GL, ML, the Mercedes cars, and luxury cars like Rolls Royce. Keep it going Kyle! :)

[@StraigtEdgeMember]

my favorite type of car a vintage one

[@WolverineNerd]

Between 11:58-11:59 you can see the flame coming out of the exhaust pipe. That was cool.

[@1966gto1000]

What a nice car. And kudos to whoever for keeping it original, down to the 6v wiring system. I have a picture of myself in a carseat(as an infant) in the front seat of my dad's '51 Pontiac. Looks much like this one in design and I remember the optional front sun visor was in place. Seems this was almost a styling feature of some models. Not only Pontiac...perhaps Olds and Buick as well? Anyone can add to this?

[@DG_427]

This car looks so good.

[@adopap1]

That's much better Kyle, no long exhaust footage, well done!

[@jland904]

This man knows his stuff about cars very knowledgeable

[@yamahonkawazuki]

Congrats Doc kyle :). looking forwward to your videos cause theyre not predictable which makes your channel the best imho

[@outsiderinhtown]

nothing beats old school.. thanks bro!

[@Samspianopage]

Whoever owned this car really took care of it, durable as heck how many cars today still look this good 70-odd years on?

[@jjnycguy]

Amazing video, Kyle. Thanks for making these.

[@MyOtherCarIsA15MinuteCity]

2:30 Love the tone of that horn! Beautiful car, too!

[@jeffreysmith4965]

My aunt had a 1953. I sure wish I had it now. It was mint.

[@alextothehbro]

Pontiac for life baby! I'm buyin' an old Pontiac like this one day. Put a good stereo in this car and I'd drive it every day!

[@ralphh.2200]

This is how a review should be done.

[@williscurry6557]

"Now your driving excitement". Im excited for real when I clicked on this. Unlike when I see a Grand am on the road. Excellent video.

[@carwhiz90]

ooh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! What a find, and top notch job on the video as always

[@mailman7478]

Love the old cars.

[@TheRaydeezy]

looks awesome

[@icemancometh8679]

I have a 53 - real similar to this. I'm surprised you didn't show where you add the brake fluid - there's a cap on the passenger side of the floorboard on the column (it has a special name) Mine has heater coils under the seat. Unfortunately it doesn't sound as nice as this as it has a cracked block but I still love it. (last driven in 79)

[@coldxslayer5919]

I like old cars

[@b2lamborgini]

You should consider buying this car if you have the money. You seemed to really enjoy the state the model was in and were very enthusiastic when talking about its history.

[@JeepGuyDaniel100]

Wow! That looks awesome!! Also your videos and voice are very clear! Keep it up

[@agostinodibella9939]

I always liked the old car reviews!

[@xxTheUltimateSaabxx]

Kyle your camera is stunning and absolutely takes out the wind noise!!!! I like it and I also love this video man!!!

[@AlKnighty]

Clatter clatter clatter grrrrr... Extremely smooth....!

[@paintedbird]

My grandpa had a coupe version of this. Same color. He baught it used in 1952 right before he started dating my grandma (who hated the car because of the color. said it look like vomit, lol.) So after they got married in 1953 he sold it and baught something she liked better. :) This year their celebrating their 60th anniversary. To this day they both a get a kick out of talking about that car. :)

[@CCnoodle]

Love these classic car reviews. Thanks!

[@vachevyguy]

Can't believe you didn't mention the light up Indian head on the hood 1 of its coolest features But you you still get a thumbs up👍

[@8avexp]

That's the ammeter all the way to the left. The gauges on my father's '53 were in the same sequence. I never did ask him why the ammeter needle stood in the middle instead of all the way to the left with the engine off (I know now; I've had ammeters in all of my cars for years).