1970 Pontiac “One” Concept

The 1970 Pontiac "One" concept was a futuristic car designed by Pontiac as a showcase of the company's engineering and design capabilities. The "One" was a radical departure from Pontiac's production cars of the time and featured a number of advanced features.

The body of the "One" was made entirely of fiberglass and featured a streamlined, wedge-shaped profile with a pointed nose and a low-slung roofline. The car had no doors, and instead, the entire roof section lifted up and forward to allow access to the interior. The interior featured a futuristic "cockpit" layout with a center-mounted steering wheel and gauges that were integrated into the windshield.

Under the hood, the "One" was powered by a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine that produced over 500 horsepower, and it was mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The car also featured four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and a fully independent suspension.

Despite its impressive performance and advanced features, the "One" was never intended for production, and only one example was ever built. The car was used for promotional purposes and was displayed at various auto shows and other events before it was eventually retired and placed in storage. Today, the "One" is considered a rare and significant piece of automotive history and is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts.

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What happened to the "One" after it was retired?

After the 1970 Pontiac "One" concept was retired from its promotional duties, it was sold to a private owner. The car changed hands a few times over the years, and it was eventually purchased by the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, where it is currently on display.

The "One" has undergone some restoration work over the years, but it still retains much of its original design and features. In 2019, the car was featured in an episode of the TV series "Jay Leno's Garage," where it was driven and discussed by comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno.

Today, the "One" remains a unique and significant piece of Pontiac history, representing the company's bold and imaginative approach to automotive design and engineering in the 1970s.

What are some of the unique features of the "One"?

The 1970 Pontiac "One" concept car had a number of unique and advanced features, some of which were pioneering for its time. Here are a few examples:

1. Lift-up roof: The entire roof section of the "One" lifted up and forward to allow access to the interior, a feature that was innovative for the time.

2. Center-mounted steering wheel: The "One" featured a center-mounted steering wheel, which was a departure from the traditional left-side position and gave the driver a more commanding view of the road.

3. Integrated gauges: The gauges in the "One" were integrated into the windshield, which was a unique and futuristic design element.

4. No doors: The "One" had no traditional doors; instead, the driver and passenger entered and exited the car through the open roof.

5. Advanced suspension: The "One" had a fully independent suspension, which was uncommon for American cars of the era.

6. Fiberglass body: The "One" was made entirely of fiberglass, which made it lightweight and helped to improve its performance.

7. High-performance engine: The "One" was powered by a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine that produced over 500 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.

All of these features contributed to the "One's" futuristic and innovative design, which helped to make it a memorable and significant concept car in Pontiac's history.

What other concept cars were produced by Pontiac in the 1970s?

Pontiac produced several notable concept cars throughout the 1970s, including:

1. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am II (1970): This concept car was designed as a follow-up to the popular Firebird Trans Am and featured a more streamlined and aerodynamic body. It also had a futuristic interior with a digital instrument cluster.

2. Pontiac Grand Prix XP-833 (1973): The Grand Prix XP-833 was a mid-engine concept car that was designed to be a sports car alternative to the Corvette. It featured a sleek and futuristic body and was powered by a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine.

3. Pontiac Phantom (1977): The Phantom was a radical concept car that had a unique "wedge" shape and gullwing doors. It was powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and featured a digital instrument panel.

4. Pontiac Sunbird Stalker (1978): The Sunbird Stalker was a sporty concept car that was based on the production Sunbird. It featured a low, wide body with a unique front end and a large rear spoiler.

5. Pontiac Firebird Type K (1978): This concept car was designed as a high-performance version of the Firebird and featured a turbocharged V8 engine that produced 400 horsepower. It also had a unique body kit and a rear spoiler.

These concept cars showcase Pontiac's innovative and creative approach to automotive design during the 1970s, and they helped to shape the company's direction in the years to come.

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