The Pontiac Deluxe Six "Ghost Car"
Written by Larry Kinsel, General Motors Media Archive Researcher
Visitors to the 1939 New York World’s Fair Highways and Horizons exhibit by General Motors were dazzled by the display of a one-of-a-kind 1939 Pontiac Deluxe Six Plexiglas® car. This specially fabricated see through vehicle was constructed of acrylic plastic (quite an advancement at the time) which made visible the many parts that created the Deluxe Six. All screws and fasteners were chrome-plated for dramatic effect. The “Ghost Car” also appeared at the 1940 New York World’s Fair and proudly showcased its newly redesigned front end and grill. A second 1940 “Ghost Car” was built for the 1940 Golden Gate Exposition on Treasure Island, near San Francisco. One can only imagine the multitude of spectators that enjoyed a glimpse inside such fine automobiles at these events.
Later, both were shown at Pontiac dealerships nationwide and the 1939 vehicle was loaned to the Smithsonian Institution during WWII.
"A 'transparent' motorcar, the first ever constructed in the United States, is the most striking of the Fisher Body Division exhibits at the GM Highways and Horizons building at the New York World's Fair...created to show the rigid interior bracing and other features...complete with windows that can be raised and lowered, doors that can be opened and closed. The only material lacking being the insulation normally applied to the inner surface....working with a new material, a synthetic crystal-clear plastic..."
- GM Highways and Horizons Press Release
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