Our November feature car is the epitome of what the average Canadian drove in the 1960's. We weren't all about flash. We wanted solid, reliable, basic transportation. We might spring for the automatic transmission and maybe power steering. Radio's were often a luxury. And if there were kids in the house it just made sense to purchase a four door (or a wagon). Being practical did not mean having to sacrifice style though. Jake and Linda Bourrier's 1960 Pontiac Strato Chief is a perfect example of this. While the Bourrier's Pontiac was built low on options, it is still a very attractive automobile. Having been in the family since new, Jake and Linda took ownership of the Strato Chief over forty years ago and Jake recently finished restoring it. He did an excellent job! And while almost 15000 of these cars were built very few survive as nice as this. Jake gives us all the details:

Here is the history on my 1960 Pontiac Strato-Chief 4 door sedan.

The car was originally purchased by my Grandparents in August of 1960.

My Grandfather used to drive it from the small town of Altamont MB to the family farm, about 2 miles one way to check up on things. When he passed away my Grandmother Edna drove the car around the community until 1974 when she acquired another car. 

I was given the car by her in 1974. I picked it up in Altamont, MB and drove it to Prince George, BC where I was living at the time. I continued to use the car as a daily driver until the early 1980’s. I had a paint job done on it around 1978 or so. The car was then stored for a number of years. I got the car out of storage around 1990 and drove for a short period before I started to take it apart to restore. Well, life got in the way as it does with a family, working, etc. I was only able to work on the car in my spare time from 1990 to 2013. During this period the engine was rebuilt, under carriage completely taken apart cleaned and detailed, suspension and front end was rebuilt as well.

The transmission was in good working order, so only seals were replaced. The body work was the next task. The car was very solid, no exterior rust, never been in an accident so I had an excellent car to work with. All the glass was taken out and trim pieces were removed. There were minor dents to repair and the car was then primed. The firewall, engine and under the hood were painted and detailed, as well as the trunk area and door jambs. This work I completed myself.

In early 2014 I retired and finishing the car became my new full time job (without pay of course). I completed the body work and final sanding. I repaired all the stainless steel and polished all the chrome.

The bumpers were sent out for re-chroming. I put all the pieces back on to the car prior to paint to ensure everything fit and would go on with as little trouble as possible after painting was completed.

The car was then taken apart and taken to a private shop for painting. Once complete, it came back home for assembly. After assembly, the car was taken to an upholstery shop to have the interior done. I have tried to keep the car as original as possible. The Car is named “Edna” after my Grandmother.

My wife and I have been taking in a lot of local show and shines in Calgary and area this year including the Super Run – Rockin Red Deer. The car seems to draw interest from people as they were everyday family cars back in the day and they can relate to that. The color, Suntan Copper Metallic also draws attention.

Specifications:

Model 7119 4-Door Sedan

261 CID 150 HP Strato-Six Engine

2-Speed Powerglide Automatic Transmission

Original Mileage (65,800 Miles)

Options from Factory:

Upper Instrument Panel Cover (padded dash)

Automatic Transmission

Shadelite Glass

Options added by Owner:

Radio

2-Speed Wipers w/washer

Rear Arm Rests

Driver’s Fender Mirror

Owners: Jake & Linda Bourrier

Calgary, Alberta