Everyone dreams of finding a "survivor". That classic car that has somehow survived all these years without getting hit, repainted or restored. With our typically harsh climate, there aren't too many Canadian survivors. Bruce McInnes is lucky enough to own this awesome 68 Beaumont Custom. With it's original paint and interior, I think it's safe to say that this car is a true Canadian Survivor. Take it away Bruce.
Well, I didnt need another car. But, when the opportunity came up this fall (2007), I couldnt resist. I am a lover of 68 Chevelles and Beaumonts. As luck has it, I had some money set by. I met the previous owner, CCCB member, Tim Bagnall at the Lethbridge Street Wheelers weekend. I had already heard about this car, Tim and I talked about it. He was looking for a 68 Road Runner and the Beaumont may be available.
As I became more interested in this Beaumont; Alvin Shiers, Canadian Pontiac Registry, and Old Autos newspaper contributor dropped by for a visit in September. We talked about the Beaumont Custom a little. So my interest was heightened.
In early October, I emailed Tim to see how he was making out with obtaining the Road Runner. He had his eye on one; and Beaumont would be available. But he did have a couple of others interested in the Beaumont. So, I replied with my maximum offer for the Beaumont and date to pick it up. He thought about it [keeping me in suspense] and then I got the call ... we had a deal. Ironically, the Beaumont shipping date was October 20th, 1967 to Carter Motors in Kelowna B.C. I bought the car from Tim October 25th, 2008 ... likely close to delivery date to the original owner, 40 years ago!
I bought the Beaumont for a several of reasons. First, it was a survivor [has never been painted or interior reconditioned] (I was thinking rare!). Second, the car was a rare optioned L30/M20 [327/275, 4spd] (likely very rare). Third, it was a 1968, with only 3477 Beaumont Customs produced. Fourth, a Beaumont is a car only produced in Canada from 1962 to 1969 [Beaumonts being much rarer than a Chevelle]. Fifth, I had the money (extremely rare!). Sixth, at night I would see the front grill in my dreams and flashes of it in my mind during the day (rare, as Lillian usually takes up that brain space). Seventh, everything fell in to place to make it mine; including the extra garage space since I sold the Impala.
I have no plans to change the Survivor nature of this car. Tim did freshen up the radiator, engine, and transmission. And of course, the normal maintenance and replacement of brakes, exhaust system, battery, tires, tie rods, ball joints, etc have followed their natural course for the 40-year-old [74739 mile] car and will continue. The main character and features will be retained in the survivor car theme.
The exterior of the Beaumont carries a Jade Gold Metallic paint [paint code SS], and black vinyl roof [Code 27]. The paint is 20 footer with 40 years experience showing in rock chips, scratches, lacquer starring, shopping cart dents, etc. It looks like modern 10-12 year old car paint. The car can only be hand washed now and no waxing. Any readers have an opinion on this?
The vinyl top is in good shape for 40 years. It is lifting some in the area between the rear window and trunk. Likely some rust. But if I keep the car dry it should hold its own for another 10 years or so. The vinyl has 1 little nick in it also. Again, it has not been washed often. It does not appear to have been treated with products lately either. Any reader opinions and suggestions on to treat or not to treat the vinyl top?
The chrome is in very good shape for the age. There is some pitting on a few of the chrome side trim, but minimal. Bumpers have the chrome front and rear guards, with some having a bit of damage to the rubber inset. The wheel covers are the factory issue wheel trim covers. Tires were 7.75 14 white walls 40 years ago. It has GFG now.
All glass is original. Exception is windshield, which Tim replaced a couple of years ago. The glass shop had one in stock!, he told me.
The interior trim is 756 code ...Gold; But looks Ivy Gold or green gold sometimes. In general, the interior is in very good shape. Tim said he removed the plastic off the back seat a couple of years ago! They look new. The door panels have never been removed until Alvin Shiers removed the passenger side to inspect the sheet metal joins [no rust!]. Door panels are in very good shape as is the headliner. The drivers seat is showing some cracking of the vinyl and there is a small tear on the back portion, a common wear place even on a newer vehicle. The carpets are in good shape. The Beaumont still has the original front and rear rubber floor mats! All the seat belts are in good to excellent shape, especially the 3 rear ones.
