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1960 Pontiac Laurentian: Canada's Unique Take on a Classic American Ride

When you think of classic 1960s Pontiacs, names like Bonneville, Catalina, and Ventura often come to mind. But north of the border, Canadian drivers had their own unique versions of these legendary cruisers. One such example is the 1960 Pontiac Laurentian—a car that may look similar to the American Catalina, but tells its own story of regional design, engineering, and practicality.

At ForeverPontiac.com, we celebrate all things Pontiac, and the Laurentian is a perfect example of how the brand adapted to different markets while maintaining its bold, stylish identity.

Built for the North: A Pontiac with Canadian DNA

While the 1960 Pontiac Laurentian borrowed heavily from the American Catalina’s sleek body lines and Jet Age flair, it was fundamentally a Canadian-built car, assembled by General Motors of Canada. To keep production affordable and parts accessible, GM Canada based the Laurentian not on the American B-body platform, but on the Chevrolet chassis and drivetrain.

This meant that under its Pontiac skin, the Laurentian shared a lot in common with its Chevy cousin—the Chevrolet Biscayne or Bel Air—including a shorter wheelbase (119 inches) compared to the American Catalina's 123 inches. This subtle change gave the Laurentian slightly different proportions, especially noticeable in the rear overhang and stance.

Under the Hood: A Mix of Performance and Practicality

Another key difference was the engine lineup. While American Catalinas boasted a variety of V8 options, including the high-output 389-cubic-inch powerplants, Canadian Pontiacs often came with more modest choices. Many Laurentians were equipped with the Chevrolet inline-six or small-block V8s, like the 283 or 327, instead of Pontiac’s own line of engines.

This wasn’t just about cutting costs—it was also about accessibility. Canadian mechanics were more familiar with Chevrolet internals, and Chevrolet parts were easier to come by. As a result, the Laurentian was easier to maintain and repair for the average Canadian driver, especially in rural areas.

Styling Similarities, Subtle Differences

Visually, the 1960 Laurentian was a head-turner, just like its American cousin. With its wide grille, sculpted rear fenders, and rocket-inspired taillights, it captured the essence of early-’60s automotive design. But look closely, and you'll spot a few regional touches: badging, trim variations, and interior finishes were tailored to Canadian tastes and production capabilities.

For instance, Laurentian dashboards and upholstery were often simpler or borrowed directly from lower-trim Chevrolets, offering a blend of Pontiac style with Chevrolet sensibility.

A Collector’s Favorite (and a Hidden Gem)

Today, the 1960 Pontiac Laurentian is a bit of a unicorn. While the American Catalina gets most of the spotlight, the Laurentian is quietly gaining a following among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its cross-border heritage and unique blend of form and function.

It represents a time when automakers tailored their offerings to regional markets—not just in name, but in hardware and soul.

Learn More About Pontiac’s Legacy

If you’re a Pontiac enthusiast or just love discovering automotive oddities from the past, ForeverPontiac.com is your go-to destination. From forums and restoration guides to stories shared by fellow fans, it’s the ultimate community for anyone passionate about the arrowhead brand.

Final Thoughts

The 1960 Pontiac Laurentian is more than just a rebadged Catalina—it’s a symbol of how Pontiac adapted its iconic style for Canadian roads, drivers, and needs. While it may not have had the raw power or prestige of its American counterpart, the Laurentian stands proud as a classic in its own right—blending the bold look of Pontiac with the mechanical backbone of Chevrolet.

Next time you see one at a cruise night or in a vintage car mag, you’ll know: that’s no ordinary Catalina. That’s a Laurentian.

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1969 Pontiac Custom S: A Rare One-Year-Only Classic Worth Collecting

1969 Pontiac Custom S: A Rare One-Year-Only Classic Worth Collecting

When it comes to classic Pontiacs, enthusiasts often talk about the GTO, Firebird, or Bonneville. However, one rare gem that tends to fly under the radar is the 1969 Pontiac Custom S—a unique model that was only available for a single year. If you're a classic car aficionado or a collector searching for something truly special, this Pontiac deserves your attention.

The Origins of the Pontiac Custom S

Pontiac introduced the Custom S in 1969 as a mid-range model positioned between the base Tempest and the upscale LeMans. It was an attempt to offer buyers a stylish, well-equipped vehicle without stepping into the higher price range of the LeMans or GTO. Available in multiple body styles—including coupe, convertible, and station wagon—the Custom S provided versatility along with performance.

Design and Features

The Custom S borrowed styling cues from its Pontiac siblings, featuring the split-grille design that was synonymous with the brand. Depending on the trim level, buyers could opt for chrome accents, bucket seats, and Rally wheels, giving the car a more premium feel compared to the base Tempest.

Powertrain Options and Performance

The Custom S came with a variety of engine options, catering to both casual drivers and performance enthusiasts. These ranged from an inline-six to several V8 choices, ensuring that buyers could select the level of power they wanted. Some of the most notable engine options included:

250ci Inline-Six – Ideal for economy-minded buyers.

350ci V8 – Offered a solid balance of power and efficiency.

400ci V8 – Available in high-performance trims for muscle car lovers.

With these engine choices, the Custom S could be a mild-mannered daily driver or a powerful street machine, depending on the buyer’s preference.

Transmission Options

Pontiac also provided multiple transmission choices, including a three-speed manual, four-speed manual, and three-speed automatic, allowing for a customizable driving experience.

Why the Custom S is a Hidden Gem

The one-year production run of the Custom S makes it an elusive find in today's collector market. Since it was only available in 1969, it is much rarer than other Pontiac models of the era. While many collectors focus on the GTO, the Custom S offers a unique alternative with Pontiac’s signature styling and performance heritage.

Comparing the Custom S to Other Pontiacs

Custom S vs. Tempest – More premium features and performance options.

Custom S vs. LeMans – Similar in style but positioned at a lower price point.

Custom S vs. GTO – More affordable yet still capable of strong performance.

Collectibility and Value

Due to its rarity and Pontiac's rich muscle car heritage, the 1969 Custom S is gaining traction among collectors. While it may not command the same high prices as the GTO, its exclusivity and unique place in Pontiac’s history make it a smart investment for those looking to own a rare piece of American automotive culture.

Finding a 1969 Pontiac Custom S Today

Locating a well-preserved Custom S can be a challenge, but car auctions, classified ads, and enthusiast forums are great places to start. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and factory options, with restored examples fetching higher values.

About Forever Pontiac

Forever Pontiac is a thriving online community dedicated to all things Pontiac. Whether you're interested in restoration tips, classic car discussions, or the latest Pontiac news, the forum brings together enthusiasts who share a passion for these iconic vehicles. Members can showcase their rides, engage in discussions, and stay informed about upcoming events. If you love Pontiacs, Forever Pontiac is the place to be!

Final Thoughts

The 1969 Pontiac Custom S is an underappreciated classic that offers style, performance, and exclusivity. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a muscle car enthusiast looking for something different, this one-year-only Pontiac is a vehicle worth considering.

For a deep dive into this hidden classic, including more details on its specs, performance, and collectibility, check out the full article on Forever Pontiac: 1969 Pontiac Custom S – A Rare One-Year-Only Classic Worth Collecting.