Pontiac Pathfinder
Encyclopedia
Unique to Canada
, the Pontiac Pathfinder an entry-level station Wagon or full sized car, that was based on a Chevrolet
chassis but used most of the distinctive Pontiac styling parts. Engines were also by Chevrolet
, another General Motors
brand. The use of Chevrolet-based bodies resulted in shorter front and rear fenders and Canadian specific wheels and hubcaps. Interior trim often was also unique to Canada. The last Pathfinders were built in 1958 as Pontiac's (Canada) base model. Body styles included a sedan delivery.This car was Pontiac's last full-size sedan delivery.
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From some point in the forties through 1953, these Canadian Pontiac models used only the front section of Pontiac sheet metal, so that from the rear they appeared to be Chevrolets with Pontiac "stripes" added on the trunk lid. Thereafter, through at least 1958, these low-end Canadian Pontiac models, often nicknamed "Cheviacs", used Chevrolet body shells, but with Pontiac features at both ends. This variant is only readily recognized when compared to the U.S. Pontiac or Chevrolet equivalents, since body details often differ slightly between the U.S. versions of the two makes.
Another item worth noting is that the Pontiac Pathfinders (as well as some other Canadian models) usually used Chevrolet engines and drive trains, so that one can find Canadian Pontiacs with OHV sixes or 283 V8 engine
s.
The Canadian Pontiac Sedan Deliveries noted above were "only in Canada" models from 1954 through 1958, since that model was only sold in the U.S. through 1953.
It is also worth noting that, although Canada-specific models of U.S. makes were gradually phased out after Canada's "Auto Pact" treaty with the U.S. made them no longer necessary, Pontiacs manufactured and sold in Canada maintained their unique model names for many years thereafter...so one can still see Pontiac "Parisiennes" of fairly recent manufacture on Canadian streets.
Finally, Canadian-built Dodges were, for a number of years, similarly built; so that Canadian Dodges of the same period are only visibly "Dodges" from the dashboard forward, with Plymouth
rear body sections. Such cars were often dubbed "Plodges". The same was done with Canadian Dodge Dart
s during the sixties...which were indeed Valiants from the rear.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the Pontiac Pathfinder an entry-level station Wagon or full sized car, that was based on a Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
chassis but used most of the distinctive Pontiac styling parts. Engines were also by Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
, another General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
brand. The use of Chevrolet-based bodies resulted in shorter front and rear fenders and Canadian specific wheels and hubcaps. Interior trim often was also unique to Canada. The last Pathfinders were built in 1958 as Pontiac's (Canada) base model. Body styles included a sedan delivery.This car was Pontiac's last full-size sedan delivery.
Another item worth noting is that the Pontiac Pathfinders (as well as some other Canadian models) usually used Chevrolet engines and drive trains, so that one can find Canadian Pontiacs with OHV sixes or 283 V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
s.
The Canadian Pontiac Sedan Deliveries noted above were "only in Canada" models from 1954 through 1958, since that model was only sold in the U.S. through 1953.
It is also worth noting that, although Canada-specific models of U.S. makes were gradually phased out after Canada's "Auto Pact" treaty with the U.S. made them no longer necessary, Pontiacs manufactured and sold in Canada maintained their unique model names for many years thereafter...so one can still see Pontiac "Parisiennes" of fairly recent manufacture on Canadian streets.
Finally, Canadian-built Dodges were, for a number of years, similarly built; so that Canadian Dodges of the same period are only visibly "Dodges" from the dashboard forward, with Plymouth
rear body sections. Such cars were often dubbed "Plodges". The same was done with Canadian Dodge Dart
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is an automobile built by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1960-1976 in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-size Dodge in 1960 and 1961, became a...
s during the sixties...which were indeed Valiants from the rear.