There’s nothing like admitting to your mistakes. Just as full-size cars were about to rebound from a couple of slow years in 1980 and 1981, Pontiac decided to pull the plug on the traditional size Bonneville in 1982, moved the name to the Lemans body, and got rid of the Lemans and Catalina names. By 1983 a car the size of the old Bonneville was back, looking more like a Chevrolet Impala/Caprice, and named the Parisienne (borrowed from the Canadian model that never left). By 1985, Pontiac had brought back the rear quarters, trunk and taillights from the 1981 Bonneville and put it onto the back of the Parisienne. There is an excellent article here on the Daily Drive about the mistake. This 1985 Pontiac Parisienne 4 door sedan is for sale here on Craigslist in Portland, Oregon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Miguel for bringing this car to our attention.
This is an original two owner vehicle. Original paperwork and maintenance records are included. The vinyl top is in great shape and the paint and bodywork also appear to be, except for a small ding on the trailing end of the trunk lid. As often seen on General Motors vehicles of this era, the bumper fillers are cracked in the rear.
The interior’s split front bench seat appears to be in good condition. There is an aftermarket radio installed, but the original radio goes with the sale. The back seat has been rarely used and is in great condition. Some of the interior door handles and various knobs need work or replacement. In this picture, you can see the end of the gearshift selector is missing as well as some trim on the door pull strap. There is no mention of the status of the air conditioning’s operation. This car has manual crank windows.
There is no picture of the engine, but it is a 5.0 liter (305 cubic inches) with a 4 barrel carburetor mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. There has been recent brake and exhaust work. The appearance of this car leads you to believe it has lower mileage, but there are 180,000 miles on this Parisienne. The seller is asking $4,000. Have you been looking for a Pontiac Parisienne?
What a dull car…
I used to chuckle to think of a little guy with a pencil mustache wheeling that boat around the narrow streets and jammed traffic of Paris.
I borrowed my mom’s Parisienne for prom as my my 67 Cougar had no AC. A large car for around town, but a great highway cruiser. Soft, comfortable, large seats and the trunk can hold a bunch of stuff. Way more solid and reliable than the Fairmount wagon we had before the Pontiac.
Wow, blast from the past. My grandfather was a tried & true Pontiac man, and from the late 1950’s on bought a new Bonneville every few years. They were all four door cars, and I remember how much I loved them. By the late 70’s and into the 80’s, they were certainly bigger and slower. He bought this model shortly after news came out about the front-wheel drive, rounded model was announced to come out. Same color and everything. I remember sitting in the cushiony seats, breathing in the second hand smoke from his filterless Lucky Strike cigarettes. We’d go to get on the freeway, he’d floor it, and nothing much would happen 😂 Crazy how a car can bring back so many memories.
Had one – the worst car I ever owned. Had it 13 months, it spent 9 of those “in the hospital” and never did get fixed properly. I did a registration search on it long after I got rid of it – no owner kept it for very long. Match to this one except for the vinyl top. It was the last Pontiac I ever bought.
The only thing that will ever make this car cool is by it being an old car. Since it’s not old enough to be considered cool by old car standards just park it somewhere dry for another 20 years.
How much do you want for this car? This is a serious inquiry
I am selling mine in Louisiana decent condition runs. No major body work new white walls. Needs new paint job. $3000 obo
Is this vehicle still for sale or just another internet dead end.? Please contact 8137302687
Is this car still available?