Our October feature car is this beautiful 1967 Pontiac 2+2 which belongs to Leo Capice. Leo did quite a bit of work to bring this 2+2 to the condition you see here and turns many heads when cruising around Montreal. Leo gives us all the details:
Shortly after arriving in Canada my father got his first car: it was an used 1967 Parisienne convertible. At the time the excitement was ecstatic because it was the first time ever we had a car in the family. In years the car aged and when it was 10 years old instead of spending a lot on repairs my father decided to get another car and sold the Parisienne to a tenant which was also a newly arrived immigrant.
In recent years I decided it was time to search for a classic toy since I always fancied a 50s or 60s big car. I’d look on magazines and the web and dream. One day my eyes popped when I found a 67 Parisienne 2+2 convertible for sale not too far away although the price wanted was higher than I could afford. So I kept looking. The following year the same car reappeared at two-thirds the asking price as originally listed. It was time to negotiate with the owner, went to see the car, had it inspected and bought it. I became the proud new owner of this beauty and fulfilled the dream I’ve had for years.
Within the first few weeks I spent a lot of money on the car mostly on safety and maintenance points that needed updating. Other than oil change and full tune-up, I had all 4 brakes replaced as well as the master cylinder, steering system , tables and suspension , replaced every imaginable gasket (engine, tranny, diff) replaced the entire exhaust system, hydraulic lift cylinder for the power top, battery terminals and some wiring. I also spent lots of hours repairing stuff that wasn’t working properly or needed fine tuning: power antenna, right door power windows, left cowl vent, repair locks so the key can fit properly, restored the centre console and wiring, seat belts, weather-strips, accelerator pedal, gas cap, got original radio to work again, washer pump, stem horn buttons, license plate light bracket, and several minor items for aesthetics.
Over the winter the big job was the carpet change. Not knowing what to expect, I disassembled the entire interior to get the old carpet out and fortunately the floor was solid and dry. You could see that the car had been fully taken apart and sandblasted before being repainted by the previous owner. Being relieved, I put it all back together adding several exterior emblems that were missing.
From the first time I took my wife and kids out for a spin, I had to get used to turning heads and being asked questions such as “what years is the car” and “what type of engine,” etc. I didn’t expect it to turn so many heads but it does make one proud and the first and only person I gave the keys to was my father. I had him relive the experience of driving his first car … although he got used to the modern cars and had a hard time with the steering.
This summer I used the car mostly for short trips on weekends and some evenings, several car shows and occasionally to work. I love being in it and take great care of it as I intend to keep it for quite some time. It rides very well, smooth engine and floats over bumps as it was meant to. Body noise and rattles are virtually nonexistent.
This car came with a 283, power glide, fender skirts, power brakes, power steering, power antenna, power windows, head rests, luxury steering wheel and since I’ve had it it’s been very reliable. In fact on 2 occasions I used it to boost other cars’ batteries, surprising their owners.
Over the winter and next spring I plan on restoring the driver’s seat that has a small tear, the trunk with carpeting to look like new; get the clock to work, and possibly replacing one or both bumpers and a few other chrome parts instead of re-chroming.
The chrome on this car looks good from 10 feet away but I would like it to look as perfect as possible. The paint looks excellent from 5 feet away although it’s not in “showroom” condition so at the moment no plans to repaint. If I do eventually, I’m pretty sure I’ll keep it the same colour.
Meanwhile I’m enjoying it and wish to continue doing so, which is the reason why I got it! Leo
Very nice, and you've got the optional headrests that look to be in great condition. Obviously it reminds of my late friend Rick's (67rag396) car, as we spent a lot of time together. Great to see someone keeping a 2+2 on the road!!!!
'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.
very nice car. make me sorry that i ordered black carpet for my rag.
I had considered black, consulted with my wife about the red and had actually posted something on Canadian Poncho asking for opinions. Most people preferred red including myself so I went for red but the most important is getting a new carpet, this makes all the difference. If you can get the engraved Pontiac logos on the mats even by ordering after you install your carpet, it looks great in any colour.