For many years, due to North American trade laws, General Motors produced distinctive models that were solely for the Canadian market. For instance, several variations of cars sold through Pontiac dealers “up north” outwardly resembled American Pontiacs but were, in fact, built on Chevrolet chassis, complete with “Bow Tie” powerplants; body panels were not shared until later years, as the bodies had to fit the shorter Chevy chassis and use Pontiac instrument panels. The names of these models, including Parisienne and Laurentian, were distinctively Canadian.

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 Pontiac Bonneville sold in the United States. Sharing its all-new, one-year-only body shell with the Chevrolet, it featured a low-slung X-member chassis with all-coil suspension and a slightly longer wheelbase, as well as its buyer’s choice of high-powered engine under the hood.

Unlike American GM products of this era, Canadian cars are thoroughly documented by Vintage Vehicle Services of Oshawa. Thus, we know that 759 Parisienne convertibles were made in 1958, with this particular car having been built on 20 February 1958 and shipped four days later to its original selling dealer, Dickson Motors of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Having lived in the dry West for most of its life, the car then underwent a full restoration, according to the current owner. During the restoration, it was refinished in the year-correct color scheme of Rio Red and Arctic White, with a beautiful matching interior. Under the hood, a GM 350 V-8 crate engine was installed for modern reliability and highway power. Features and options include a Deluxe push-button radio with a rear seat speaker, a heater, a dashboard clock, full wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, and dual exhaust. A correct full-size spare is housed in the restored trunk. The owner reports that it has just completed a 500-mile road trip.

A wonderful choice for highway enjoyment this summer, this restored Parisienne offers all of the elegance of a 1958 Bel Air or Bonneville but with added exclusivity “south of the border.” It would look right at home carrying the kids to the local ice cream stand.