I've never had much to do with pre-58 Pontiacs, so I'm a newbie in this area. But, I've got a neighbour who has a '53 Pontiac. The registration lists it as a Parisienne but he's sure it's a Chieftain. I have no idea which is more desirable, nor what the difference would be. I don't even know the years that the different models were available.
I will get a photo of the cowl tag and post it here - hopefully someone can decode it for us. In the meantime though, is there a listing somewhere on-line that gives the basic breakdown of model numbers for these early Pontiacs? I know of several places where that information is posted for 60's Pontiacs, Acadians & Beaumonts, but not for the cars before 1960.
Dick (my neighbour) is having his car painted - should be in the shop in the next week or so. It's in good condition - runs & drives well. Paint is rough, but the body is pretty good. There is a little rust, but the car is from southern Sask, and the rust is pretty minimal (at least what we can see - fingers crossed).
He also has a 1950 Standard Vanguard that is in getting painted now. Interesting car - I'd never heard of them before - but the thing is built like a tank. Cross frame AND a perimeter frame. Apparently the same platform was used to build cars, panel deliveries, pickups etc. It's an interesting little car. Anybody here know anything about these cars or know someone who does?
I'll post pictures when I get a chance - I'm snowed in at the moment. Likely be Monday before I'm fully mobile.
427carl said
Feb 17, 2018
Heres a blurb from 2008 I don't think your neighbor has a Parisenne . look at the unsual cars the poster had seen (ala 2008)
Canadian Pontiacs were a little different than Chevies. I had a 53 Canadian Pontiac that had a flathead 6 in it. Other than the hood, grille, taillights it was essentially a 53 Chevy. I can't speak for sure on earlier than 53. From 55 up is where it gets fun. The base engine for 55 to 62 Pontiacs was a 261. the Canadian (and export) Pontiacs were built on Chevy chassis, using Chevy drivetrains. This is great for anyone building a 567 Canadian Pontiac because all the aftermarket stuff for Chevy chassis fits. Some oddball Canadian stuff I have seen in person or seen pics of: 1957 Pontiac Pathfinder (plain jane) w/250 hp FI 283 1957 Pontiac Pathfinder business coupe - no back seat 1958 Pontiac sedan delivery - belong to 29ehv8's father in law if I remember right 1960 StratoChief two door wagon. 1961 Parisienne (top of the line) ragtop, 348 4 speed. 1962 or 3 Parisienne wagon, 409 4 speed. 1965 Pontiac StratoChief four door sedan 396 2 bbl, pg 1967 Pontiac Custom Sport 427 auto 1968 2 + 2 ragtop 427 auto 1968 Beaumont Sport Deluxe w L-88
I have two or three 261's in the garage and a 56 Pontiac sedan delivery, kinda rare car.
The car was announced in July 1947, was completely new, with no resemblance to the previous models, and, designed in 1945,[2] it was Standard's first post-Second World War car and intended for export around the world. It was also the first model to carry the new Standard badge, which was a heavily stylised representation of the wings of a griffin.[3]
The Standard looks like the one you posted the photo of, again, different colour, but otherwise, that's the car. Near as I can tell, these were made in England, but until about 1952, weren't really sold there. They were mostly built for export to North America and Australia. From what I've been able to figure out, Standard owned Triumph as well - at least up until the TR-2. After that, I'm not sure what happened to the company.
Dick found a set of tie rod ends (NOS) for the Vanguard. They were delivered in this:
thats a cool delivery box . makes me want to order a part to get the Can
4SPEED427 said
Feb 17, 2018
I would say Parisienne started in 1958 rather than 1959 but yes, certainly not 1953.
norontcan said
Feb 17, 2018
In 1953 the Parisienne name was first applied to a Pontiac concept car. If memory is correct it may have been a 2 seater. Someone can do a google search and i'm sure it will come up. First production Parisienne was in 1958. It had all the special features that compared to the new Chev Impala. High end 2 door hdtp and conv with the vent like feature on the roof above the back window. Here's a 58 Parisienne convertible that sold in October of 2009 for approaching 6 figures. ( $95230 )
Post the data plate from youtr friends 1953 and we'll run the numbers.
