Car: 1968 Beaumont
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South Carolina Beaumont In my younger days I was always a big Chevelle enthusiast. It all began in 1976, when I purchased my first Chevelle, a ’68 SS. Over the next twelve years I was the owner of several Chevelles, selling my last one in 1988. About two and one half years ago I decided that the time had come to once again look for a Chevelle. I wasn’t sure what year I wanted, however, I knew that it was a big block that I would be looking for.
I started looking through all the local auto classifieds and checking out Ebay. After a few months of looking I came across an ad that interested me; a yellow Beaumont! I had never heard of or seen a Beaumont. I began doing some research on the Beaumonts and became quite interested in them. In April of 2003 a ’68 SD appeared on Ebay. I immediately emailed the seller for more information on the car. After several emails and phone conversations with the seller I decided that I would be bringing a Beaumont to South Carolina!
Having never purchased a car through Ebay, let alone one in another country, I was somewhat worried about the whole transaction. Dealing with the seller was absolutely no problem, however, the shipping company was another matter! In fact it took almost five weeks to get the car delivered to my house. Unfortunately it arrived only a day before we were leaving on vacation so I didn’t have much chance to look over my Beaumont. I couldn’t wait to return from vacation so I could take a real close look at the car. When I got home I finally got to thoroughly check out my new toy and other than a few minor things the car was what I expected.
The Beaumont is a Cordovan Maroon ’68 SD 396. The previous owner had completed a frame up restoration and told me that he had to cut out very little rust during the restoration. It was restored to original condition except for the engine, rearend and wheels. The original 396 was long gone and had been replaced with a 427. The rear end is now a posi unit. The wheels are Corvette rally style with original Beaumont centercaps.
When I got the Beaumont the original 8 track tape player was in the trunk. I have had it reconditioned but haven’t installed it yet because I am still looking for the correct mounting brackets. My future plans are to pull the 427 and replace it with a 396 and get the engine compartment back to as close to original as possible.
The Beaumont gets lots of attention at the local car shows and cruise nights. Most people here have never seen or heard of a Beaumont. I have had a few people think that it is a customized car and others ask when Chevy made an SD 396 Chevelle! When I tell them that it is not a Chevelle a puzzled look comes over their faces; when I tell them that it isn’t even a Chevy the questions really start to come out.
I have enjoyed giving quite a few Beaumont history lessons in the last two years. Most people are quite intrigued by the Beaumont because it is something different and unique. Most people ask me “what’s it worth?” To this question I just shrug my shoulders!
James Kinchen
Option Codes - Description
- A02 Tinted Windshield
- A 51 Front Bucket Seats
- B 32 Front Floor Mats
- B33 Rear Floor Mats
- B 93 Door Edge Guards
- C 08 Soft Trim Roof Cover
- D 55 Front Console
- J 50 Power Brakes
- J 52 Disc Brakes
- M 40 3 speed automatic transmission
- N 33 Tilt Steering
- N 40 Hydraulic Steering
- N 95 Simulated Wire Wheel Covers
- PW 7 F70-14 Whitewalls
- U14 Gauges-tach and clock
- U 57 Tape Player
- U 63 AM push button radio
- Z 49 Mandatory Cnd. Base Equipment Modifications