The dash has a crack free dash pad with original instrument panel gauges and tachometer, all working. Radio is original AM pushbutton with auxiliary rear speaker. Steering wheel has 1 crack. The 4-speed shift, floor console shows the most wear and tear. The console has a fist size hole on the drivers side; shift slider plate is warped. [If any one has an ivy green or gold, NOS or good usedone; and you want to part with it ... give me a call] The console is very loose [screws from console to floorpan]. Ill get to it! If I can get it to retain its position that would bring back some enjoyment to shifting. So that is the worst thing I can find with this survivor car. Okay, no tears please! This console design, with the shift plate, was one of the biggest criticisms in 1968 by reviewers in magazines like Car and Driver. Even my 68 Chevelle is too slow and hangs up once in awhile. It is a factual criticism. I have found the rear floor console light out and dome light, still checking the other interior lights.
The undercarriage still holds its [original?] black paint [with some rock chips, surface rust in areas it is broken]. Amazing! The engine compartment is original and has an original oil change notice on inner fender and an SS caulk mark {the paint code?} on the firewall. The engine has no chrome kit. Engine paint has been freshened up recently.
All 3 previous owners of this Beaumont have maintained it and likely had it garage stored for most of its life. Also, likely not much winter miles, if any on it.
I am, at least, the 3rd owner to have a cloth car cover that has followed the car through part of its life, maybe all. It is old cotton one. The Alberta 1968 plates have followed the car through the recent owners. These will be stored away.
I have registered NX 68 09 Alberta 1968 plate to the vehicle. We can run the Alberta year plate on the vehicle with the collector plate close by in the vehicle. The NX 69 09 is registered to the Beaumont as the unit number.
If one assumes a 5% survival rate, there maybe 3-4 left. This is likely only 1 as a survivor car. A lot get a 350!
So, I think it is a rare SURVIVOR car!
The drive train is a 327 ci 275 hp Q-jet 4 bbl engine [L30], still on points and condenser; with 4 speed saginaw transmission [M20], Heavy Duty Clutch, and 12 bolt positraction rear end 3.07:1 [Car was optioned with factory dual exhaust and stock tachometer]. There are other minor indicators that this car is a true L30/M20 car. There is no doubt from me.
Tim Bagnall had very good luck refreshing the engine and transmission in Edmonton. He came up with some NOS parts for the work. There are still some out there.
How rare is it? GM vintage department cant say or wont. Lets reason this out.
In 1968, there were 3477 Beaumont Customs [Model 73637, 2 door Sport Coupe] produced, and only made in Canada remember. The rest were series: Beaumont Standards [4 models], Beaumont Deluxe [6 models], Beaumont Custom [9 other models] or Beaumont Sport Deluxe [2 models; 720, I think], the big blocks.
The models are Sport Coupes, Convertibles, 4 door Sedans, 4 door Sport Sedan, 4 door station wagons. Within each model there were standard engines or option engines as six or 8 cylinder representing 5 transmission chooses and 7 engines. The 396 V8 with 325 or 350 hp and THM 400 were only in SDs. So forget them.
Within the Beaumont Custom the standard engines was 230/140 six, 307/200 V8. Likely in the majority of Customs produced. Optional engines were 250/155 six, 327/250 V8 and 327/275 V8, the L30 option. With these engines there were 3 transmissions available: synchronized 3 speed [on the tree?]; synchronized 4 speed [on the floor] and powerglide automatic. The L30 {327/275} were available with any of the for mention transmissions, but maybe the latter two. How many of each combination of engine and transmission are unknown. The L30 option was likely paired only with the M20. What is your guess of the number of Beaumonts Customs with the L30 with each of the transmissions available? Likely in that 1.7 to 2 % I mention earlier. Therefore, with the L30 being an option with the M20 option I am likely close. This means that 59-69 Beaumont Customs may have had the L30/M20 options in model 73637, 2 door sport coupe.
The build sheet has not been found or never existed in the car interior. However, the owner manual and service record book and protect-o-plate are with the car and in the Carter Motors dealer package.
Now, how many original paint and exterior, and interior cars with the L30/M20 of the estimated 59 to 69 production are left? So ...likely very rare!
I believe this is a very rare Beaumont Custom. It may be the only survivor left with the L30/M20 option. This car will be easy to collector plate license in British Columbia. I will be keeping this car as a survivor car. I will only do what I need to do to preserve the car and maintain the safety. At the same time, I will drive and enjoy.
