Pick Of The Day: 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe

Our Pick of the Day is another one of those Canadian cars that were not sold south of the border though it was sold in Pontiac dealerships. It was based on the Chevrolet Chevy II, but was marketed as its own brand. This 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.

It bears repeating because the story is so interesting and difficult to remember even if you’re peripherally familiar with Canadian cars: Canada was more of an emerging economy back in the 1960s compared to the United States—it lagged the U.S. in population and median income. In addition, several provinces were somewhat desolate, which gave dealerships the added responsibility of carrying several brands for better penetration (most notable with Ford/Monarch and Mercury/Meteor, as well as Mercury pickups).

Pontiac was unique among Canadian brands because it borrowed the platform of another General Motors brand: Chevrolet. To the Canadian public, Pontiac had a unique reputation and distinction, which is why the two brands coexisted using the same mechanicals due to economies of scale at the Oshawa, Ontario plant.

The reason for this complication was tariffs, as Canada wished to protect its industry. Come 1965, the Auto Pact trade agreement helped impede the Canadian trade deficit. Over time, unique Canadian vehicles became obsolete, though it seems automakers occasionally have a model distinct from its American brethren.

With the introduction of the Chevy II in 1962, Canadian Pontiac dealerships had Acadian—not a model, but a separate brand that looked like a Chevy II yet featured Pontiac design elements like the split grille. This would continue through 1967, with Acadian offering the Invader and Canso trim levels, with a special Sport Deluxe package being available for the Canso. This package, akin to the Super Sport package for the Nova, included front bucket seats, distinctive trim and identification, electric clock, and floor shifting console provided you ordered the optional four-speed manual or automatic. Note the 2+2-like louvers on the front fenders! Like all Cansos, it also featured unique 1966 Grand Parisienne-esque parking lights in the grille (think 1963-66 Grand Prix or 1966-67 GTO for you Yanks).

Available engines started with a 120-horsepower 194 six; an Econoflame 260 six with 155 horses was optional. The standard V8 was a 195-horse Econoflame 283 was available with a two-barrel carburetor, while a 275-horse Super-Econoflame 327 was optional.

It is not quite known how many 1967 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxes were built, though 552 V8s were built in 1966, if that gives you perspective. That makes this Bolero Red example quite a rare find. Powered by a non-original 327, it features an Edelbrock aluminum intake, Holley carburetor, Ram Horn exhaust manifolds, and dual exhaust. Backing the engine is a rebuilt Powerglide two-speed automatic and 3.23 gears. Inside you’ll find red buckets with white trim, plus the console with shifter. Cragars are currently mounted, though this Acadian comes with the original wheel covers.

When the Acadian was redesigned for 1968, it looked like a Nova even more than before thanks to the elimination of anything that resembled Pontiac styling or motifs. After 1971, the Acadian was discontinued, replaced by the Pontiac Ventura II. That means this Acadian is unique in all the world (to borrow a line from “The Little Prince,” if not a period Thunderbird ad). Contact seller to find out the price!

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com