It's a rare treat to feature Canadian Pontiac's from the 1950's and earlier as so few remain. It's my pleaure to feature this survivor 1954 Pontaic Laurentian Sport Coupe. You won't be surprised that you likely haven't seen one before as so few were built in the first place. John La Grange owns this wonderful example and has kept the car pretty much original save for some maintenance items and a minor lowering. John provides us with the details:
The story of my 54',
It was an estate sale as the original collector had passed away. He had purchased it in '78 from auction in Edmonton.
I found the original owner that had auctioned it off and had a chat with him. He had purchased the car from the original owners and attempted to restore it. There's a letter from Pontiac of Canada mentioning the rarity of the car and their understanding of the difficulty he was having restoring it.
Coming home,
Interior view,
I had the radio restored.
Installed a rebuilt generator, rebuilding the carb this winter.
Wilson Auto Electric!
'54 Pontiac Laurentian Sport Coupe. Alberta car since day 1. Newly certified in '22 after 40 years. All original aside from the battery and maintenance items.
I don't intend to modify anything that cannot be returned to stock, but I have lowered the car and prepared the roof for a new coat of paint.
I've installed new radial Coker classic whitewalls on original 50's steel wheels. Also found a set of original quick-n-easy roof latches to "top it off"
I Love the car and my daughter's love going for cruises with me...
I like your schnauzer in the back seat, we have something in common. Back to the thread , I agree, love the 2 dr Hard Top , very nice lines, nice to see the Flat Head in there.
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New Brunswick , 1950 Pontiac Silver Streak 2 Dr Sedan, 1967 Beaumont, 1985 Sierra 1500 One Owner
Yeah the schnauzer is always excited for a cruise, and I don't mind as the seats are already pretty ratty. I didn't even know these cars were a thing either until I found this one on Kijiji while looking for a Belair of the same year
Such a cool car. The Laurentian hardtop style is rare. Congrats on a fine time capsule. I'll bet it runs quietly.
I have a 68-year-old 1954 Canadian Pontiac brochure that I would like to scan but don't want to wreck. It has both Canadian & American Pontiac models that were sold here. I'll post it when I get it done.
What is interesting is how much the Canadian Pontiac uses Chevrolet body panels & hardware like the tail lights. They also used the Pontiac flathead 239 six with syncro-mesh 3-speed or optional Powerglide. The American cars used the 239 flathead six or a 254 flathead straight eight, both in their final year. American cars used the dual range 4-speed Hydramatic instead of the Powerglide.
Really cool car, you thought a BelAir this year was rare, this car beats them hands down for rarity. Roof is cool as is or painted, nice that your girls like it too.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Beautiful car! One that I always wished I had bought as 1954 was one of my favorite years! However owned some 52's & 58's instead! The dash on the 54's were a piece of art especially at night as the pix shows. Congratulations on finding a real "GEM". Bob.
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1965 Thunderbird Special Landau 10th Anniversary Limited Edition only 4500 built 34,800 miles
Such a cool car. The Laurentian hardtop style is rare. Congrats on a fine time capsule. I'll bet it runs quietly.
I have a 68-year-old 1954 Canadian Pontiac brochure that I would like to scan but don't want to wreck. It has both Canadian & American Pontiac models that were sold here. I'll post it when I get it done.
What is interesting is how much the Canadian Pontiac uses Chevrolet body panels & hardware like the tail lights. They also used the Pontiac flathead 239 six with syncro-mesh 3-speed or optional Powerglide. The American cars used the 239 flathead six or a 254 flathead straight eight, both in their final year. American cars used the dual range 4-speed Hydramatic instead of the Powerglide.
The Canadian '54 Laurentians didn't come with the inline 8 as there isn't enough room in the engine bay with the shorter Chevy body panels.
The old literature is very cool to look back on. I'll watch to see when it's posted.
Noticed the radio says Chieftain. Wonder if the car was a radio delete when built or if American radios were used in Canadian built cars?
The radio is stock. The only options for this radio were the American branded chieftain radios. I don't think Pontiac of Canada went to the effort to remanufacture a Canadian Laurentian branded alternative.
Very nice car and very nice story. I hope when you teach your daughter how to drive you'll have her try for the first time on that car, like I did with both my kids.
