I stumbled across this car earlier this year. It is a 1964 Safari station wagon. It was sitting in a storage yard for almost a year, and it was part of an estate auction. I thought it would make a great parts car for my '64 hardtop project. I successfully purchased the car, and towed it home.
However, as I began to go over the vehicle documentation and research its history, I found some very interesting things. It was purchased in March 1964 at LH Bradley & Sons GM dealer in Moosomin, Saskatchewan (dealer is still in business today). The documentation showed that this was a one-owner vehicle, very impressive for a 45 year old car. I was able to contact a family member of the original owner, and they indicated that the car sat for "many, many years" in the owner's yard. The license registration suggested the car was last driven in 1980.
Once I cleaned the 30 years of dirt and tree sap off the car, I found that it was a lot better than I originally thought. All of the glass was excellent, not even a chip in the windshield. Every single piece of chrome was there. The floor had the typical rust and holes, but the body panels were excellent. It appears the only body panel damage accumulated over 45 years was damage to the passenger rear door. The interior was in incredible shape. The dash pad had no cracks, and the seats no wear or tear. This car was 100% complete!
The build sheet was located under the rear seat, and confirmed the options. Some include N40 power steering, J50 power brakes, F40 heavey duty suspension, P78 Tires 8.25 x 14, A33 electric tailgate window, A02 tinted windshield, etc.
This car was a survivor, and I couldn't bring myself to parting it out. So I spent two months attempting to revive the relic. Last week, I made its first test drive. Its first drive in 29 years!
Great story and save! That is a real solid looking car, even has the V8 fender flash on it! too cool. Roof rack is awesome too, how many of those are still around?
Wow, great effort, excellent result! I am glad you were able to save it, it looks like you have a very desireable, solid car. I don't know if we have any other early 60's Parisienne wagons on here?
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Hillar
1970 LS4 (eventually an LS5) Laurentian 2dr hdtp -and a bunch of other muscle cars...
GREAT CAR!!! Love the Longroofs!!!! Is this the one that was in the towing companys yard?
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1960 Pontiac Strato Chief Safari 1960 Laurentian Safari 1960 Laurentian 4door(scrapped) 2001 Grand Am Traded on a '96 Suburban 2WD 2002 Hyundai Accent(SOLD) 1968 Grand Parisienne Scrapped and SOLD
I commend you on saving this beauty!! You just don't see many of these 64 wagons anymore! So many have gone to the crusher over the years. Nice save!! The '64 is my poncho of choice. I see that you mentioned that you have a 4 door hard top. Do you have some pics to share? I bought a rust free 4 door hard top this summer. I always like to share stories with fellow '64 owners. How did you come by yours? The only downside about saving some of these cars is the high cost of body work and paint. Even the hart top that I just picked up with virtually no body work, will still run $5-8000. The mechanical I can do myself. The car is sporting the original 283. I've got a rebuilt passenger car 409 to go into it but I'm not sure if I'll go that route yet. Anyway ,.. congrats on the beautiful wagon save! Would be nice to share some 4 door hard top stories.
Great to hear you are building s 409 car, especially a 4 door car - totally cool.
I'm actually building a 2 door Custom Sport, not a 4 door. The drive train is going to be hot rodded, however, I am retaining the beautiful body lines of the orginal design (with a few minor mods).
I agree that body work is absolutely intense on these vehicles, due to lack of aftermarket (but if I wanted easy, I would have picked a Camaro or Mustang ;) )
Wow, great effort, excellent result! I am glad you were able to save it, it looks like you have a very desireable, solid car. I don't know if we have any other early 60's Parisienne wagons on here?
(raises hand) Better late than never.
Great to see another wagon on the road. My 64 is a forever work in progress, and maybe it will see the road next year.
Looks like it's very complete. Awesome find! If you still have it, keep me posted on your progress!
