Pontiac Pathfinder

Infobox Automobile


name = Pontiac Pathfinder
manufacturer = Pontiac
parent_company = General Motors
production = 1953-1958
layout = FR layout
body_style = 4-door sedan
assembly = Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
engine = 283 cid V8

Unique to Canada, the Pontiac Pathfinder was based on a Chevrolet chassis but used most of the distinctive Pontiac styling parts. Engines were also by Chevrolet. The use of Chevrolet-based bodies resulted in shorter front and rear fenders and Canadian specific wheels and hubcaps. Interior trim often was also unique to Canada. The last Pathfinders were built in 1958 as Pontiac's (Canada) base model.Body styles included a sedan delivery.This car was Pontiac's last full-size sedan delivery.

From some point in the forties through 1953, these Canadian Pontiac models used only the front section of Pontiac sheet metal, so that from the rear they appeared to be Chevrolets with Pontiac "stripes" added on the trunk lid. Thereafter, through at least 1958, these low-end Canadian Pontiac models, often nicknamed "Cheviacs", used Chevrolet body shells, but with Pontiac features at both ends. This variant is only readily recognized when compared to the U.S. Pontiac or Chevrolet equivalents, since body details often differ slightly between the U.S. versions of the two makes.

Another item worth noting is that the Pontiac Pathfinders (as well as some other Canadian models) usually used Chevrolet engines and drive trains, so that one can find Canadian Pontiacs with OHV sixes or 283 V8 engines.

The Canadian Pontiac Sedan Deliveries noted above were "only in Canada" models from 1954 through 1958, since that model was only sold in the U.S. through 1953.

It is also worth noting that, although Canada-specific models of U.S. makes were gradually phased out after Canada's "Auto Pact" treaty with the U.S. made them no longer necessary, Pontiacs manufactured and sold in Canada maintained their unique model names for many years thereafter...so one can still see Pontiac "Parisiennes" of fairly recent manufacture on Canadian streets.

Finally, Canadian-built Dodges were, for a number of years, similarly built; so that Canadian Dodges of the same period are only visibly "Dodges" from the dashboard forward, with Plymouthrear body sections. Such cars were often dubbed "Plodges". The same was done with Canadian Dodge Darts during the sixties...which were indeed Valiants from the rear.