Enjoy 5% OFF at VEVOR Canada! and Support Canadian Poncho at the Same Time!
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: April 2024 Feature Car


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 27370
Date:
April 2024 Feature Car


John Bury is the proud owner of this months Feature Car. John has owned this 1968 Pontiac Parisienne 2+2 convertible for 30 years. It was a pretty much a basket case when he bought it. You wouldn't know it to see the car now! John gives us the details:

before1.JPG

According to GM Documents there was a total of 741 Parisienne 2+2 Convertibles built in 1968. I’ve owned this one since 1994. It’s a 327 - Powerglide car. Matador Red with Parchment interior and white top. Riding on Pontiac Rally II wheels. The car is a summer driver and treated as so.

vvs.JPG

I don’t know a lot of it’s history. GM Documents says it was originally sold out of Brandon Automobiles Ltd in Brandon Manitoba. They also say it came with a black top and skirts. I bought it here in Edmonton Alberta and the previous owner didn’t seem to know much of it’s history since he didn’t own it that long and it was already an Edmonton car.

before2.JPG

Here’s the history since I’ve owned the car. I purchased the car back in October of ‘94 for $500. The previous owner got transferred to Vancouver and had to sell. The car was under a tarp in an apartment complex parking lot. He had the car already stripped down and in grey primer. The interior was rough. The top was almost nonexistent but you could tell it was white. The engine was an oil burner and the tires were junk. But the wheels were newly painted Pontiac Rally II’s and the trunk was full of extra parts. At first the car was going to go on the back burner for a while since my wife and I were engaged to be married the next May. After some discussion we decided if we could make it work in our budget and time frame then this would be our Wedding Car. The Autobody Shop next to where I worked said they would paint the car and have the top replaced for a deal if they could have it for the whole winter. I would move it back to our shop on weekends and put in quite a few late nights making the car road worthy. It was cutting it close but the car got painted and new top installed. Also at that time I replaced the carpet and had the rear seat reupholstered. The rest of the interior was cleaned and painted where needed. The front seats just got fuzzy seat covers for the time being. And the weather was nice enough on our Wedding Day to put the top down for pictures and such which made it worth it all.

wedding.JPG

For the next few years before the kids were born we would take the car on longer trips enjoying the top down. Numerous times to the mountains in BC.

rfearly.JPG

Once we drove as far west as possible to Tofino on Vancouver Island. Another time we drove down to Montana and drove the Hiway to the Sun which is a must drive in a convertible. Now mostly I take it to Cruise Night Meets, Show and Shines, and CP Coffee Meets. Eventually I would like to drive out to Brandon Manitoba for the Super Run Show because of the car being originally sold there.

dstopdown.JPG

ds.JPG

 

During COVID it was our 25th Wedding Anniversary and with everything shut down we took the car back to the same church we got married in and our son took some pictures of us posing with the car. On a side note, the Priest came out and asked what we were doing. We explained and he invited us in and we got to redo our vows so that was an awesome day.

mrmrsjc.JPG

I’ve made a few upgrades to the car through out the years. The worn out 350 was replaced with a period correct freshened up 275HP, 327.

engine.JPG

onthescope.JPG

The 10 bolt diff was swapped out for a 12 bolt. Front disc brakes were added from a ‘70 Caprice system.

discbrakes.JPG

 

A remote operated stereo was added under the drivers seat with speakers behind the side vent panels so no holes cut. With the help of Canadian Poncho members I was able to source down the missing 2+2 Louvers.

emblemplacement.JPG

louvers.JPG

 

And the interior did get mostly finished. The front buckets got reupholstered and the door panels painted since they were just faded.

interior.JPG

intbehind.JPG

 

The few things I have plans on doing yet with the car are maintenance related. The suspension bushings, the body mounts, door hinge pins and some weatherstripping. I may get FM added to my radio and do away with the under seat stereo.

bodytag.JPG

front.JPG

rf.JPG

rrear.JPG

The paint on the car being 28 years now has it’s issues but not weathering too bad for the age and it’s not in my budget to redo it right now anyway. Plus every chip has a story lol!

rear.JPG

 



Attachments
__________________

Todd
Site Founder

Like us on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/CanadianPoncho

Canadian Poncho World Headquarters - Prince Edward Island

 



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 68
Date:

Fantastic car. Love it and nice to see you have enjoyed it for so long.

__________________
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 5724
Date:

Always liked 1968 Parisiennes, red especially, my Dad had a red 2 door hardtop, black vinyl top, for a demo. You have been getting a lot of enjoyment from this one for a long time.

Congratulations on being the monthly feature car.

__________________

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



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 4937
Date:

Congrats on making it to the top of the page. What a great cruiser!


One of the reasons I am into Canadian Pontiacs was due to cars like this, the big 2+2 convertibles that I saw as a kid. I see that only 741 were built for '68, so I'm sure I have seen every one they built wink

 

There's almost something sacred about long-term ownership of a collector car. They receive as much care and attention as a family member or pet. It shows on this car.