There may be a few other Beaumont Customs left out there; but, are not on the road, are painted, installed with big blocks [there is 1 in Lethbridge]. It was 1968 Beaumont Custom 2 door sport coupe and a 350 car [likely transplant] and automatic. I saw the car in its, perhaps, original paint and interior last year. It was bagged. But it had a 496 big block installed and new transmission. It has just received new metal, interior and paint. Not even close to this Beaumont Custom. There is also a 68 SD in Cardston with 496, a couple in Red Deer, but no 327 or original paint. Many are cloned into SDs.
Do you agree? Know of any others of this same model and power train with original paint and interior?
Over 39 years, this car has averaged 1,916 miles per year with 4 owners.
Pontiac Beaumont Customs are new to me. Anyone having additional information, comments or corrections to this article, please forward to bruce.mcinnis@pc.gc.ca I would like to obtain more information, a dealer sales brochure, or other written facts on the car. Thanks for reading!
The GM Vintage Car Report:
Vehicle: 1968 Pontiac Beaumont Custom
VIN: 7363781101296
Trim: 756 Gold
Paint: SS Jade Gold Metallic
Top: 27 Black
Production Plant: Oshawa, ON
Production Date: October 16, 1967
Shipping Date: October 20, 1967
Model Number: 73637
Engine: 327 cid 275 hp V8
Engine number: V1004A0
Dealer: Carter Motors Ltd. Kelowna, B.C.
Number produced for sale in Canada: (same model number only) 3,477
OPTIONDESCRIPTION
A01 Glass tinted all windows
A39 FRT & RR Seat belts deluxe
A51 Front bucket seat
B32 FRT rubber floor mats (protective)
B33 RR rubber floor mats (protective)
B93 Door edge guards
C08 Exterior soft trim roof cover
D55 FRT compartment floor console
F40 H.D. FRT & RR suspension
J50 Vacuum power brakes
K02 Fan Drive thermo modulating
K05 Engine block heater
L30 Engine: 327 cu in 4 bbl carb V8
M01 H.D. Clutch
M20 4-speed transmission wide ratio
N10 Dual exhaust
N40 Hydraulic steering
P01 Wheel trim cover
P61 7.75-14-4PR tire-hwy-nylon-white wall
T60 Heavy duty battery
U14 Instrument panel gauges tach
U25 Luggage compartment lamp
U63 Radio pushbutton, AM
U80 Auxiliary speaker rear
V31 Front bumper guard chrome
V32 Rear bumper guard chrome
X24 Pre-service Oshawa only
Z49 Mandatory Canadian base equipment modifications
In addition, the vehicle has dealer installed Titan reverb unit to radio, 3 months after purchase. Era 8 track will be installed.
I have met the original owner and second owner, car in same family for 27 years. I took the car to the original owner in Kelowna last summer. He was very happy to see it as he bought it, basically. He did point out that it is noisier [has flowmaster 40s] and he noticed the Hurst shifter that his nephew put in 1980.
Original owner took train to Toronto then bus to Oshawa to pick up vehicle and drive it back to Kelowna.
73SC said
Jun 30, 2011
Only one word comes to mind....Awesome !
You know that car was closer to 300 HP with the dual exhaust RPO N10 option. All GM literature from that era indicates that with N10 add 15% so that comes out to 296 HP.
68sd said
Jun 30, 2011
cool car, heres the 68/69 non SD 4 speed cars weve found
1968
Oct. 16th 1967 73637 327ci L30 S (756 gold bucket) B.C link #os792393 Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Jade Gold met./TP-27 black vinyl top A01 A39 A51 B32 B33 B93 C08 D55 F40 K02 K05 M01 N01 N40 P01 P61 T60 U80 V31 V32 X24 Carter Motors Ltd.-Kelowna B.C 68beaumontCustom327
Dec. 20th 1967 73667 327ci L30 C (795 red bench) ontario link #os796467 Custom conv. M20 Ermine White/Top 10 white A02 F40 N10 finished dec. 27th The Cliff Mills Motors Ltd.- Oshawa Ont.
