The automotive world can be fascinating, and few vehicles better demonstrate that than this 1963 Pontiac Parisienne Safari Wagon. GM of Canada offered a unique variety of vehicles that utilized underpinnings from various General Motors marques. This one rolled off the line with a legendary Chevrolet big-block under the hood, but it and the transmission are gone. The new owner could source an appropriate replacement, although opting for something different is viable. The Pontiac is listed here on eBay in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $9,200, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this fascinating classic.
This Pontiac makes a positive first impression. It isn’t perfect, but if considered a driver-grade classic, the overall condition is very acceptable. Its Cameo Ivory paint has a few chips and marks, but there is nothing horrendous demanding urgent attention. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with the gaps consistent across the entire vehicle. The best news is this Wagon’s rock-solid nature. The exterior shows no sign of problems, while the comprehensive gallery supplied by the seller confirms the floors and frame are rock-solid and covered in a consistent undercoat to prevent future problems. The trim and chrome are in good order, and the roof rack is a practical and stylish feature. The glass looks flawless, and the wide steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps should provide a firm purchase on Planet Earth.
The positive vibes continue inside this Pontiac, with only a few issues requiring attention. It is trimmed in multi-hue Red vinyl and cloth, and the overall condition is impressive. It is disappointing there is a seam separation on the driver’s side front seat because that is the only flaw requiring immediate attention. Sourcing a replacement cover is possible, but I would consult a reputable upholsterer first. They may be able to perform a repair that is cheaper and would protect the originality. The armrest plastic is beginning to yellow, the wheel center is missing, and the carpet has marks that might respond positively to a deep clean. Otherwise, the remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, and there are no problems with the dash or pad.
You didn’t know that Pontiac produced a zero-emission vehicle, did you? That is the case with this Parisienne now, but its engine bay used to house Chevrolet’s legendary 409ci V8. That was one of the unique features of Canadian Pontiacs, with that combination unavailable in the US. It is unclear what version of the 409 originally called this Wagon home, but it would have sent at least 340hp to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. This was a vehicle with genuine muscle credentials that would have frightened plenty of high-performance models from the era. So, what to do? I would opt for authenticity, but I won’t be the one paying the bills on this Wagon. Sourcing a date-correct 409 and Powerglide is possible, and this Safari probably deserves it. If that proves impossible, the world will be the new owner’s oyster. Locating a 389 shouldn’t cause many problems, although following the restomod path may prove irresistible.
This 1963 Pontiac Parisienne Safari Wagon is a tidy, solid classic with plenty of potential. It has attracted thirty bids, confirming that people like what they see and clearly envision its future. It would be a genuine muscle wagon with a replacement 409 under the hood. Is that the path you would take, or do you have something more adventurous in mind? Imagining is one thing, but are you tempted to take action? I will hardly blame you if you do.
Living here in Canada its always fun to see the mix and match Pontiacs that were the same yet not the same as their u.s. counterparts. Chevy drivetrains, dashboards not the same and a whole slew of little details that make these so interesting. Even Ford had its own unique versions up here. As for this puppy i’d try to get a 409 back in there with the requisite powerglide.
409? Absolutely!. Poeerglide? Never!
For sure, power glide sucks has always sucked and will forever suck… chevy made a great 3 speed automatic in 67, I had a ss396 with beach seats and 3 speed automatic on the column, it was quick and fast!!!
Slip and slide with Powerglide! Marginal in the ’50s, worthless by ’63. My dad had a US ’63 Pontiac Catalina and I’m almost sure it had a 3 speed automatic.
Living here in Canada its always fun to see the mix and match Pontiacs that were the same yet not the same as their u.s. counterparts. Chevy drivetrains, dashboards not the same and a whole slew of little details that make these so interesting. Even Ford had its own unique versions up here. As for this puppy i’d try to get a 409 back in there with the requisite powerglide. My uncle had a 66 Pontiac Laurentien with 283 power and his 76 Catalina wore a Chevy 350.
This is where the “Stuff a SBC in there!” boys would be exactly right.
The 409 obviously went into a seemingly-needier Chevy. This thing is a mutation – a Chevrolet with Pontiac badges and fenders. People who like old cars like AUTHENTICITY – while this is real, it’s not real in their world and memories. It’s a kit bash, even if the kit-bashing happened at GM Canada Ltd.
