1969 Pontiac Beaumont

Beaumont was a make of mid-sized automobiles produced by General Motors of Canada from 1964 to 1969. These cars were based on the Chevrolet Chevelle, but the line had its own logo and nameplate, and was neither marketed nor actively sold in the United States. Its logo consisted of an arrow, similar to that of Pontiac, but with a maple leaf to signify its dual heritage from both sides of Lake Ontario. From 1966, the Acadian name was only used for the Nova-based car and Beaumont became a standalone marque, still sold by Pontiac-Buick dealers. The interiors used the dash panel from the (U.S.) Pontiac Tempest/LeMans/GTO series. Exterior sheetmetal is shared with the Chevelle (the rear taillight housings are Beaumont-exclusive - taillight lenses have wraparound corners with the exception of the 1967 model, where its trapezoidal shape is similar in appearance to the one used on the later 1969 Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite). While full wheel covers came from the Pontiac LeMans, small hubcaps and rally wheels were similarly trimmed but not the same as on the Chevelle. The cars sported an emblem based on Pontiac's arrowhead motif with two red maple leaves or fleur-de-lis added. They featured the same powerplants as the Chevrolet Chevelle, including the OHV inline six-cylinder engine, and a variety of small- and big-block V8s. The V8 engine choices included small-block 283, 307, 327, and later 350 cubic-inch versions, while the Mark IV big-block could be ordered in its 396 cubic inch displacement from 1966 to 1969. 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions were available, as were the 2-speed Powerglide and 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic starting in 1967. A popular configuration for both the Beaumont and its sister, the Chevrolet Chevelle, were the six cylinder engines or the small block 283 V8, and to a lesser extent, the 327 V8 with the Powerglide transmission, allowing for fuel economy and reasonable performance at higher RPM. Models equipped with the 2 speed Powerglide were low on performance at the line and at low RPMs, but capable of exacting more torque and performance at higher speeds and RPM, simply due to the configuration of the transmission, and the fact there were only 2 forward gears. The Sport Deluxe (SD) models were equivalent to the Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport trim level, and featured optional bucket seats and center console, as well as SD body striping and trim. The SD396 models are the most desirable Beaumonts today. Only 451 were built in 1967, but most succumbed to the harsh Canadian winter climate, which makes them significantly more rare than equivalent Chevelles and desirable to some collectors. The SD was actually the "Sports Option" package that was available on the Beaumont Custom Sport Coupe and convertible, rather than its own series early in 1967. Starting in December the model 738 Sport Deluxe model was separate, no longer the A51 Sport Option. In addition to the SD series, the Beaumont line included base, custom and deluxe lines. A convertible was available. Other body styles were identical to those offered on the Chevelle for the given year, including a very rare four-door hardtop offered from 1966 to 1969. The SD 396 version of the Beaumont built in 1966, in particular with 4 speed manual transmissions are exceedingly rare, as only 41 were ever built. Starting in 1970, GM Canada discontinued the Beaumont in favor of both Chevrolet Chevelle and Pontiac LeMans midsized cars, which were identical to U.S. models.

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