Member: Murray Metcalf

Car: 1968 Beaumont

Murray Metcalf's '68 Beaumont

After being away from the “old car hobby” for several years I got the urge to buy another car. In the spring of 2001 the search began as many do with a purchase of an auto trader magazine. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would purchase, however, a ‘60’s model Chevy was what I was looking for. One of the cars I considered was a beautiful ’68 Impala two door hdtp. It was, I felt, a little overpriced and my wife thought that it was too big! I also had a serious look at another ’68 Impala convertible in Lindsay ON, however, I was disappointed in the condition of the car. Things aren’t always as advertised; it wasn’t worth the $18,000 asking price. My search continued and it seemed to lead me to more Impalas. I looked at another convertible in Courtland ON; a very nice car but it just wasn’t the right car for us.

Looking through yet another edition of the Auto Trader an add for a ’68 Beaumont Custom caught my attention. It wasn’t far from home so I called the number and arranged to see the car. I was, however, becoming somewhat skeptical about cars that owners said were in good to excellent condition. Some of these good to excellent cars were not as advertised. The Beaumont owner was convincing when I spoke with him and the price seemed reasonable so off I went to see the car on the prearranged date.

When I first saw the Beaumont I was pleasantly surprised that it was in good unmolested condition. It was also obvious that the car had been well maintained over the years. It wasn’t too long before a deal was made and arrangements were made to pick the car up in uncertified condition. When getting the Beaumont certified I was pleased that only an exhaust system was required before the Beaumont was safety certified and ready for the road. I was now the fifth owner of the green Beaumont Custom!

Included with the car was a photo copy of the original Bill of Sale from Roy Foss Motors in Thornhill ON. The original owner (1968-1993) paid $3600.00 including taxes for his, now my, ’68 Beaumont.

The second owner had body work and a repaint done in 1994. The Beaumont still has the original vinyl top. I have done some minor repairs and added a few extras to the Beaumont over the last few years. A set of rally rims and aftermarket gauges were added , the stock radio repaired, the rad replaced and a trunk and underhood lamp options added. The orignal 307 with powerglide have continued to provide trouble free driving. I enjoy driving the Beaumont and have come to realize that the Beaumont is a unique and rare part of Canadian Automotive history. I now cringe at the memory of turning down an opportunity to buy a “rough shape” ’68 SD for $400.00 in 1978!

This car came from Oshawa Ontario April 26th 1968, and was sold at Roy Foss Motors in Thornhill Ontario equipped with the following


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