Hi, im starting to decode my dads 1968 beaumont custom 396 4speed. I'll be bringing it home soon, and want to get the original documentation from gm heritage. Ive been able to decode most of the info from reading some of the posts here. How does a person go about getting the info from gm canada?
-- Edited by 4sp396cusom on Thursday 1st of July 2021 06:17:37 PM
Thanks for having me, The car has been in the family since the early 90's (I talked him into buying it). It was totally rust free, in amazing shape. It came with a 396 and a m20 4 speed, console, parchment bucket seats, tach, power windows, disc brakes in front, the trim and vinal top are original. I think it was originally seafrost green. But it was repainted in the 70's in a candy apple red with HUGE flakes. was a sweet paint job.
Looks very nice. Must be ultra rare being a 396 4 speed. I never knew they built a Big Block Beaumont without SD trim? Im curious to see the information that the Vintage Services will bring forward.
It's a very nice car with some nice upgrades. I'm happy to see it wearing the Custom badging. Assuming it is a Custom that SD hood and 396 are certainly not original to the car. Big blocks in non SS (SD) A bodies only became available in 1970. The GMVVS documents will let you know what engine and transmission it was born with as well as the other options the car was built with. Please update us once you get the information package.
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Ray is correct no 396 in a custom car only in a SD trim. The 396 fender emblems on the car are for a 69 b body pontiac and hard to find. You could post a pic of the cowl tag as there is some info you can get from that. Love the car and the 396 is a great upgrade and who does not love a four speed.
Ian
-- Edited by Beaumont4008 on Friday 2nd of July 2021 03:41:59 PM
I had not noticed the '69 396 fender flashes but I have to say total respect to whoever built this car, I admire the use of factory pieces on customized or personalized cars. Its the way I tried to build my 454 LeMans and adds a degree of authenticity to the car and illustrates what the factory could have produced or offered as optional equipment.
It is for sure a m20 4 speed custom v8 car, but what v8 is the question. I got my forms today from vintage vehicle services, so I'll get it filled out, and we will all find out wtf this car is. lol. I know its been in its current state for 30+ years, but who knows what was done to it in the 70s and 80s. It has like only 44,000 original miles and in amazing shape. Was hot rodded in the 70's for sure. I have to look for some old pics of it.
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
I have seen a few 1968 factory 327 4 speed Customs over the years. I doubt it would be a 307 4 speed even though that was an available combo so I'll go with the 327 4 bbl, 275 HP 4 speed combo.
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
I am only guessing but generally production would have started likely last week or two in August, finished sometime mid to a bit later in July. That would make it in the first 25% or so of the production year I'm guessing. Pretty cool car regardless of how the documents turn out. I think many of us are itching to see what it comes back as!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
So..........when did 68 production start? this car was built on December 1st 68 second shift. Is that early or late for the production year? I was always a canadian AMC guy, so the canadian gm thing is really interesting. Thanks for all your input.
These are the first and last Beaumonts in the Canadian Poncho registry.
August 23rd 1967 73837 396ci G (793 parchment bench) B.C link
#os791005 SD396 2dr hrdtp M40 ,Ash Gold met./TP-27 black vinyl top C08 U29 U46 A02 B93 PW8 P01 U25 U35 U63 U80 Cheetah427 Nib Johnson Motors Ltd.-Courtney B.C 3rd SD built finished Sept. 1st
June 24th 1968 73637 307ci L (755 teal bench) Ontario link
Custom 2dr hrdtp M35 Teal Blue met. A02 G80 Kijiji sold in Stratford ontario-Dealer not recorded
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
It also has the original 12 bolt posi, 3.55:1 rear. which came with the 327/275hp and 396 cars. What about the 295hp 350 beaumont customs? I only remember 1.
I have seen a few 1968 factory 327 4 speed Customs over the years. I doubt it would be a 307 4 speed even though that was an available combo so I'll go with the 327 4 bbl, 275 HP 4 speed combo.
Had one, it had a Sagina 4 speed. The shifter was strange, it was mounted to the cross member and would bind up if power shifting. Fun car though
As far as I know there was no 350 engine option for the 68 Beaumont or chevelle but for sure in 69 and was 255 hp and 300 hp. A 300 hp four speed car would be a fun ride.
Looks like alot of speculation on how this Beaumont was born. Even more reason to see the VV documentation. I wish the Vintage Vehicle people would offer a more detailed break down of the options and colors. This information has been under their thumbs for a very long time.
Form is filled out and sent to George. Here is some info on the car: vin- 736378110xxxx the firewall tag info is c08(or cc8?) m20 top 27 st 68 73637 tr779 2-12-1 pp