Ghost Car: A Classic Pontiac Made of Plexiglass (Gallery)

In the early 20th century, world's fairs often remained open for a year or more. The 1939-40 World's Fair in New York lasted 18 months, and it showcased wonderful things. A prime example is the chemical company Rohm & Haas (now under the wing of Dow Chemical), which shared the virtues of plexiglass with the public in a very special way: it joined forces with General Motors to create the Ghost Car, a 1939 Pontiac Deluxe Six completely transparent, revealing all its internal construction.

What do we know about this car? Its engine was a six-cylinder with 3,650 cubic centimeters, 85 horsepower, three speeds, and independent front suspension. The entire main structure received a copper bath, while the rest of the metal accessories were chrome-plated. White was chosen for the wheels and other rubber parts. Available information suggests the prototype cost $25,000 each (two were built, only one survives), which is more than $450,000 adjusted for inflation. It still retains its original tires and shows only 138 kilometers on its odometer.

A brief history

The car was exhibited at the Smithsonian until 1947, then passed through various Pontiac dealerships in Pennsylvania, and finally ended up in the hands of a private collector, who auctioned it in July 2011 for $308,000.

Gallery