I recall looking at the data plate and it was Made In Canada, so it'd be a Pathfinder and not a Chieftain. That's good to know!
Thanks guys - I'll post pics when I can get out of my driveway.
firstdancebridalcars said
Feb 17, 2018
The Vanguard used the same engine as the Ferguson tractor. I remember driving one years ago that had three on the tree plus overdrive
66 Beau said
Feb 18, 2018
Here's the cowl tag info for the '53 poncho:
Model: 20-69W
SN 320 693 6106
Engine W257637
Trim 516
Body SN:8493
Paint 359.
Can anyone break this down for us? There is still debate here as to whether it's a Chieftain or a Pathfinder...
I'll try to post an actual photo of the tag tomorrow.
Canadian Poncho said
Feb 19, 2018
According to my book model 20-69W translates as a Pathfinder Deluxe 4 dr sedan. That jives with the vin as my book says this model's VIN starts with 32069. The car would have been built in Oshawa. My book (The Catalog of Canadian Car ID Numbers) states the base price would have been $2365 and weight 3276lb. My book is no help on paint, body or engine codes.
66 Beau said
Feb 19, 2018
Thanks Todd - I appreciate this. From previous discussions, I was expecting to hear "Pathfinder". We'll do some digging to find out what the "Deluxe" included, and what the paint & trim codes signify.
$2365 in 1953? That seems like a lot of money, doesn't it? Just thinking of the prices of cars in the '60's, and even in the late 60's and early '70's you could still buy a new car for +/- $2000.
thx again, Wes
Canadian Poncho said
Feb 19, 2018
His best bet would be to find an original brochure for the Pathfinder. That way he'd get a rundown as to what the Deluxe model got you. Ken McGee auto literature in Goderich Ontario may have one: www.kenmcgeeautobooks.com/
engine code W257637 = engine codes in 1953 began with W219001 but includes all Canadian built Pontiacs regardless of model.
paint code 359 = saddle brown metallic
66 Beau said
Feb 19, 2018
Does anyone know if the GM of Canada data available for the '50's Pontiacs?
Canadian Poncho said
Feb 19, 2018
I believe they have some but it's not as extensive as the mid 60's - on cars. I'm sure you could call Frank at Vintage Vehicle Services and he would tell you before you invest the money for a report.
66 Beau said
Feb 19, 2018
I see from their website that they claim only 1964 and newer. I will pass all the info along to Dick (the owner) and see where he wants to go.
Thanks! I appreciate everyone's time! I will post some pictures when I get a chance to take them.
hwscowboy said
Mar 11, 2018
yes you can still get a gm history report for your 54.I've gotten one for my 54 and 49.Now its not as detailed as the later ones,for instance they can't tell you where it was shipped to be sold,etc.But you will get model #'s,production dates,colors,engine,trans etc and they will also send you a booklet of factory specs and info.Its well worth the money.As for registering it you are not alone,my 54 laurentian is registered as a chieftain because the registry here in alberta has no listing for a Pontiac laurentian.
I've never had much to do with pre-58 Pontiacs, so I'm a newbie in this area. But, I've got a neighbour who has a '53 Pontiac. The registration lists it as a Parisienne but he's sure it's a Chieftain. I have no idea which is more desirable, nor what the difference would be. I don't even know the years that the different models were available.
I will get a photo of the cowl tag and post it here - hopefully someone can decode it for us. In the meantime though, is there a listing somewhere on-line that gives the basic breakdown of model numbers for these early Pontiacs? I know of several places where that information is posted for 60's Pontiacs, Acadians & Beaumonts, but not for the cars before 1960.
Dick (my neighbour) is having his car painted - should be in the shop in the next week or so. It's in good condition - runs & drives well. Paint is rough, but the body is pretty good. There is a little rust, but the car is from southern Sask, and the rust is pretty minimal (at least what we can see - fingers crossed).
He also has a 1950 Standard Vanguard that is in getting painted now. Interesting car - I'd never heard of them before - but the thing is built like a tank. Cross frame AND a perimeter frame. Apparently the same platform was used to build cars, panel deliveries, pickups etc. It's an interesting little car. Anybody here know anything about these cars or know someone who does?
