Beaumont | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | General Motors |
Production | 1966–1969 |
Assembly |
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Arica, Chile Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size car |
Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door sedan 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon |
Layout | FR layout |
Platform | GM A platform |
Related |
Chevrolet Chevelle Pontiac Tempest |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
194 in³ Inline-Six I6 230 in³ Inline-Six I6 250 in³ Inline-Six I6 283 in³ Small-Block V8 307 in³ Small-Block V8 327 in³ Small-Block V8 350 in³ Small-Block V8 396 in³ Big-Block |
Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | Sedan: 2,946 mm (116.0 in) Coupe/Convertible: 2,845 mm (112.0 in) |
Beaumont was a make of intermediate-sized automobiles produced by General Motors of Canada from 1966 to 1969. The line had its own logo and nameplate, but was not marketed 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.
In order to promote automobile manufacturing in Canada, The Auto Pact (APTA) in the 1960s had provisions prohibiting sales of certain American-made cars. General Motors responded by offering certain makes of cars manufactured in Canada primarily for the Canadian market such as Acadian and Beaumont.
Beaumont started out as a trim level of the Acadian line from 1962 to 1965. The Acadian from 1962 to 1969 was based on the contemporary Chevrolet Chevy II (Nova). Beaumonts were sold at Pontiac-Buick Dealers primarily for the Canadian market but have been documented to have been sold in countries outside of North America.
In 1962 the Acadian was offered in 8 models with either base Invader or deluxe Beaumont series. The Beaumont provided extra quality trim, identifications and luxury. Items such as foam cushioned rear seats, horn ring on steering wheel, rear armrests and automatic front door dome light switches were standard Beaumont features.
In 1963, the Acadian was offered in 4 series: base Invader, midlevel Canso, deluxe Beaumont or Beaumont Sport Deluxe. The Beaumont again offered similar trim, identification and luxury as the 1962 model did. The Beaumont Sport Deluxe was equivalent to the Chevy II Nova Super Sport, added deluxe identification and a substantial amount of luxury items. Upgraded upholstery and trim in 6 possible colours, extra cushion padding in bucket seats and rear seats, deluxe door handles, glove box light, chrome-plated heat control and instrument panel knobs. With a Powerglide automatic transmission or 4 speed, a console and floor-mounted shift lever was standard on the Beaumont Sport Deluxe. For the first time, a V8 was available. GM offered the small-block Chevrolet 283 V8 with 220 hp as an option.