Dec. 29th 1967 73227 V8 Q (752 gold bench) Saskatchewan link #os796658 Beaumont 2dr sdn M20 Verdoro green Swift 1960
Feb. 7th 1968 73667 327ci Q (754 gold bench) ontario link #os798757 Custom conv. M20 Verdoro Green / TP-2 black top
Dec.12th 1968 73637 350ci L48 55 (756 black buckets) Nova Scotia link Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Crystal Turquoise spot.427Carl A51 D55 G80 N10 U63 Clyde L. Ltd. -Bridgetown Nova Scotia
April 3rd 1969 73637 350ci L48 52 (790 parchment) Ontario link Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Matador Red ,kijiji P57 U63
April 11th 1969 73637 350 L48 57 (783 med. green) no pic Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Midnight Green met. #os488067 D99 G80 j50 P57 U63 U73 scrapped Border Pontiac Buick Ltd.-Niagara Falls Ontario ,spotted by SD396
this ones interesting as well ,MC1 car,only 36 built in 69
1969
Nov 1st 1968 73637 350ci L48 40/10 (756 black bucket) PEI link Custom 2dr hrdtp MC1 HD Manual Mayfair Maize/Starlight black A51 A01 A39 A82 A85 B93 D33 D34 D55 D99 F40 J50 K05 N33 N40 N95 Hillside Motors Ltd.- Charlottetown, PEIspot. 68post
-- Edited by 68sd on Thursday 30th of June 2011 10:13:34 PM
jmont64 said
Jun 30, 2011
Good to see your story up there Bruce and that indeed is a great story of your car. Was fun to meet Bruce last summer when we did the tour of the Beaumont winery here in Kelowna and then see you last weekend in Penticton. I also see you had your 396 Chevelle up here last night at McCurdy corner but you must have been catching a bite to eat as I didn't see you around. Good to see you putting those miles on your cars.
degodoug said
Jun 30, 2011
Great story!! Fantastic car!! Super pictures!! Thanks for sharing all that with us. I enjoyed reading all of it, but I especially liked this part and laughed when I read it.........thank you.
I bought the Beaumont for a several of reasons. ..........Fifth, I had the money (extremely rare!). Sixth, at night I would see the front grill in my dreams and flashes of it in my mind during the day (rare, as Lillian usually takes up that brain space). .................. too funny, lol........thanks......
timbuk said
Jun 30, 2011
wow stunning car wow the litature says it all beautiful beaumont thank you
lueger68 said
Jul 1, 2011
HOLY SH...t what a cool story , congrats to you on this!!!!! One beautiful car with one of the coolest stories I have read in a long Time.. Great job Todd on this one... I still have my fingers crossed!!!!LOL
Elroy said
Jul 1, 2011
Cool story and neat car. Really like seeing the original survivor cars, nothing like it !!
ARCADIAN said
Jul 1, 2011
Very Nice original car and all the history WOW! Great story and feature car
67BBSD said
Jul 1, 2011
Very nice. Love the bumper guards and 4 speed. They're only original once.
2drpost said
Jul 1, 2011
very nice! and a 327 4 gear too!
CDN2PLS2 said
Jul 1, 2011
Very nice,Interesting that the trunk is splatter painted and the firewall looks blacked out.
Velle Addict said
Jul 1, 2011
Excellent! Great story! It brings back memories of our old '68 Beaumont Custom 2 door.
sixtywagon said
Jul 1, 2011
Great Story and Awesome car!!!! Thanks for sharing.
427carl said
Jul 1, 2011
Congratulations! very nice car
Are you going to put original style ww tires, on with the wheel covers?
"Quote"" The car can only be hand washed now and no waxing.
Any readers have an opinion on this?
I wondered how else would you wash it? No one ever takes a old car to car wash or uses a power washer..... but I was wondering, why you could not wax it
I'm keen to see some opinions.......
70 Humbler said
Jul 1, 2011
Wow. Awesome story. thanks.
68sd said
Jul 1, 2011
CDN2PLS2 wrote:
Very nice,Interesting that the trunk is splatter painted and the firewall looks blacked out.
wasnt 67 the last year for coloured firewall and trunk on a beaumont?
-- Edited by 68sd on Friday 1st of July 2011 12:41:42 PM
66 Beau said
Jul 1, 2011
Thanks for sharing! Rare car worthy of being preserved!
My grandfather had a 68 or 69 2 dr Beaumont in the early 80's. Same colour but a 307, auto. Not sure whatever happened to it. He passed away mid-80's and I think the car was sold off - likely in the Christina Lake, BC area.
