In 1962, the Acadian marque was introduced alongside the Chevy II/Nova X-Body platform. It was a Canadian-only brand designed with Pontiac styling cues to seamlessly blend in with the Buick-Pontiac dealerships across the Great White North. Fast forward to 2023, during travels to various shows, a stunning 1967 Acadian Canso SD made a memorable appearance at one of the Lift King Wild Wednesdays events that summer. It served as a flawless representation of these exquisite Canadian treasures.

Front of the golden 1967 Acadian Canso SD

This 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe, referred to as SD for short, akin to Chevrolet’s SS Super Sport, stood out as one of the most exceptional Acadians I had encountered in recent years. It exuded an air of distinction and pride among the many vehicles at the New Horizon venue. The Canso SD is an exceedingly rare machine; with fewer than four hundred of these X-Body muscle cars ever produced, this Granada Gold example stands as one of the scant survivors amidst the salt-belt of North America and the harsh winters it endures.

Rear of the golden 1967 Acadian Canso SD

Equipped with a Chevrolet V8 engine, standard to all Acadians, this golden Sport Deluxe boasts formidable power. Paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, its performance is as exhilarating as it is precise. Notably, the rear wheels have been significantly widened within the confines of the rear quarter panels, providing enhanced traction for aggressive launches.

Close up of the front Acadian emblem upon the Canso split grille

The Acadian distinguishes itself from its Nova counterpart in several notable ways. While sharing the same sheet metal, it boasts a completely unique grille design featuring a Pontiac-styled centre split. Departing from the traditional placement, the front signal lights are now integrated into the grille, housed within a pair of 1966-1967 Pontiac GTO signal lenses—a standard feature on all 1967 Acadians.

Close up of the front fender detail

Moving rearward, the 1967 Acadian Canso SD showcases four faux fender vents, a distinct feature exclusive to these Canadian special muscle cars. The rear end of the vehicle is equally distinctive, with taillights now featuring a two-piece lens design. Furthermore, the reverse lights have been relocated from their previous position and integrated into the rear bumper, contributing to the Acadian's unique aesthetic.

Inside the Acadian Canso

The 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe, affectionately known as the SD, stands as a remarkable testament to Canadian automotive history. With fewer than four hundred units produced in its year of manufacture, it occupies a coveted niche among rare and sought-after muscle cars. Yet, beyond its rarity and desirability, it carries a uniquely Canadian heritage that sets it apart. This distinctive blend of scarcity and cultural significance ensures that experiencing the Acadian Canso SD firsthand is an opportunity few around the world will have the privilege to enjoy.

Inside the Acadian Canso

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics