It's been a while since we've featured an Acadian. It's time to break that dry spell! What a great way to break it than with this beautiful 1966 Acadian belonging to Jim Russell. Jim's Acadian has updated the drivetrain and chassis which in turn has provided him with a car that not only looks great, it drives great! Jim tells us more:
I was looking for an old classic car for my wife when a friend told me he knew of a 66 Canso for sale. Went to look at it a couple of days later and to my surprise it was an SD. Bought it on the spot in Feb 2002. Once the car was home my wife thought that it was a little rough around the edges,so into the shop it went for a little face lift.
I replaced the 1/4's and a door skin in the spring of 2002 and then life got busy. The car spent the next 10 years getting stored around the neighbourhood garages as I was working on friends vehicles.
Finally in the fall of 2014 I got her back into my own garage and decided it was time to work on my own car. I spent the next 2 1/2 years building the car to the vision I had in my head. Some modifications but keeping with the original apperance of the car. The car now has a 5.3 LS motor with a 4l60e behind it along with a Yukon posi in the rear.
Suspension upgrades include CPP pro tour kit with front and rear sway bar along with Caltracs. I also added CPP power steering and disc brakes from a 2000 Malibu. All of the interior is back to original with the exception of power drivers seat.
She is painted back to original colour Aztec Bronze and is a pleasure to drive. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven! Was great to be able to share the build with CP and it's members! Jim
Nice job buddy,and don't forget the hundreds of holes you had to drill.
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"The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time because nothing is ever perfect. The pursuit of excellence is commendable and worth while. Therefore strive for excellence, not perfection"
This feature is just what I needed to inspire my 66 Canso build. Your car is one of my favorite color combo's and is truly one of a kind build. Thank you for all your efforts in posting this build because it is a testament to the patience and conviction necessary to complete such a project. I really like the power seat, the controls are beautiful and just jump right out at you when the door is opened. That is the one item I may copy from your car. I'm limiting myself to one item, out of respect for your efforts. Of course, my car did have a fawn interior and seeing your car reminded me how much I like that look.
The Aztec Bronze and white interior is a stellar combination. The originality in appearance hiding those modern upgrades and power makes for an outstanding car.
Jim, it has been a treat following your build on here and it's GREAT to see it featured. This is going to be a good month at CP, seeing your car every time I log in!
Love the Aztec Bronze, love the fawn interior, love the basically stock appearance, the only thing I don't like about your car is it's not mine...
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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
Have to agree how nice it is to see your car at the top of the page after the completion of one of the most interesting builds I've ever followed. Congrats Jim, and I loved how you handled each challenge you faced and always found a way to do it yourself. Enjoy the driving and rock chips just mean there is another story to tell. Never have enough stories to share.
'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.