Brian said
Jul 1, 2011
Great looking car. Nice to find them this way. Don't do to much to it as it takes away.
About the front seats, My 64 Chevelle I was able to change the bottoms side to side. I did this account tear. Yours look the same on bottoms from picture.
CDN2PLS2 said
Jul 1, 2011
No,'68 was the last year,but I have seen them done both ways in the wreckers.
Beaumont4008 said
Jul 1, 2011
Great choice for the feature car. Love the combination, 327 four speed. That would be a fun car.
Beaumont4008 said
Jul 1, 2011
73SC wrote:
Only one word comes to mind....Awesome !
You know that car was closer to 300 HP with the dual exhaust RPO N10 option. All GM literature from that era indicates that with N10 add 15% so that comes out to 296 HP.
I got to agree with you Ray, looking in my by the numbers book and is hard to find any difference in parts. The 275 and 300 engine share the same block , pistons, heads, intake, carb and cam. The exhaust has to be the difference.
kelico said
Jul 1, 2011
WELL WORTH THE WAIT.. to see this car.. man what a beauty. I love the dog dish caps on that car too.. ..
excellent feature car.. thank you
SD 396 said
Jul 3, 2011
Very nice and excellent story on the car. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Pontiacanada said
Jul 5, 2011
I love your car just the way it is Bruce. Like they say, "they are only original once"!
Everyone dreams of finding a "survivor". That classic car that has somehow survived all these years without getting hit, repainted or restored. With our typically harsh climate, there aren't too many Canadian survivors. Bruce McInnes is lucky enough to own this awesome 68 Beaumont Custom. With it's original paint and interior, I think it's safe to say that this car is a true Canadian Survivor. Take it away Bruce.
Well, I didnt need another car. But, when the opportunity came up this fall (2007), I couldnt resist. I am a lover of 68 Chevelles and Beaumonts. As luck has it, I had some money set by. I met the previous owner, CCCB member, Tim Bagnall at the Lethbridge Street Wheelers weekend. I had already heard about this car, Tim and I talked about it. He was looking for a 68 Road Runner and the Beaumont may be available.
As I became more interested in this Beaumont; Alvin Shiers, Canadian Pontiac Registry, and Old Autos newspaper contributor dropped by for a visit in September. We talked about the Beaumont Custom a little. So my interest was heightened.
In early October, I emailed Tim to see how he was making out with obtaining the Road Runner. He had his eye on one; and Beaumont would be available. But he did have a couple of others interested in the Beaumont. So, I replied with my maximum offer for the Beaumont and date to pick it up. He thought about it [keeping me in suspense] and then I got the call ... we had a deal. Ironically, the Beaumont shipping date was October 20th, 1967 to Carter Motors in Kelowna B.C. I bought the car from Tim October 25th, 2008 ... likely close to delivery date to the original owner, 40 years ago!
I bought the Beaumont for a several of reasons. First, it was a survivor [has never been painted or interior reconditioned] (I was thinking rare!). Second, the car was a rare optioned L30/M20 [327/275, 4spd] (likely very rare). Third, it was a 1968, with only 3477 Beaumont Customs produced. Fourth, a Beaumont is a car only produced in Canada from 1962 to 1969 [Beaumonts being much rarer than a Chevelle]. Fifth, I had the money (extremely rare!). Sixth, at night I would see the front grill in my dreams and flashes of it in my mind during the day (rare, as Lillian usually takes up that brain space). Seventh, everything fell in to place to make it mine; including the extra garage space since I sold the Impala.
I have no plans to change the Survivor nature of this car. Tim did freshen up the radiator, engine, and transmission. And of course, the normal maintenance and replacement of brakes, exhaust system, battery, tires, tie rods, ball joints, etc have followed their natural course for the 40-year-old [74739 mile] car and will continue. The main character and features will be retained in the survivor car theme.
The exterior of the Beaumont carries a Jade Gold Metallic paint [paint code SS], and black vinyl roof [Code 27]. The paint is 20 footer with 40 years experience showing in rock chips, scratches, lacquer starring, shopping cart dents, etc. It looks like modern 10-12 year old car paint. The car can only be hand washed now and no waxing. Any readers have an opinion on this?
The vinyl top is in good shape for 40 years. It is lifting some in the area between the rear window and trunk. Likely some rust. But if I keep the car dry it should hold its own for another 10 years or so. The vinyl has 1 little nick in it also. Again, it has not been washed often. It does not appear to have been treated with products lately either. Any reader opinions and suggestions on to treat or not to treat the vinyl top?
