The Laurentian was a Pontiac built in Canada from the 1950s to the 1970s using Chevrolet hardware. They were largely produced for Canadian consumption and weren’t exported to the U.S. This 1955 Laurentian convertible is said to be one of only 656 assembled, and it has the look of a nicely restored machine. Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, this home-grown honey is available here on craigslist for $52,500 (CDN or USD?). This rare tip is brought to us by “Curvette”.
This 1955 Laurentian looks like a Pontiac Catalina at first glance, but it’s built on a GM of Canada Chevrolet platform using a 265 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission (2-speed Powerglide?). The Canadian cars looked like their U.S. counterparts, but sheet metal was said not to be interchangeable in most cases. These cars were positioned as low-priced models whereas the U.S. Pontiacs went after the medium-priced market. Rather than being more like a Catalina, this ’55 Laurentian is more akin to a Bel Air.
The history of this Oshawa, Ontario-assembled Poncho isn’t known, nor is the mileage disclosed. The listing was placed by a friend of the actual seller, so we’re betting some phone or email tag will be needed to get into the weeds. This car appears way too nice to be original, so someone no doubt piled some big bucks into refreshing the 71-year-old automobile. It’s a turn-key ride that apparently needs nothing.
This Pontiac shows off its Canadian heritage with British Columbia collector plates. The body, paint, and interior look fantastic, but with a little less bling than a U.S. Catalina might have. If you’re looking for a ragtop that no one else in your circle will have (or can find), could this Laurentian be it?
Used to see these drift down from the CAD side of the border into MT because the dealer was much closer. I saw a lot of Pontiacs with six-cylinder engines (Chevy 261) and 3-speed column-shift transmissions. A good friend of mine had a ’64 Strato-Chief with a 230 six and 3-speed. It was a real mixed bag.
During the 50s the Chevys ran Powerglides but the CAD Ponchos that I saw had something looking more like a Hydramatic that was trimmed down to a 2-speed. They were heavier than a Powerglide.
Personally I was never a big fan of Ponchos from the 50s. My wife had a ’57 for a few years and it was okay although it was quick to remind you when it was time to visit the gas station…
Wish I had one of these. The prices that go along with them…not so much. I love most ’50s convertibles, especially this one. I really like the color combination and the fact that it’s a Pontiac from the fifties. It could get better than this, but not much.
And she’s gone.
I was 5… My friend down the street’s mom was a blonde… her husband bought her a new 55 Pontiac convertible… not sure the trim.. cream over baby blue…. she was cool….. both of them …!