 

It is somewhat amusing to us today in this world of 8-speed automatics to see a Powerglide in one of these cars, but they work better than they should, are light, simple, reliable and draw very little power to spin. Good on you John for leaving it alone. Also the 327+ versions are the best ones.

 

Another amusing thing to me is that GM used the a small 2+2 badges on the door panels that mimic the SS badges. It was a good solution.



__________________

67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.

In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...

Cam, Toronto.


I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Online
Posts: 10600
Date:

Congrats on being the feature. Great story. Great car.

Imop, the 68 2+2 had the nicest door panels of any year 65-70. 



__________________
65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 
 


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7773
Date:

The car's a beauty John.
Interesting it had the V52 Guard, Front Licence Plate option. I was looking for a pair of them a few years ago, and was finally able to source a pair. The holes for the front license plate bracket & guards are present in your front valance.

__________________
70 2+2 convertible
70 2+2 hardtop
70 Parisienne hardtop

 

 



Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3548
Date:

Nothing cheers you up better than dropping to the top and heading out on the road !

Great car and I love your pride of ownership.

My wife of 31 years, enjoyed the read too.





__________________

https://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t63333628/click-here-to-support-canadian-poncho/

 

Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 2252
Date:

Quote
the car being 28 years now has its issues but not weathering too bad for the age and its not in my budget to redo it right now

Having owned my Impala for 45 years and adding as I went it allows me to understand your current situation..

Simply enjoy!

Get regular appraisals

Cliff



__________________

Cliff

Done Hurryin

Like the larger type for my eyes. 

 

 



A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50140
Date:

Congratulations John! I can't believe it, you've been an active member of CP forever and yet your car has never been featured? LONG overdue!

Having seen John's car a couple of times I can say it's beautiful. Like he says, it's not perfect and that's exactly the kind of car that is enjoyed the most by the owners. Another great month at CP.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)

MC


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7675
Date:

Great car, great story.  Thanks for sharing it with us!



__________________


Guru

Status: Online
Posts: 924
Date:

I love you car (but I am a little biased).

Regards, Scott (LandShark ...)



__________________


Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 318
Date:

Like LandShark, a bit biased too. Love it and especially the white interior. Mine is due for new seat covers and foam and really considering switching to white / parchment. Great story and congrats on 30 years of ownership and use!

__________________

No Bike Mike

1968 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible

1984 Correct Craft Southwind

1994 Cruisers Aria

2005 GMC K1500 

Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1765
Date:

4SPEED427 wrote:

Congratulations John! I can't believe it, you've been an active member of CP forever and yet your car has never been featured? LONG overdue!

Having seen John's car a couple of times I can say it's beautiful. Like he says, it's not perfect and that's exactly the kind of car that is enjoyed the most by the owners. Another great month at CP.


 Im not really sure why its taken so long. I dont really have a good excuse. Not even COVID. LOL. Actually just before COVID I was at a Show n Shine and this guy came up and asked if he could take a few pictures of the car. We got talking and he said he had this so called online classic car magazine. Well he featured my car in My Star Collector Car February 2020. I liked what I saw there so since then it was in the back of my mind and when Todd posted last fall CP was short on feature cars that kicked me in the butt to go out and take some pictures. 
Thanks everyone for the kind words. 



__________________

'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1765
Date:

If anyone is interested here is the link

https://mystarcollectorcar.com/february-2020-a-1968-pontiac-parisienne-22-convertible-is-a-wedding-car-filled-with-memories/?



__________________

'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).



Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3548
Date:

Great read !

__________________

https://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t63333628/click-here-to-support-canadian-poncho/

 



Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 270
Date:

Congratulations John! Beautiful car, i was definitely surprised to hear it had never been featured.

Great story!



__________________

Tom

Sherwood Park

66 Grande Parisienne 4 speed

66 Laurentian 2 door sedan, project FOR SALE 

66 Parisienne 2 door hard top, sold. 



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 4882
Date:

Its about time John; well deserved; beautiful car with a lot of history and a lot work. Nice stuff!



__________________

ken from northern Alberta

38 Willys pickup electric

39 Buick (327 with 700 r4)

66 Beaumont 4 door hardtop

69 Chevy CST pickup

1976 GMC 23'  motorhome

1994 Impala SS 

1968 Citroen Fourgonnette (Yeah Carl!)

Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 701
Date:

3 beauties John!:IMG_1605.jpeg



Attachments
__________________


Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3104
Date:

MC wrote:

Great car, great story.  Thanks for sharing it with us!


 What MC said..........love the color and the top down ride - enjoy....biggrin



__________________

......big block, 4 speed, bench seat, it doesn't get much better

 happy motoring :burnout



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1914
Date:

Congrats John, looking good.

Thanks
Randy



__________________

Sherwood Park
Alberta, Canada

 



Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 355
Date:

What a beautiful car and a great story. I guess being young and in love, you didn't back down from that ambitious schedule of getting it ready.
Looks amazing and good on the Priest adding value to the visit


__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
.
Support Canadian Poncho!
Select Amount:
<
.
.
.