The chrome is in very good shape for the age. There is some pitting on a few of the chrome side trim, but minimal. Bumpers have the chrome front and rear guards, with some having a bit of damage to the rubber inset. The wheel covers are the factory issue wheel trim covers. Tires were 7.75 14 white walls 40 years ago. It has GFG now.
All glass is original. Exception is windshield, which Tim replaced a couple of years ago. The glass shop had one in stock!, he told me.
The interior trim is 756 code ...Gold; But looks Ivy Gold or green gold sometimes. In general, the interior is in very good shape. Tim said he removed the plastic off the back seat a couple of years ago! They look new. The door panels have never been removed until Alvin Shiers removed the passenger side to inspect the sheet metal joins [no rust!]. Door panels are in very good shape as is the headliner. The drivers seat is showing some cracking of the vinyl and there is a small tear on the back portion, a common wear place even on a newer vehicle. The carpets are in good shape. The Beaumont still has the original front and rear rubber floor mats! All the seat belts are in good to excellent shape, especially the 3 rear ones.
The dash has a crack free dash pad with original instrument panel gauges and tachometer, all working. Radio is original AM pushbutton with auxiliary rear speaker. Steering wheel has 1 crack. The 4-speed shift, floor console shows the most wear and tear. The console has a fist size hole on the drivers side; shift slider plate is warped. [If any one has an ivy green or gold, NOS or good used one; and you want to part with it ... give me a call] The console is very loose [screws from console to floorpan]. Ill get to it! If I can get it to retain its position that would bring back some enjoyment to shifting. So that is the worst thing I can find with this survivor car. Okay, no tears please! This console design, with the shift plate, was one of the biggest criticisms in 1968 by reviewers in magazines like Car and Driver. Even my 68 Chevelle is too slow and hangs up once in awhile. It is a factual criticism. I have found the rear floor console light out and dome light, still checking the other interior lights.
The undercarriage still holds its [original?] black paint [with some rock chips, surface rust in areas it is broken]. Amazing! The engine compartment is original and has an original oil change notice on inner fender and an SS caulk mark {the paint code?} on the firewall. The engine has no chrome kit. Engine paint has been freshened up recently.
All 3 previous owners of this Beaumont have maintained it and likely had it garage stored for most of its life. Also, likely not much winter miles, if any on it.
I am, at least, the 3rd owner to have a cloth car cover that has followed the car through part of its life, maybe all. It is old cotton one. The Alberta 1968 plates have followed the car through the recent owners. These will be stored away.
I have registered NX 68 09 Alberta 1968 plate to the vehicle. We can run the Alberta year plate on the vehicle with the collector plate close by in the vehicle. The NX 69 09 is registered to the Beaumont as the unit number.
If one assumes a 5% survival rate, there maybe 3-4 left. This is likely only 1 as a survivor car. A lot get a 350!
So, I think it is a rare SURVIVOR car!
The drive train is a 327 ci 275 hp Q-jet 4 bbl engine [L30], still on points and condenser; with 4 speed saginaw transmission [M20], Heavy Duty Clutch, and 12 bolt positraction rear end 3.07:1 [Car was optioned with factory dual exhaust and stock tachometer]. There are other minor indicators that this car is a true L30/M20 car. There is no doubt from me.
Tim Bagnall had very good luck refreshing the engine and transmission in Edmonton. He came up with some NOS parts for the work. There are still some out there.
How rare is it? GM vintage department cant say or wont. Lets reason this out.
In 1968, there were 3477 Beaumont Customs [Model 73637, 2 door Sport Coupe] produced, and only made in Canada remember. The rest were series: Beaumont Standards [4 models], Beaumont Deluxe [6 models], Beaumont Custom [9 other models] or Beaumont Sport Deluxe [2 models; 720, I think], the big blocks.
The models are Sport Coupes, Convertibles, 4 door Sedans, 4 door Sport Sedan, 4 door station wagons. Within each model there were standard engines or option engines as six or 8 cylinder representing 5 transmission chooses and 7 engines. The 396 V8 with 325 or 350 hp and THM 400 were only in SDs. So forget them.
