The Stramliner was essentially an upgraded version of Gretsch’s original Electromatic Spanish (aka Corvette).

In fact, it’s original model name was the boring but accurate Electromatic 16″ Cutaway. In addition to the cutaway, it was distinguished from the basic Electromatic by it’s block inlays, and it was available with one or two DeArmond pickups.

The Streamliner name was adopted in 1955, although a sign of it’s Electromatic origins remained on the headstock. In keeping with other new colors of 1955, such as the White Falcon or the Cadillac Green Country Club, Gretsch offered the Streamliner not only in sunburst and natual finish but also in exotic – exotic-sounding, at least – Jaguar Tan. Although it was listed as being available only by special order, Jaguar Tan had it’s own special model number, Model 6189.

In 1958, Gretsch celebrated it’s 75th anniversary by appropriating the basic Stramliner for a new model called the Anniversary. Most of the Streamliner features continued, but the Jaguar Tan finish option did not survive the transition.