…Geez. I just noticed – it even has Chevrolet’s parallel-action wipers. Pontiac and Cadillac were the last GM divisions to discontinue opposed, overlapping wipers – in 1968 and 1969. Chevrolets of that era built with RHD, had Pontiac’s crossover wipers – but this the first time I’d seen a 1961-64-era Canuk Poncho.
So…SBC and if you like, Powerglide. Low maintenance and low cost, and few non-auto-oriented people will know the difference.
This is a typical Canadian built Pontiac. Due to import restrictions and regulations that a percentage of cars had to be built in Canada we got a Chevy with Pontiac styling. This car is very rare as not many survived the Canadian winters due to rust. A bonus is that all the mechanical components, brakes, steering and drivetrain are Chevy and therefore easy to get and cheap compared to US built Pontiac parts.
Pontiacs built in the United States were built on a longer, wider and more luxurious platform. They had their own unique manufacturing cues (e.g. engines, bigger wheel base, wider track, longer car, generous amounts of bling and luxury items) The Canadian car customer was also a more frugal buyer during this bygone era and accepted a Pontiac that offered less comfort and style than an American car because Canadian Pontiacs could be bought for less money. It’s historically correct that an American-built Pontiac was still available in Canada at a larger and wider cost, but most Canucks were happy to pay less for their Canadian versions.
I would put a Cumminfs 4BT with a power glide transmission. Economical and fun.
This has beast written all over it so I would be very tempted to go 500 + cubic inches of crate big block and a Tremec 6 speed transmission with a nice white cueball shifter in the floor!
Well I would not hesitate to find a Merlin block Rat to take up residence in the engine bay & let this poncho strike fear in the unsuspecting public or a HO 455 so it would earn the title of Dragon Wagon!
Definitely a sleeper look! Beautiful grocery hauler. 👍💯🐴
Really sad that a clean Safari like this has been ”cannibalised”.
It is a very rare engine/car combo even here in Canada.
Well at least it will be use in the future.
Far too rare IMHO to do anything other than bring it back to original. My vote is on a 409 and Powerglide. It sure would look fantastic towing a restored `63 Split-window! YOWZA!
Drop a LSX in it with a 6 speed manual. Add power brakes and steering.
I didn’t know President Kennedy died in Canada…..
This is a typical Canadian built Pontiac. Due to import restrictions and regulations that a percentage of cars had to be built in Canada we got a Chevy with Pontiac styling. This car is very rare as not many survived the Canadian winters due to rust. A bonus is that all the mechanical components, brakes, steering and drivetrain are Chevy and therefore easy to get and cheap compared to US built Pontiac parts.
I just happen to have a Y-code 389 ad TH400 from a ’66 Bonneville stored in the loft of my garage. I am not sure that they would bolt straight in, but it is tempting.
I have a feeling, though, that it’ll be out of my price range (plus shipping to the Philadelphia area) before the day is out.
Drop in a 400 – 455 Stroker Pontiac V8 ie. 474 ci. – Torque Will move this big car best which Pontiac V8’s are known for :)
I’d definitely go with a Pontiac heart. Maybe a 421 tri-power. Maybe a 428. Why not stick in a 4 speed automatic with a converter. Many cool roads a person can go down. As for sort of an investment…then go back to bone stock or as close as possible. One thing for sure is you would be the only one in town with a ride like that.
IT’s hasn’t been cannabalised yet, First we gutta buy it.
My first thought was 6 cylinder Cummins, I see someone else thought 4 bt, 455 Ho great choice. Ls and six speed good choice.
If it’s really nice, technically, historically it should have the 348/409 type cylinder head.Otherwise historians and bean counters, and all those people who go Ga-Ga over original hose clamps will get their panties in a bunch.
Yes it is rare, it looks expensive.
So we should call the foundry and cast up an aluminum “609” with the ability to bolt on the 409 head, and may as well have it fit the Nos dual quad intake. With 200 or more hp on tap and 200 pounds less weight it should pull the telephone poles to you quicker.
Run the power glide to keep it simple, If you want to burn rubber just push down the pedal on the right, maybe run a doorbell switch running a 300hp shot of nitrous at WOT under the gas pedal,
Now everyone is happy, out of reach for me
Two ways you can go. Put the original 409, power glide combo back in or call Butler Racing and get a nicely built 455 installed.
REALLY NICE CAR. !!!! Go Pontiac!
A friend of mine has five 425hp 409’s he has been hoarding for years. Will not sell one as he says they are spares for his 62 Biscayne 425hp 4speed race car.