Within the Beaumont Custom the standard engines was 230/140 six, 307/200 V8. Likely in the majority of Customs produced. Optional engines were 250/155 six, 327/250 V8 and 327/275 V8, the L30 option. With these engines there were 3 transmissions available: synchronized 3 speed [on the tree?]; synchronized 4 speed [on the floor] and powerglide automatic. The L30 {327/275} were available with any of the for mention transmissions, but maybe the latter two. How many of each combination of engine and transmission are unknown. The L30 option was likely paired only with the M20. What is your guess of the number of Beaumonts Customs with the L30 with each of the transmissions available? Likely in that 1.7 to 2 % I mention earlier. Therefore, with the L30 being an option with the M20 option I am likely close. This means that 59-69 Beaumont Customs may have had the L30/M20 options in model 73637, 2 door sport coupe.
The build sheet has not been found or never existed in the car interior. However, the owner manual and service record book and protect-o-plate are with the car and in the Carter Motors dealer package.
Now, how many original paint and exterior, and interior cars with the L30/M20 of the estimated 59 to 69 production are left? So ...likely very rare!
I believe this is a very rare Beaumont Custom. It may be the only survivor left with the L30/M20 option. This car will be easy to collector plate license in British Columbia. I will be keeping this car as a survivor car. I will only do what I need to do to preserve the car and maintain the safety. At the same time, I will drive and enjoy.
There may be a few other Beaumont Customs left out there; but, are not on the road, are painted, installed with big blocks [there is 1 in Lethbridge]. It was 1968 Beaumont Custom 2 door sport coupe and a 350 car [likely transplant] and automatic. I saw the car in its, perhaps, original paint and interior last year. It was bagged. But it had a 496 big block installed and new transmission. It has just received new metal, interior and paint. Not even close to this Beaumont Custom. There is also a 68 SD in Cardston with 496, a couple in Red Deer, but no 327 or original paint. Many are cloned into SDs.
Do you agree? Know of any others of this same model and power train with original paint and interior?
Over 39 years, this car has averaged 1,916 miles per year with 4 owners.
Pontiac Beaumont Customs are new to me. Anyone having additional information, comments or corrections to this article, please forward to bruce.mcinnis@pc.gc.ca I would like to obtain more information, a dealer sales brochure, or other written facts on the car. Thanks for reading!
The GM Vintage Car Report:
Vehicle: 1968 Pontiac Beaumont Custom
VIN: 7363781101296
Trim: 756 Gold
Paint: SS Jade Gold Metallic
Top: 27 Black
Production Plant: Oshawa, ON
Production Date: October 16, 1967
Shipping Date: October 20, 1967
Model Number: 73637
Engine: 327 cid 275 hp V8
Engine number: V1004A0
Dealer: Carter Motors Ltd. Kelowna, B.C.
Number produced for sale in Canada: (same model number only) 3,477
OPTION DESCRIPTION
A01 Glass tinted all windows
A39 FRT & RR Seat belts deluxe
A51 Front bucket seat
B32 FRT rubber floor mats (protective)
B33 RR rubber floor mats (protective)
B93 Door edge guards
C08 Exterior soft trim roof cover
D55 FRT compartment floor console
F40 H.D. FRT & RR suspension
J50 Vacuum power brakes
K02 Fan Drive thermo modulating
K05 Engine block heater
L30 Engine: 327 cu in 4 bbl carb V8
M01 H.D. Clutch
M20 4-speed transmission wide ratio
N10 Dual exhaust
N40 Hydraulic steering
P01 Wheel trim cover
P61 7.75-14-4PR tire-hwy-nylon-white wall
T60 Heavy duty battery
U14 Instrument panel gauges tach
U25 Luggage compartment lamp
U63 Radio pushbutton, AM
U80 Auxiliary speaker rear
V31 Front bumper guard chrome
V32 Rear bumper guard chrome
X24 Pre-service Oshawa only
Z49 Mandatory Canadian base equipment modifications
In addition, the vehicle has dealer installed Titan reverb unit to radio, 3 months after purchase. Era 8 track will be installed.
I have met the original owner and second owner, car in same family for 27 years. I took the car to the original owner in Kelowna last summer. He was very happy to see it as he bought it, basically. He did point out that it is noisier [has flowmaster 40s] and he noticed the Hurst shifter that his nephew put in 1980.
Original owner took train to Toronto then bus to Oshawa to pick up vehicle and drive it back to Kelowna.
