The 1977 Pontiac Phantom: A Blast from the Past - AllCarIndex

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The 1977 Pontiac Phantom: A Blast from the Past

Jan 19, 2025

Ah, the 1977 Pontiac Phantom. A creation straight from the mind of former GM styling director William L. Mitchell. This experimental automobile was like no other, taking inspiration from the classic cars of the 1920s and 1930s.

Unlike most experimental cars that aim to introduce a revolutionary concept to the car-buying public, the Phantom was simply a personal expression of its designer. Mitchell wanted to create a car that he himself would love to drive. And with this black coupe, he certainly made a statement.

The Phantom boasted dramatic proportions that harkened back to the Gatsby days. Mitchell started with a Pontiac Grand Prix chassis and moved the seats and controls to the rear, giving the car a long-hooded, rakish look. The European influences were evident, with chrome wrapping under the front fenders, wide chrome moldings, and high, sharp fender lines. The use of big conical wheel discs added that extra touch of classic British flair.

But the devil is in the details, and the Phantom did not disappoint. Two rows of louvers atop the hood, opening louvers in the side of each front fender, multi-unit headlights, and small roll-down sections of otherwise fixed door windows all added to the Phantom's charm.

While the Phantom may have been all about style, it did lack an engine. But who needs one when you're cruising in a beauty like this? The dimensions were impressive, with a width of 1981 mm and a height of 1270 mm.

The 1977 Pontiac Phantom may have been a concept car, but it will forever hold a special place in automotive history. It was a nod to the past with a touch of the future, a true testament to Mitchell's vision and creativity. The Phantom remains a timeless beauty that will never go out of style.

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