If you were alive in the 1950's and took a walk down any busy street in Canada, there's a good chance the majority of the cars you would see would be Pontiacs. The reason for this is simple. A smart new car buyer in 1953 knew that he could walk into his Pontiac dealer and buy a Canadian built Pontiac for about the same cost as a Chevy. And much like in modern times, the four door sedan was the most popular choice for an average family.
Shawn Groulx owns this stunning 1953 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe. Shawn's Pathfinder is a perfect example of 1950's Pontiac style and affordability. It is a pleasure to make this our May Feature Car. Shawn tells us more about his great Poncho:
Sitting behind the wheel of a 1953 Pathfinder Deluxe is a "Pontiac Pleasure"! One cannot help but wave and smile when this blue beauty with shiny chrome is cruisin' by.
The Pontiac Pathfinder was introduced onto the Canadian market in 1953 and was produced until 1958. In 1953 Pontiac production totaled 44,369. By 1958 the post World War II economic boom began to decline and car sales slowed for many car manufacturers, except Pontiac.
In 1959 Pontiac saw another record breaking sales year. Also in 1959 the Pathfinder marque was replaced with the Strato Chief and the Pathfinder line came to an end.
Enough about the history - lets talk about the nuts and bolts! The 1953 Pontiac is based on a Chevy Chassis. The straight 6 power plant motor produces 115 horse power and is matched with a 3 speed manual transmission. To slow this four door sedan (weighing in at 3,545 pounds) is the original 4 wheel drum style braking system. This sedan takes advantage of the 120 inch wheel base providing up to six passengers plenty of leg room and comfort.
This beauty of a classic was purchased from Jenner Motors in July 1953. Jenner motors is located in Edmonton Alberta and this Pontiac has been cruising the road of central Alberta since it was new. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $2,365.00. From the records that we have we believe that we are the fourth owners of this timeless classic.
Our "Pontiac Pleasure" is pampered by our family, sleeps overnight in a heated garage, and only comes out when the sun can make the chrome sparkle. We proudly show our treasure at show and shines and local events.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our Classic 1953 Pontiac!
Beautiful car Shawn and congratulations on it being the May Feature car. The colour is perfect and your shot of the hood ornament really made Pontiac a trusted automobile.
Brian
Luv the feature car pic, beautiful car in a beautiful setting! Could look at it all day. Congrats on car of the month Shawn, has to be one of my favorites since I joined CP. Class and style all in one.
Beautiful car Shawn and congratulations on it being the May Feature car. The colour is perfect and your shot of the hood ornament really made Pontiac a trusted automobile. Brian
X2 Very nice photos of a great car!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Shawn i love your 1953 Canadian Pontiac and thank you for keeping her original. That sweet inline flat head six is where it belongs and right at home. There is nothing to do to your 53 time machine except drive it and enjoy it. Continued good luck with your 53, she really is a beauty. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
A beauty but it doesn't have a Chevy engine as stated and I really don't think Canadian Pontiacs in 1953 had 120 inch wheelbases.
X2 - Very pretty car, but Chevrolet 6 for 1953 was OHV, not flathead, and 1953 Cherolet wheelbase was 115 inches.
Dave
Its been pointed out to me that this is not the place to be critical so I deleted my initial comment and I apologize if I rained on anybody's parade. It is a really nice car that has the look of a real time capsule.
Being critical would be saying something like "it's not as good as ..." or "too bad that it ..." or "thus-and-such part is not original" or something like that. (Of course, for this car, I can't conceive of a nicer 53 - the dark blue and outstanding chrome really make it stand out.)
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
That is one beautiful car. Of course I am biased because I have one very similar, and I almost bought that same car. I would love to see a driving video of the car.
-- Edited by Jimmyvonviggle on Friday 1st of May 2015 03:44:48 PM
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51 pontiac chieftain straight 6...work in progress
A beauty but it doesn't have a Chevy engine as stated and I really don't think Canadian Pontiacs in 1953 had 120 inch wheelbases.
X2 - Very pretty car, but Chevrolet 6 for 1953 was OHV, not flathead, and 1953 Cherolet wheelbase was 115 inches.
Dave
Its been pointed out to me that this is not the place to be critical so I deleted my initial comment and I apologize if I rained on anybody's parade. It is a really nice car that has the look of a real time capsule.
As Dave said, I am another one who never saw that to be critical Ken. Education and criticism are two separate things!
Besides, most of the people who read Canadian Poncho know your style and probably doubt you could even criticize your dog if he ate your favourite pair of shoes!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
I like the 50's cars too & this is one fine example. Very nice thank you for the pictures and keeping your Time piece in pristine condition . Congratulations :)
-- Edited by bzbaz63 on Friday 1st of May 2015 09:19:29 PM