Only one word comes to mind....Awesome !
You know that car was closer to 300 HP with the dual exhaust RPO N10 option. All GM literature from that era indicates that with N10 add 15% so that comes out to 296 HP.
cool car, heres the 68/69 non SD 4 speed cars weve found
1968
Oct. 16th 1967 73637 327ci L30 S (756 gold bucket) B.C link
#os792393 Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Jade Gold met./TP-27 black vinyl top
A01 A39 A51 B32 B33 B93 C08 D55 F40 K02 K05 M01 N01 N40 P01 P61
T60 U80 V31 V32 X24 Carter Motors Ltd.-Kelowna B.C 68beaumontCustom327
Dec. 20th 1967 73667 327ci L30 C (795 red bench) ontario link
#os796467 Custom conv. M20 Ermine White/Top 10 white A02 F40 N10
finished dec. 27th The Cliff Mills Motors Ltd.- Oshawa Ont.
Dec. 29th 1967 73227 V8 Q (752 gold bench) Saskatchewan link
#os796658 Beaumont 2dr sdn M20 Verdoro green Swift 1960
Feb. 7th 1968 73667 327ci Q (754 gold bench) ontario link
#os798757 Custom conv. M20 Verdoro Green / TP-2 black top
1969
3rd week Nov. 73637 350ci 40 (756 black bucket) Quebec link
1968 Custom 2dr hrdtop M20 Mayfair Maize A51 D55 Stratt77
#os479759
Dec.12th 1968 73637 350ci L48 55 (756 black buckets) Nova Scotia link
Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Crystal Turquoise spot.427Carl
A51 D55 G80 N10 U63 Clyde L. Ltd. -Bridgetown Nova Scotia
April 3rd 1969 73637 350ci L48 52 (790 parchment) Ontario link
Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Matador Red ,kijiji
P57 U63
April 11th 1969 73637 350 L48 57 (783 med. green) no pic
Custom 2dr hrdtp M20 Midnight Green met.
#os488067 D99 G80 j50 P57 U63 U73 scrapped
Border Pontiac Buick Ltd.-Niagara Falls Ontario ,spotted by SD396
this ones interesting as well ,MC1 car,only 36 built in 69
1969
Nov 1st 1968 73637 350ci L48 40/10 (756 black bucket) PEI link
Custom 2dr hrdtp MC1 HD Manual Mayfair Maize/Starlight black
A51 A01 A39 A82 A85 B93 D33 D34 D55 D99 F40 J50 K05 N33 N40 N95
Hillside Motors Ltd.- Charlottetown, PEI spot. 68post
-- Edited by 68sd on Thursday 30th of June 2011 10:13:34 PM
I bought the Beaumont for a several of reasons. ..........Fifth, I had the money (extremely rare!). Sixth, at night I would see the front grill in my dreams and flashes of it in my mind during the day (rare, as Lillian usually takes up that brain space). .................. too funny, lol........thanks......
Great job Todd on this one... I still have my fingers crossed!!!!LOL
very nice! and a 327 4 gear too!
Congratulations! very nice car
Are you going to put original style ww tires, on with the wheel covers?
"Quote"" The car can only be hand washed now and no waxing.
Any readers have an opinion on this?
I wondered how else would you wash it? No one ever takes a old car to car wash or uses a power washer..... but I was wondering, why you could not wax it
I'm keen to see some opinions.......
wasnt 67 the last year for coloured firewall and trunk on a beaumont?
-- Edited by 68sd on Friday 1st of July 2011 12:41:42 PM
My grandfather had a 68 or 69 2 dr Beaumont in the early 80's. Same colour but a 307, auto. Not sure whatever happened to it. He passed away mid-80's and I think the car was sold off - likely in the Christina Lake, BC area.
About the front seats, My 64 Chevelle I was able to change the bottoms side to side.
I did this account tear. Yours look the same on bottoms from picture.
Great choice for the feature car. Love the combination, 327 four speed. That would be a fun car.
I got to agree with you Ray, looking in my by the numbers book and is hard to find any difference in parts. The 275 and 300 engine share the same block , pistons, heads, intake, carb and cam. The exhaust has to be the difference.
I love the dog dish caps on that car too.. ..
excellent feature car.. thank you
Very nice and excellent story on the car. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I love your car just the way it is Bruce. Like they say, "they are only original once"!