In 1959, Pontiac introduced the "Series 21" line of vehicles, featuring iconic models like the Catalina, Bonneville, and Star Chief. These cars quickly became a common sight on American highways and in suburban neighbourhoods across the U.S.A. Meanwhile, in Canada, they were grappling with import-export tariffs that prevented them from enjoying these Pontiac classics. Instead, Canada had its own exclusive line of Pontiac vehicles tailored specifically for the Canadian market. One such example is this 1959 Pontiac Laurentian, a unique car that was solely available to Canadian consumers.

Front of the 1959 Pontiac Laurentian

Local lowrider enthusiast, Jona, briefly owned this 1959 Pontiac Laurentian sedan. He acquired the Pontiac through a trade, exchanging it for a diesel-powered Buick LeSabre he had bought but subsequently lost interest in. Jona's vision for the 1959 Pontiac was to equip it with a two-pump hydraulic system and outfit it with a set of 14-inch Dayton Wire Wheels. This transformation aimed to turn it into a charming patina-filled lowrider, perfect for enjoying leisurely cruises around the city of Calgary with his growing family.

Rear of the 1959 Pontiac Laurentian

This modest Pontiac came equipped with its original Chevrolet 235 inline-6 engine, a familiar pairing for Canadian Pontiacs, as they were fitted with Chevrolet engines during their production. However, what set this particular Pontiac apart was its transmission, which had been upgraded to a 5-speed manual. This modification added two additional gears, providing improved cruising speeds compared to the factory 2-speed automatic and three-on-the-tree manual transmissions commonly found during that era.

Detail of the Laurentian

This car bore its age with evident pride, showcasing weathered paint and minor dings that spoke to its rich history and how it had persevered for over half a century. Inside, the interior had been refreshed with a set of classic seat covers, and the carpet had been removed for repairs prior to Jona's ownership.

Inside of the Laurentian

Jona's ownership of the 1959 Pontiac Laurentian was relatively brief, as he eventually decided to part ways with it to fund other ventures in his life. The car, with its unassuming yet proud originality, was powered by a modest 235 inline-6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. While it had been considered for a transformation involving hydraulics and wire wheels, it has since found a new owner and embarked on its next exciting chapter.

Under the hood of the Laurentian with the Chevrolet 235

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

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics