A Pure Canadian Muscle Car: The 1968 Beaumont SD-396

The 1968 Beaumont SD-396 (Photo Credit: Elise240SX at Wikimedia Commons)

A time where immense horsepower could first be realized from relatively simple mechanics, the muscle car era is a wondrous occurrence in automotive history. An event billed on many vehicles that were produced in the United States, Canada also participated in the marriage of finely-formed sheetmetal meeting powerful V8 engines. Alongside the Chevrolet Chevelle being produced in General Motors of Canada long-time home of Oshawa, Ontario during the 1960s, a uniquely Canadian muscle car also rolled off the assembly line.

From the 1950s into the late 1960s, the Canadian automobile market was furnished a large amount of vehicles built in the country. Due to import taxes between Canada and the United States at the time, there was a demand by some vehicle brands to create exclusive models for the domestic market. With Canadian Pontiac dealerships, their need for added models resulted in the creation of Acadian in 1962 offering a restyled Chevy II/Nova compact car. In 1965, the name Beaumont (originally applied to an upscaled model in the Acadian line) became its own brand centered on a retrimmed version of Chevrolet’s mid-sized vehicle line. Delivering peak performance and appointments, the Sport Deluxe or SD trim grade allowed customers to choose from V8 engines. For 1968, the Beaumont’s peak performer gained some defining character officially welcoming the SD-396.

Very rare convertible version of the 1968 Beaumont SD-396 appearing at the 2015 Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance (Photo credit: Royckmeyer Flickr)

Based on the Chevrolet Chevelle SS-396, the 1968 Beaumont SD-396 most prominent feature was found under the hood. Advertised as an Econo-Jet engine, the 396 cubic-inch big block V8 powerplant installed in the Beaumont SD-396 generated a base output of 325 horsepower. Buyers could also opt for a higher performance 350 horsepower variant that could be paired with a standard equipped with a three-speed manual transmission with a quick-throw floor shifter. A choice of a two-speed Powerglide or three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic as well as a four-speed manual gearbox was also available. For the time, it would have been surreal for a Pontiac salesperson to sell a new car powered by a Chevrolet engine. It was common for every General Motors division to develop their own powerplants up until the 1970s.

While the 396 cubic-inch engine was available on previous year Beaumont Sport Deluxe models, the 1968 SD-396 was intended as a comprehensive identity for a top-tier trim level. In addition to the robust powertrain, the Beaumont SD-396 came equipped with 14-inch wheels mounted within white or red stripe tires, heavy-duty suspension incorporating upgraded springs and shocks, dual exhaust and a 11-inch clutch. Power-assisted disc brakes, Positraction limited-slip differential and temperature-controlled radiator fan were some performance-related entities that could be added for an extra cost.

Aesthetically, the high-performance Beaumont boasted a hood with faux air intakes, hidden windshield wipers and side striping with SD-396 identification markings behind on the front quarter panels between the front wheels and doors. Offered with a standard split front bench seat or front bucket seats with center console, the cabin of the 1968 Beaumont SD-396 could also feature a dashboard with imitation woodgrain.

1969 Beaumont SD-396 noted for the placement of the 'SD-396' badging above the striping. Photo taken by George Thomas at 2015 Frankenmuth Auto Fest (Photo Credit: George Thomas Flickr)

This Canadian exclusive muscle car is also a scarce beast. For 1968, only 680 total examples of the Beaumont SD-396 left Oshawa for Pontiac dealership with 292 vehicles equipped with the 350-horsepower big block powerplant.

The Beaumont SD-396 continued into the 1969 model year. Tell-tale signs identifying the 1969 car from the previous year’s vehicle is the discontinuation of door vent windows as well as a slightly different style for the side stripes (now connecting at the top of the front end and SD-396 lettering positioned above the stripe rather than within). This would be the final year for the SD-396 as well as the Beaumont brand as a whole with Pontiac dealerships in Canada focusing on sale of the GTO muscle car.

A rarity among 1960s classic cars, the Beaumont SD-396 promoted the ideals of quiet yet proud Canadian-made performance.

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