I'll post pictures when I get a chance - I'm snowed in at the moment. Likely be Monday before I'm fully mobile.
Heres a blurb from 2008 I don't think your neighbor has a Parisenne . look at the unsual cars the poster had seen (ala 2008)
Canadian Pontiacs were a little different than Chevies. I had a 53 Canadian Pontiac that had a flathead 6 in it. Other than the hood, grille, taillights it was essentially a 53 Chevy. I can't speak for sure on earlier than 53. From 55 up is where it gets fun. The base engine for 55 to 62 Pontiacs was a 261. the Canadian (and export) Pontiacs were built on Chevy chassis, using Chevy drivetrains. This is great for anyone building a 567 Canadian Pontiac because all the aftermarket stuff for Chevy chassis fits. Some oddball Canadian stuff I have seen in person or seen pics of:
1957 Pontiac Pathfinder (plain jane) w/250 hp FI 283
1957 Pontiac Pathfinder business coupe - no back seat
1958 Pontiac sedan delivery - belong to 29ehv8's father in law if I remember right
1960 StratoChief two door wagon.
1961 Parisienne (top of the line) ragtop, 348 4 speed.
1962 or 3 Parisienne wagon, 409 4 speed.
1965 Pontiac StratoChief four door sedan 396 2 bbl, pg
1967 Pontiac Custom Sport 427 auto
1968 2 + 2 ragtop 427 auto
1968 Beaumont Sport Deluxe w L-88
I have two or three 261's in the garage and a 56 Pontiac sedan delivery, kinda rare car.
The Standard Vanguard is a car which was produced by the Standard Motor Company in Coventry, England, from 1947 to 1963.
The car was announced in July 1947, was completely new, with no resemblance to the previous models, and, designed in 1945,[2] it was Standard's first post-Second World War car and intended for export around the world. It was also the first model to carry the new Standard badge, which was a heavily stylised representation of the wings of a griffin.[3]
Thanks Carl
I see the Parisienne model didn't appear until 1959, so the registration is obviously incorrect. I think Dick (the owner) is right and what he has is a Chieftain. Looks like this - different colour, but this looks like it.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Pontiac_Chieftain_sedan_1953.jpg
The Standard looks like the one you posted the photo of, again, different colour, but otherwise, that's the car. Near as I can tell, these were made in England, but until about 1952, weren't really sold there. They were mostly built for export to North America and Australia. From what I've been able to figure out, Standard owned Triumph as well - at least up until the TR-2. After that, I'm not sure what happened to the company.
Dick found a set of tie rod ends (NOS) for the Vanguard. They were delivered in this:
Don't think I've ever seen that before.
thats a cool delivery box . makes me want to order a part to get the Can
In 1953 the Parisienne name was first applied to a Pontiac concept car. If memory is correct it may have been a 2 seater. Someone can do a google search and i'm sure it will come up.
First production Parisienne was in 1958. It had all the special features that compared to the new Chev Impala. High end 2 door hdtp and conv with the vent like feature on the roof above the back window.
Here's a 58 Parisienne convertible that sold in October of 2009 for approaching 6 figures. ( $95230 )
Post the data plate from youtr friends 1953 and we'll run the numbers.
Thanks guys - I'll post pics when I can get out of my driveway.
Model: 20-69W
SN 320 693 6106
Engine W257637
Trim 516
Body SN:8493
Paint 359.
Can anyone break this down for us? There is still debate here as to whether it's a Chieftain or a Pathfinder...
I'll try to post an actual photo of the tag tomorrow.
$2365 in 1953? That seems like a lot of money, doesn't it? Just thinking of the prices of cars in the '60's, and even in the late 60's and early '70's you could still buy a new car for +/- $2000.
thx again, Wes
www.ebay.ca/itm/1953-PONTIAC-Dual-Streak-53-Color-Dealer-Folder-Brochure-VG-CDN-/152332247756
If you decide to buy it please copy the link, click thru our Ebay banner (top or bottom) and then purchase. That way the website will get a referral fee.
Thanks
paint code 359 = saddle brown metallic
Thanks! I appreciate everyone's time! I will post some pictures when I get a chance to take them.