1958 Pontiac Parisienne

General Motors produced Canadian-only models for many years to avoid tariffs imposed by the Canadian government. These were distinctive models that were solely for the Canadian market. Among them was the Pontiac Parisienne produced from 1958 to 1986, initially as a sub-series within the Laurentian Line for the 1958 model year, before becoming a separate model a year later. For most of its existence, it was the top-of-the-line model sold in GM of Canada's Pontiac showrooms. It mirrored the high-end Pontiac Bonneville sold in the United States. While they resembled American Pontiacs, in fact, they were built on Chevrolet chassis, complete with 'Bow Tie' powerplants. The body panels were not shared until later years, as the bodies had to fit the shorter Chevrolet chassis and use Pontiac instrument panels.

The 1958 Pontiac Parisienne, sharing its all-new, one-year-only body shell with the Chevrolet, featured a low-slung X-member chassis with a slightly longer wheelbase and an all-coil suspension. Using the same engines and transmission as full-size Chevys, the list of options included the 230 and 250 cubic inch 6-cylinder and 283, 307, 327, 350, 396, 400, 409, 427, and 454 cubic inch V8s. Chevrolet's Ramjet fuel injection system, introduced in 1957 in the U.S., was a Parisienne option as well. Transmission options included 3 and 4-speed manual and the 2-speed Powerglide and later the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions. Chevrolet's Turboglide automatic transmission was also available.

The GM of Canada-built cars were assembled in Oshawa, Ontario and the Canadian Pontiac lineup paralleled the 'full size' American-built Chevrolets. The Pontiac 'Strato Chief' had a similar trim level and upholstery as Chevrolet's 'Biscayne', the 'Laurentian' matched the trim level of the Chevrolet 'Bel Air' and the Parisienne was similar to the Chevrolet 'Impala.' Through most of its life, the Parisienne resembled the US-market Bonneville despite its Chevrolet underpinnings.

The Pontiac Parisienne was built through five generations, with the first generation lasting until 1960. Body styles included a two- and four-door convertible, coupe, sedan, and station wagon. Engine options included the 261 cubic-inch inline 6, and 283 and 348 cubic-inch V8s. Transmission options included a two-speed automatic, a 3-speed manual and automatic, and a four-speed manual. The top engine choice was the 348-cubic inch V-8, a bigger and better 'Turbo Thrust' mill that would evolve, some years later, into the legendary '409.' With Tri-Power configuration, or three 2-barrel carburetors, the 'Turbo Thrust' V8 delivered 280 brake horsepower.

By 1970, the trade laws became superfluous, and unique models were discontinued, although names like Parisienne continued through 1986.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2022