For many years, General Motors produced distinctive Canadian-only models. Several variations of cars sold through Pontiac dealers outwardly resembled Pontiacs, but they were, in fact, built on Chevrolet chassis, complete with “Bow Tie” powerplants; body parts were not shared until later years, as the bodies had to fit the shorter Chevrolet chassis and use Chevrolet instrument panels. Names of these models were also distinctively Canadian, and included Parisienne, Laurentian, Acadian, and, later, Beaumont. By 1970, the trade laws became superfluous, and unique models were discontinued, although names like Parisienne continued through 1986.

The Parisienne name was first used in 1958 as a special, top-of-the-line sub-series in the Laurentian line, mirroring the high-end Bonneville nameplate used in the United States. Sharing its all-new, one-year-only body shell with the Chevrolet, it featured a low-slung X-member frame, with all-coil suspension replacing the old leaf springs. Wheelbase was increased 2.5 inches over the 1957 models. The new top engine choice was the 348-cubic inch V-8, a bigger and better “Turbo Thrust” mill that would evolve, some years later, into the legendary “409.” Equipped with the desirable Tri-Power, or three 2-barrel carburetors, the “Turbo Thrust” V-8 produced an impressive 280 brake horsepower.

The Mallard Green and Teal Parisienne offered here was built in Oshawa, Ontario, on May 13, 1958, and it was shipped two days later to Empress Motors, of Victoria, British Columbia, from which it was sold new. Years later, it was acquired by the present owners, who completed a comprehensive restoration, in which the body was taken off the frame and media-blasted prior to refinishing. The frame, all control arms, and steering parts were sandblasted and powder-coated black before being reinstalled. During the restoration, the original 348 V-8 was retrofitted with a Tri-Power setup, with all carburetors fully rebuilt. A GM 700-4R automatic transmission was installed, for effortless highway cruising, along with a 605 steering box to improve safety and steering effort. The front brakes have been upgraded to discs, the rear drums are new, and a newer-design booster and master cylinder have been fitted for added safety.

Proper dual spotlights with rearview mirrors were re-chromed and installed, as was a continental kit from Continental Enterprises. A modern radio with a CD player has been cleverly installed in the tissue box holder. Other options include fingernail guards, heavy swaybars, and an upholstered trunk. No detail was overlooked in the exhaustive restoration; even the seat springs were sandblasted and powder-coated, and the foam used to re-construct the seats is the same as when new. A lengthy list of work performed during the restoration, along with parts refurbished or newly purchased and installed, is available for inspection.

This is certainly among the nicest, most enjoyable examples of the very rarely seen and extremely low production “Canadian Bonneville.”