Billboard depicting the 1959 Pontiac, similar to what was found along U.S. highways more than 50 years. 1959 was the first year for the Pontiac-trademark split grille and wider track which was originally designed to enhance the looks of the car but also created a bonus of improved ride and handling characteristics. The '59 Wide-Track Pontiac's wheels were set outward on a track that was roughly 5 inches wider than most other 1959 model American full-sized cars. The car illustrated is a Catalina convertible, one of two ragtops offered by Pontiac in 1959, and part of Pontiac's lowest-priced series. The other convertible was the top-line Bonneville, which featured a bit more exterior chrome along with a more lavish leather interior with either a standard bench seat or optional bucket seats. All 1959 Pontiacs were powered by a 389 cubic-inch Trophy V8. Standard engines included "Ultra High Compression" versions with two-barrel carburetor and 283 horsepower in Catalinas and Star Chiefs or a four-barrel carb and 303 horsepower in Bonnevilles - both with Hydra-Matic transmissions (stick shift cars had lower horsepower ratings and compression ratios). Available on all Pontiacs as a no-cost option with the Hydra-Matic transmission was a 215-horsepower "Economy" version of the 389 V8 designed to use 92 Research octane regular-grade gasoline as opposed to the 100 Research octane premium fuel required with the "UHC" engines. The Bonneville's 303 horsepower "UHC" 389 was optional on Catalinas and Star Chiefs and the top option on all models was a 318-horsepower 389 Tri-Power with three two-barrel carburetors.

Here's a Royal Oak Chevrolet Corvette C6 convertible police car parked on Buckingham Road near Woodward Avenue during the 2007 Woodward Dream Cruise. Somehow I don't think this car is in regular service as a police car, I think this is a special vehicle for events like the Dream Cruise.