Pontiac Performance 1960-1974: The Era of the Super Duty, H.O., & Ram Air Drag & Muscle Cars

In an era before corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) requirements and emissions standards, a pioneering General Motors executive was tasked with taking over a dying division and returning it to profitability. In June 1956, Semon E. “Bunkie” Knudsen became the general manager of the Pontiac Motor Division. He injected the stodgy, boring product line with a large dose of performance. “Race on Sunday; sell on Monday” was Knudsen’s philosophy.

Although the idea of Pontiac getting into racing ...