Description

The Chevrolet Beaumont is a fascinating piece of North American automotive history, particularly notable for its unique position as a Canadian-built hybrid of American Chevrolet engineering and Pontiac branding. Produced between 1962 and 1969, the Beaumont was created specifically for the Canadian market by General Motors of Canada and offers a distinctive blend of Chevrolet mechanicals wrapped in Pontiac-inspired styling cues.

Initially introduced as a trim level of the Canadian Pontiac Acadian, the Beaumont became its own standalone model line in 1966. It was based largely on the Chevrolet Chevelle platform, sharing the same basic body structure, chassis, and drivetrain options. However, unlike the Chevelle, the Beaumont featured a mix of Pontiac-style interiors, dashboards, and badging, which gave it a personality all its own. This was largely due to Canadian content regulations at the time, which encouraged manufacturers to produce vehicles with a higher proportion of Canadian-made parts and unique model distinctions.

The Beaumont lineup included a full range of body styles—sedans, hardtops, station wagons, and convertibles—as well as a variety of trims, from the base models to the sportier SD (Sport Deluxe) versions. The SD models, especially the SD396, were high-performance variants that came equipped with Chevrolet’s big-block V8 engines, and in many respects mirrored the American Chevelle SS396. These cars delivered strong performance with features like dual exhausts, upgraded suspension, bucket seats, and sport striping.

Under the hood, the Beaumont shared the full range of Chevrolet engines. This included the durable 230 and 250 cubic inch inline-six engines, small-block V8s like the 283 and 327, and the potent 396 big-block V8 in the top-trim SD396. Most models could be paired with either manual or automatic transmissions, and rear-wheel drive was standard.

Inside, the Beaumont reflected its Pontiac influence, with a more upscale dashboard design and trim details that gave it a slightly more refined appearance compared to its Chevrolet cousins. Yet, it retained the reliability and parts availability of the Chevelle, making it both distinctive and practical.

Though the Beaumont was never sold in the United States, it has gained appreciation among collectors and enthusiasts for its rarity and uniqueness. Surviving models, especially the high-performance variants, are considered prized examples of Canadian muscle and a reminder of a time when automakers tailored vehicles to specific markets with a degree of creativity that’s rarely seen today.

The Chevrolet Beaumont remains a compelling blend of American muscle and Canadian ingenuity, a car that looks Pontiac but drives Chevrolet—a true cross-border classic.