Writing for Barn Finds has taught me one really important lesson: No matter how much I think that I know about cars, there’s always something new to learn. I write these articles and I do make mistakes. Some are insignificant while others are absolute rippers. This particular car, which was referred to us by Barn Finds reader Michael is a demonstration of how much I have to learn. For sale here on Craigslist is this gem from 1965. Hailing from Canada but for sale in the USA for $23,000 is this 1965 Acadian Beaumont Sport Deluxe Convertible.
This particular car is the range-topping car from Acadian Beaumont in 1965. Sadly for us, the seller has only included 4 photos with the ad, so we will have to make do with what we have. The original owner purchased the car new and used it up until he was placed in a nursing home in the mid-1970s. The car was then placed into heated storage for the next 45 years. In fact, up until it was registered a few weeks ago, this car had remained unregistered since 1973.
The seller has been quite meticulous in bringing this classic back to life. The 250ci straight 6 engine has been rebuilt by the company who prepares cars for Barrett Jackson, the fuel tank has been cleaned and flushed, the brakes have been replaced, the automatic transmission has been serviced, the carburetor has been rebuilt and a new OEM radiator has been installed. The only deviation from the standard is that the car now sports electronic ignition. The seller states that this car is ready to hit the road and that there is nothing to do. They state that this is as close to “as new” condition as you will find.
The interior is essentially like new. Being the range-topping model, this car sports better seats and upholstery than a base model, along with additional touches of chrome to make things feel just that little bit more special. The seller has serviced the mechanism for the soft-top and had the rear window replaced, so everything appears good there as well.
Build numbers for these were very low, so this really is something a bit special. The seller is pretty firm on the price, but looking at the few that are available for sale online reveals that the price for this is very reasonable. To me, this car is something a little bit different and has the ability to be a conversation starter at any coffee and car meet. It’s something that I would be quite happy to have in my garage. How about you?
I’m learning something new everyday as well. Never knew that Barrett Jackson did engine rebuilds. I thought they were exclusively an auction house!
Car was completely gone through by a professional classic car mechanic who prepares cars for Barrett Jackson. Is what
the ad says
So it’s a Canadian Chevy Chevelle or PontiacTempest?
I’d like to see pictures of the rear end and the engine. I mean it’s a nice convertible and maybe someone will pay 23 large for the privilege of owning such a Chevelle/Tempest variant. But I wonder.
I’m always intrigued by how people value cars for sale. Its almost like a thousand dollar bill is the new hundred dollar bill.
Folks must have a lot of extra cash laying around , That or I’m Scrooge McDuck.
If it’s so “deluxe” why doesn’t it have a V8? I mean it’s a nice Tempest, but collectibility had got to be a D at best. For $23k there are many, many nicer and more desirable cars out there…
This is the equivalent of a Malibu SS. Yes, you could get them with a 230 six cylinder. Interesting car IMHO. The car may be in the US, but it is advertised on the Montreal Craigslist. I assume this is 23k Canadian dollars which is currently around $17.7k USD. If it is as nice as it appears, it seems like a deal to me.
I think if you dropped a big block 8 (or even a small block) into it you’d have something to write home about. Probably double the value and I doubt if anyone would really care about originality with this car. Easy to tout is as the Canadian Malibu (or Chevelle) SS.
JP, keep in mind the car is from Canada and the 6 cylinder was probably easier to drive in snowy conditions, which is what a car is purchased to do when new.
Chevrolet Chevelle body, Pontiac Tempest/LeMans interior. Acadian grill.
Pretty sure this car is a Beaumont Sport Deluxe (not Sports). And since when is it easier to drive in snowy conditions with a 6 cylinder? I find that comment puzzling. Either way, I think $23K CAN or USD is a screamin’ deal
Less torque means you can grip better.
A V8 will spin the wheels faster.
Thanks for that RicK. My typo mistake is fixed.
Sorry Ticketgeorge, I didn’t click on the Craigslist ad. Just went off what Adam Clarke wrote.
So sorry about the confusion there with Barrett Jackson. I’ve fixed it. It was totally my mistake. That’s what happens when you proof-read an article late at night. I guess that I won’t be doing that again! Thank you for pointing it out. I always appreciate having my mistakes pointed out to me. That’s how I’ll keep improving as a writer.
Sorry Miguel, we Canadians 🇨🇦 grew up driving in the snow. Torque is your friend. It helps you power out of deep snow. I’ll take all that I can get!
There’s no rationalizing a 6 in a nice convertible like this. Swap in a decent, maybe period, V8 and double or triple the car’s value.
Another WTHeck….a seems to be put in stoarge….did it say nice storage….so why not prep a car so it will not require the services of a BJ person ? Those six’s are hard to kill don’t cha know….just puzzle’s me as it looks that clean….
This car looks like it has a mid 60,s Buick skylark front end, and from the side it looks like a Chevy Malibu. Even the spinner hubcaps look like from a Chevy SS super sport not to mention the engine. This automobile is nothing more than a copy of GM parts.
Exactly what it is meant to be. It is the Canadian version of the Chevelle for Pontiac dealers to allow them to compete for more of the market. It is built on a Chevelle frame, and there are many trim differences to give it an identity, and keep the brand conscious Pontiac buyers in the fold. The later Beaumonts (Pontiac version of the Chevelle), were an excellent alternative to the Chevelle, with all the same engine options.
At the time this car was built, the Canadian market had not yet developed into the V8 crazy market that was prevalent in the US. By 1967, after the auto pact was signed, this philosophy of smaller, more economical engines in Canadian cars went the way of the Dodo, and V8s pretty much became the standard engine.
By that, I mean that the people who wanted an economy car, went to the VW, or other small body cars built for economy.
I actually went to check this car out thinking I can low ball the owner and snag it for 15k. The car was actually even nicer in person than in the pics. Definitely worth the money…….I wish I had it I would buy in a second. Owner’s name is Nathan and actually a pretty cool guy. Only selling because he has a kid on the way and needs a family friendly ride.
Lovely looking car. I find the Acadian Beaumont more attractive than the Chevelle. It depends on the year of the car.
he put it on ebay
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Other-Makes-Acadian-Beaumont-Sport-Deluxe/283115703530?hash=item41eb02ccea:g:z7wAAOSwS3dbe1~s
I have a barn find 1965 Beaumont Acadian Convertible having hard time to match up serial number off of registrartion and with instruction out Pontiac Acadian Beaumont Chassis Shop Manual