02-21-2026, 09:44 PM
For those who may wonder why some 1953 Pontiacs received the Powerglide transmission - It's due to the August 12, 1953 Hydra-Matic plant fire in Livonia, Michigan which destroyed the 1.5 million square foot factory. This resulted in Pontiac installing Chevrolet's Powerglide transmission in 18,499 cars.
It would take roughly 9 weeks for the Hydra-matic production to resume in Willow Run, Michigan.
*NOTE* This is in reference to NON-Canadian models.
All Canadian 2000 and 2200 series Pontiacs from 1951-54 had 3 speed manual transmissions OR an optional Powerglide transmission. This is due to the Canadian 2000-2200 series cars being built on the Chevrolet platform. No Hydra-matic option was available for the Canadian 2000-2200 series cars from 49-54.
It would take roughly 9 weeks for the Hydra-matic production to resume in Willow Run, Michigan.
*NOTE* This is in reference to NON-Canadian models.
All Canadian 2000 and 2200 series Pontiacs from 1951-54 had 3 speed manual transmissions OR an optional Powerglide transmission. This is due to the Canadian 2000-2200 series cars being built on the Chevrolet platform. No Hydra-matic option was available for the Canadian 2000-2200 series cars from 49-54.
Dave