Unique to Canada, the PontiacPathfinder was an entry-level full sized car or station wagon that was based on the Chevrolet marque, another General Motors brand. The Chevy chassis, engine, and body panels were used, but most of the distinctive Pontiac styling parts for each model year were incorporated. This resulted in shorter front and rear fenders than on U.S. built Pontiacs and Canadian specific wheels and hubcaps. Interiortrim was often unique to the Pathfinder. The last Pathfinders were built in 1958 as Pontiac's base model. Body styles included a sedan delivery which was Pontiac's last full-size sedan delivery, two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and a station wagon model. The Canadian built Pontiac sedan delivery was available only during the 1954 through 1958 model years since the sedan delivery was not sold in the U.S. after 1953. The entry-level Canadian Pontiac models, from 1946 through 1953, used only the front section of Pontiac sheet metal, with the shorter Chevrolet wheelbase. This resulted in these cars appearing to be a Chevrolet with Pontiac Silver Streaks added on the trunk lid. From 1946 through 1952 these "Cheviacs" were sold as the Pontiac Fleetleader. Starting in 1954 these low-end Canadian Pontiac models used Chevrolet body shells, but with Pontiac features at both ends. These variants of U.S. Chevys are only recognized when compared to their U.S. Chevrolet or Pontiac equivalents, since body details often differ slightly between the U.S. versions of the two makes. Modelyear 1958 was the last for the Canada only Pathfinder models. The Pontiac Pathfinders usually had Chevrolet engines and drive trains, so that one can find Canadian Pontiacs with OHV sixes or 283 V8 engines built by Chevy. 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 even after the "Auto Pact" treaty took effect.
