Beaumont

More about Beaumont

The Beaumont is a Canadian Pontiac sister car to the Chevelle. Now, end the dispute they are NOT, repeat NOT, "Canadian Chevelles". The Beaumont is a separate car line that shares it's components with the Chevelle and the Pontiac LeMans, Tempest, & GTO. To further confuse our American friends, the Pontiac Beaumont used a complete Chevrolet frame and drive train, which differs from the American counterparts the LeMans, Tempest and GTO. Beaumont first started out as a sister to the Chevy II in 1962 and continued as such until the introduction of the Chevelle in 1964. It is then the Beaumont made the move from the Hybird platform to an "A body" platform. Beaumonts were produced from 1962-1969 inclusive. From 1962 to 1965 Beaumonts were called Acadians/Beaumont. From 1966 to 1969 the Acadian was dropped and the car was badged as a Beaumont only. Pontiac had more or less duplicated the Chevrolet model to a model in Canada and marketing strategy had proven very successful. However when the Corvair appeared there was no Pontiac equivalent, which made Canadians wonder if the forthcoming the Chevy II for 1962 would be treated in the same manner. There was no need to worry.

General Motors cloned it under the Acadian name for Pontiac dealers to sell. General Motors did likewise when the mid-size Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced years later. The result was a range of Acadians that came in 2 distinct sizes, a compact model based on the Chevy II and the mid size on the Chevelle. The Hybird cars was known as the Beaumont series of Acadians. Until then Beaumont was the top 1962 – 63 Acadian. The first mid-size Beaumont had the Chevelle’s shape, but added it's own trim, grill and split grill was distinctive and no doubt intended to show the cars relationship. However both Acadian and Beaumont were never officially considered as a Pontiac 1964-10 Body Types – 8815 produced base prices $2,590 and up In 1964 3 lines of Beaumonts were available. The base version offered 2 and a 2 seat station wagon. The custom included a 4 door sedan, 2 door, a convertible and a 2 and 3 seat station wagon. The top of the line sport deluxe 2 door hard top and a convertible. 1965-12 Body types - *6,644 produced*- Base prices from $2,610 In 1965 more models were added.

A Beaumont Deluxe was inserted between the base line and the custom series. Two an four door sedans were in the Deluxe line. The custom was moved up from the base series up into the Deluxe Level. Surprisingly a convertible was added to the base range, Convertibles are usually reserved for the top of the line but this was an interesting exception. Priced at $3,030 this was possibly the lowest priced domestically built convertible 1966 - 9 Body Types -*12,827 Produced* - Base Prices from $2,624 In 1965 when the Beaumonts were introduced they because a separate make and riding on the coat tails of the Acadian In 1966 only base and custom lines were introduced although a sort of third series was available On the custom hardtop and convertible Sport Option could be ordered It included bucket seats,centre console, along with special wheel covers and front fenders louvre type trim. Highlights of the Sport Deluxe was it exclusive 360 hp 396 cid V8 engine 1967 - 9 Body Types - *12,334 Produced* - Base Price from $2,676 In 1967 the base and custom series continued. The main changes were i the engine choices, the smaller six was deleted and a larger 250 cu. in. 150 hp engine was on option. The 396 was re-rated at 350 hp. Transmissions available included a 3 speed stick-shift and the Hydra-Matric with the 396 Sports option engine 1968 - 12 Body Types - *14,420 Produced* - Base Price from $2,748 In 1968 a Sport Deluxe series were added to the existing base and custom series available as a 2 door hardtop or a convertible and replace the Sport Option.

The deluxe line also reappeared offering a coupe, hardtop and a 4 door sedan. The custom a lower priced, pillared version of the hardtop. A coupe was also added to the line 1969 - 11 Body Types - *12,982 Produced* - Base Price from $2,866 1969 was the last year for production of the Beaumont. The coupe was dropped and the base series and other changes were mainly engine and transmission combination the 1970 model year ad mid-size Pontiac LeMans, including the GTO were imported to the US to replace the Beaumont line. Why these mid size Pontiacs were not imported early as 1965 is a puzzle. Nevertheless, it was good to have the distinctive Car Beaumont available for that period of time During its six model years of production, the mid sized Beaumonts were always moderately priced with a base price ran from $2,600 to no more the $3600 adding of popular options did not raise the total price unduly. During the total odle years over 72,000 Beaumonts were sold (*above the production totals were on calender year registration for each year)