1963 Pontiac Parisienne Convertible

Pontiacs built in Canada for Canadian distribution were based on the Chevrolet chassis and running gear. However, the styling was definitely Pontiac! You'll note the Chevy V8 under the hood...and the automatic was Powerglide. You'll notice the front wheels sit further inside the wheel wells than their American cousins...for these Pontiacs were not wide-track. All the trim and luxury of Pontiac was apparent in the colorful interior...very nice, very upscale. Really nice to have this one pay us a visit in Florida!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• raconter1
• antique
• car
• show
• Pontiac
• Parisienne
• Convertible
• 1963

[cheddyrod]

This was a good time for Pontiac. Starting in the 50s Pontiac was at the bottom of the totem and then 10 years later Bunkie and his group pulled Pontiac into the number 2 position. In Canada at that time Pontiac usually out sold Chev, probably due to a stronger dealership and better value for money. Love that name, Parisienne, sounds decadent. :P

[raconter1]

@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! Yeah, once they eliminated the "twin streak" superfluous chrome trim, they could feel free to innovate. Performance certainly helped the overall image..and there was a noticeable upgrade compared to the standard Chevy offering! GM was smart to aim the car directly at the Canadian audience by appealing to bilingual Canada!  Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@Seattlecarnut Hey, Jason! It would be interesting...hard to predict which way it would go! Thanks! :) Jack

[Seattlecarnut]

@raconter1 It's too bad the Canadian cars weren't sold along side the American built cars. It'd be fun to see how well one would sell next to the other. :)

[raconter1]

@Seattlecarnut  Hey, Jason! Yeah, those Canadian Pontiacs of this vintage were actually based on Chevy chassis and engine/transmissions. The modified the Pontiac bodies slightly to get them to fit the Chevy chassis. Thanks! :) Jack

[Seattlecarnut]

@raconter1 I agree. I also like the Pontiacs built in Canada. Some of them look like Chevrolets with a touch of Pontiac in the styling.

[Seattlecarnut]

@raconter1 I certainly agree there. It's not the vertical headlamps that I don't like on Pontiacs of the 1966 through 68 model year that I don't like. But the grille treatment that they received for those years.

[raconter1]

@MrBadassandy Hey, Andy! I agree...the owner keeps the underhood area, as well as the rest of the car perfect! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@Seattlecarnut Hey, Jason! This definitely has the advantage of restrained styling...really nice.  The use of color is probably the most outstanding feature! Thanks! :) Jack