I am the second owner of 14 years of this now fully restored frame up very rare 1970 Canadian built out of Oshawa Ontario plant Pontiac Strato Chief, of the American version Bonneville / Catalina body series.
3 years overall in my project and well over $30K invested it is powered by the original rebuilt and modified 350 Chevy V8, as well rebuilt 3 speed 350 automatic and added shift kit with a 2800 stall converter, which all red line at 5,000 RPM when we get on it. The power to the road is put to the ground by a limited slip differential and 3.23 gears.
The Original color was silver but now wears a very cool GMC spinnaker medium blue metallic paint base, topped off with a clear coat. The interior was totally redone as well in the original black from the factory.
The engine and undercarriage are highly detailed sporting many Edelbrock accessories, upgraded cam, pro form roller rockers, 3 core rebuilt rad, all new suspension, brakes, KYB shocks and too many other custom parts to list, topped off by an Accel Kool Blue air filter that breathes out through Dyno Max jet coated headers with 2 1/2 inch dual exhaust with Flow masters 40 series for a great street rod sound and max horsepower.
The “Chief” rides on 15 inch polished aluminum American Torque Thrust II's rims wrapped with Performance 60 series Dunlop radials tires. Best estimated horse power is well over 350. I will know better this summer once it goes on a dyno.
I have with exception of the body work, paint and interior put the car together myself as well all the detail with some help from my shade mechanic friend Rod better known as the “Q”. The learning experience has been great and continues everyday.
”Overall this car if just fun to drive and a great highway performer”. It does turn heads on the street as well receive many praises at local cruise nights and local custom car shows that we have been attending this summer in Ontario Canada.
