Owner: Colton Smith - San Marcos, TX
1937 Pontiac Model 2601
Original Engine: Flathead 6
Original Trans: 3 speed
Current Engine: 467 cu in Pontiac V8
Transmission: 700 R4
Drivetrain: 373 rear gears
Colton's Pontiac Model 2601 was flying early Friday morning before LoneStar Round Up. We first met during a garage crawl that toured Round Rock, Texas and the cities north of Austin. I missed the itinerary at the first stop, but I happily followed the hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage trucks to the speed shops and personal garages on this exclusive tour.
By the third stop, engines were warm and the sun was out. On the Lone Star State's highway speed limits = 80 mph! I tailed this stunning, large black car roaring at quite the spirited pace. Before I knew it, I was playing catch up with Colton and his Pontiac's ability to handle the asphalt like a pro. We arrived at the next shop laughing about the race his Pontiac just gracefully won against my '96 Corvette.
Later on during the LoneStar Round Up in Austin, TX I found the man under a tree enjoying the sights and sounds of the show. Read to the bottom to learn more about this beast of a Pontiac Model 2601.
Jandroby: "Tell me about your Pontiac?"
Colton Smith: "I've had it about 18-19 years - all the work was done with help of friends. In the '70's it was painted and the interior was reupholstered."
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J: "Do you have any future plans for your car?
CS: "Drive it and enjoy it! I've driven it to across the Carolina's, to Tennesse and all over Texas with nothing but a jack and tire iron."
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J: "This car will be 86 years old and you're still driving it across the United States?!"
CS: "And, it's never left me stranded."
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J: "Tell me about how you got into building hot rods and muscle cars?"
CS: "I was the youngest of 3 brothers who were all into cars so I naturally followed suit. You know they'd let me wash their car for em and I could drive it up the street and back. I am also a drummer, if you'll notice the cymbals on the air intake covers, and my gas pedal is a vintage Slingerland bass pedal."
The Car:
About the Car:
The 1937 Pontiac Model 2601 was a stylish mid-size car that left a lasting impression on the automotive world. With its Art Deco-inspired design, hydraulic brakes, and 6-cylinder engine, this car was a true standout of its time.
An interesting note that makes the 1937 Pontiac Model 2601 truly unique is its rumble seat - a feature that was immensely popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but has since fallen out of fashion due to safety concerns and evolving design aesthetics. This car, being the last Pontiac model to feature a rumble seat, serves as a time capsule, transporting us back to a bygone era of automotive culture.
Today, these classic Pontiacs are still highly sought after by car enthusiasts, particularly hot rodder's, who relish the opportunity to customize and upgrade them while maintaining the vintage look and feel of the vehicle. With the availability of aftermarket parts and resources, these cars continue to be a beloved choice among car enthusiasts seeking to own a piece of automotive history.
