Member: Charles and Connie Augustine

Car: 1965 Beaumont Convertible

Every year we attended Hot August Nights in Reno Nevada in our 1966 Corvair Corsa Turbo. We always took the Corvair to the show and cruises; however, in 2002 we left the Corvair at home because we left for Reno knowing that we wanted to find a convertible with an automatic transmission so my wife could drive it.

We usually head to the show with two other couples we have hung out with for years (affectionately we are known as the six pack), however, this year the girls decided to skip the show and just hang out at the cabin at nearby Lake Tahoe. This left the guys to head into Reno on their own to the show and to look for the convertible!

I first saw a 1964 Pontiac Tempest convertible at one sales location; It was in “ok shape” but worn. I got the price down and left to go to my bank for the funds (cash only). On the way to the bank we passed the Silver Auction main arena and decided to check it out. This much larger area contained hundreds of cars to be auctioned off. The guys split up and went in search of a convertible.

As my friend recounts, he spotted a “Chevelle", however, as he approached the car he wondered what they had done to it. He read "Beaumont" on the fender and he figured it out. My other friend came and took me off to look at the "Beautmont". There were lots of people around and I said ok, this is it. We found the owner and made the deal. Next thing we knew we were cruising the strip in a Beaumont! It is amazing what three guys can find when they go car shopping on a “Hot August Night”! My friend called my wife and said, “Connie you are going to love it”. Luckily for me she does. She didn't see the convertible until we returned home to Napa with it.

The car came from Langley B.C. through customs and then to Reno and finally to the Napa Valley. Originally it was equipped with a six cylinder engine and power glide. It now has a 327 cubic inch and 350 transmission.

Since we bought the car we have installed a new top, some interior trim, stereo, power disc brakes, air conditioning, air ride suspension, and 17 inch centerline wheels with 45 series tires. The car is driven everywhere and shown as often as we can. It is amazing how much attention it gets; we have a sign that explains what it is but we still need to inform people about Canadian Classic Cars. We show it with an American flag and a Canadian flag. We have so much fun with it and have had many folks inquire about purchasing it. No thanks!

The only down side with the car is trying to find parts. Got a grille? Someday we would love to make an event in Canada.

No options listed at this time.

Members Index