With production spanning from 1958 to 1987, the Parisienne is among Pontiac’s most enduring brand names. However, in contrast to the GTO, Catalina, and Bonneville, it is nameless. And the main reason for that is that it wasn’t available for purchase in the US until 1983.
The Parisienne was sold alongside the Laurentian and the Strato-Chief, and it replaced the Pathfinder for the 1959 model year. All three of the vehicles were full-size rigs that were inspired by the US-built Catalina. They did, however, have Chevrolet underpinnings and were shorter.
The Parisienne arrived in showrooms as a sub-series within the Laurentian line but became a separate model the following year. It was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line full-size car in Canada, sporting premium equipment similar to the Chevrolet Impala.
The Parisienne was sold in the United States starting in 1983, three years before it was discontinued. The nameplate was imported from Canada right after Pontiac discontinued the full-size Catalina and downsized the Bonneville. However, the Parisienne went into the history books without leaving a significant mark on the US car market.
The Parisienne doesn’t receive the affection it deserves in 2023. In barns and junkyards, many examples are still decaying and are typically split out when they are acquired by new owners. This also holds true for Pathfinder and Laurentian models.
Thankfully, though, not every Poncho built north of the border experienced hardship in life. This 1960 Parisienne, which has been stored for several decades, has come out in unexpectedly good shape. This four-door sedan was off the road for 53 years, if the rumor is true, having last seen daylight in 1970.
But even though it’s covered in a thick layer of dust, this Parisienne appears to be rust-free and showcases a solid paint job and shiny chrome trim. It’s also surprisingly complete and looks like it will clean up nicely. Our host doesn’t give us a look inside the cabin, but if the exterior is any indication, the interior should also be in good condition (though rat infestation is a possibility here).
Nor is the engine clear. We do know, though, that the first-generation Parisienne was offered with two V8 powerplants and an inline-six, both of which were shared with the Impala. A 261-cubic-inch (4.3-liter) six-cylinder engine was standard on the full-size, although 283- and 348-cubic-inch (4.6- and 5.7-liter) V8 engines were available as options. The latter produced 335 horsepower at its peak.
Whatever the engine, though, the Parisienne is noticeably rarer than any Pontiac produced in the US during that time. Although exact production figures are unavailable, during the 1960s, annual output hardly ever exceeded 60,000 units. There are five distinct body types included in these totals.
It may not be super rare, but this four-door is arguably one of the finest unrestored survivors out there. And that’s precisely why it deserves a complete restoration. Check it out in the video below.