By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian & Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Pontiac Transportation Museum, MotorCities and the Robert Tate Collection
Published 1.22.2025
Vehicles on display at the Pontiac Transportation Museum
Opened to the public in 2024, the new Pontiac Transportation Museum, located in a re-purposed former elementary school in Pontiac, Michigan, tells the story of the variety of vehicles made in the city of Pontiac -– not just the ones that carried the General Motors brand of the same name. It is the first new attraction to open in the MotorCities National Heritage Area in many years.
The Pontiac Transportation Museum's logo
When you hear the name “Pontiac,” it represents one of the greatest places and brands in automotive history. More than 130 years ago, the Pontiac Buggy Company was established in 1893 in Pontiac, Michigan. In 1908, the first Oakland automobiles made in Pontiac were sold.
In 1932, the Oakland Motor Company, part of General Motors, was renamed the Pontiac Motor Company. Pontiac continued to have success with its line of vehicles, streamlining design in the 1940s and restyling again after World War II with the 1949 models. Between 1959 and 1969, Pontiac continued its enormous success with passenger cars, including introduction of the popular GTO muscle car.
A 1939 Pontiac Silver Streak
If you are looking to learn about automotive history, the Pontiac Transportation Museum is great place to visit. Their volunteers have received input from many different sources to help shape this museum into a place that captures the history of vehicles made in Pontiac.
The museum displays many great examples of the cars, trucks and other exciting vehicles that have made automotive history. The museum also honors the industrialization of the community and the people inspired by these efforts.
The mural on the side of the museum
MotorCities has been involved with the museum project since the very beginning, supporting efforts to make the new attraction a reality with both grant funding and promotional assistance.
An event set up at the Pontiac Transportation Museum
"MotorCities has been essential to the Pontiac Transportation Museum getting off to a successful start,” said Terry Connolly, chair of the organization’s board. “They provided timely and targeted grants, which inspired more donations from generous individuals. Perhaps even more important was their role in facilitating some cross-talk within our region and publicizing some of our early progress."
The Pontiac Transportation Museum ribbon cutting in July 2024
After a soft opening of phase one in mid-May, the ribbon was cut in July at a grand opening event with local dignitaries, and the Pontiac Transportation Museum was off and running. Just under 4,000 visitors enjoyed the museum in its first seven months of operation, coming from most US states and 15 different countries, proving the venture is already creating a positive impact in a city that has experienced an economic decline over the last 40 years due to industrial disinvestment.
Part of the museum and collection that will be part of Phase 2.
As part of phase two, another 10,000 square feet of space is slated to open in the spring of 2025, featuring even more vehicles from the museum’s impressive collection.
1970s Pontiac illustration (Robert Tate Collection)
In the future, I would like to see a Pontiac advertising exhibit on the legendary automotive artists Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufman. These two automotive artists illustrated Pontiac advertising for many years, and many of their illustrations are great works of art. One artist did the background, and the other artist added the automobile.
In conclusion, the Pontiac Transportation Museum has completed a successful launch preserving the city’s automotive history. For more information, visit www.pontiactransportationmuseum.org. The museum is located at 250 W. Pike St. in Pontiac.
The Pontiac Transportation Museum.
Gunnell, John. “75 Years of Pontiac Oakland.” Crestline Publishing, 1982.
The Robert Tate Automotive Collection.
