1967–1969 Pontiac Beaumont SD 396 (Canada) — A-Body Guide

1967–1969 Pontiac Beaumont SD 396 (Canada): The Canadian Chevelle With Its Own Crest

Historical context and development background

The Beaumont occupies a uniquely Canadian niche in General Motors history. Originally an Acadian trim line in the early 1960s, the Beaumont became a distinct marque under GM of Canada for the 1964 model year, sold through Pontiac–Buick dealers and built on Chevrolet mechanicals. By 1967–1969, the Beaumont rode on the same GM A-body platform as the Chevelle, but wore its own grille, lamps, interior fascia, emblems, and trim. The top performance specification was the SD 396—SD standing for Sport Deluxe—slotting in as Canada’s functional counterpart to the Chevelle SS396.

Corporate strategy was straightforward: offer a uniquely Canadian product while leveraging Chevrolet’s engineering and economies of scale. The SD 396 received Chevrolet’s Mark IV big-block, heavy-duty driveline components, and the expected suite of A-body options, packaged with distinctive Canadian identity cues—the Beaumont maple-leaf crest and SD callouts. Styling followed the Chevelle cycle: the 1967 body represented the last year of the first A-body iteration; 1968 brought the Coke-bottle profile with all-new sheetmetal; 1969 introduced a sharper, crisper facelift.

Motorsport presence was grass-roots rather than factory-backed. Privateers campaigned SD 396s in drag racing’s Stock and Super Stock classes, where the combination of a broad torque curve and a stout 12-bolt rear axle made for credible elapsed times. The competitive set mirrored the era’s muscle car roster: Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, Oldsmobile 4-4-2, Buick GS 400, Ford Fairlane/Torino GT, and Mopar’s 383/440 Road Runners and Super Bees.

Engine and technical specifications

The SD 396 used Chevrolet’s big-block Mark IV V8 in 396 cu in (6.5 L) form, with cast-iron block and heads, forged steel crank (application-dependent), hydraulic lifters on the commonly specified street calibrations, and a high-rise dual-plane intake. Output mirrored Chevrolet offerings, with a 325 hp base calibration and an available 350 hp upgrade in period (SAE gross ratings).

Driveline specification aligned with Chevrolet’s heavy-duty parts bin: a Muncie 4-speed manual (wide- or close-ratio, depending on axle) or a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic, and a 12-bolt rear axle with a range of ratios and optional Positraction.

Driving experience and handling dynamics

On the road, the SD 396 behaves like a well-sorted, big-block A-body. There’s a satisfying weight to all the primary controls, and a distinct two-part personality to the engine: easy torque from idle and a harder charge past 3,500 rpm. Throttle response—particularly with a properly tuned Quadrajet—is crisp off idle and clean in the midrange; the Holley-equipped 350 hp tune adds a noticeable top-end pull.

Steering is Saginaw recirculating-ball, with slower ratios on manual boxes and more agreeable effort and response with power assist. The front end uses unequal-length control arms with coil springs; the rear is a triangulated four-link on coils. Factory anti-roll bars keep initial roll modest, but mechanical grip is period-correct—bias-ply tires and compliant bushings mean progressive understeer at the limit. The heavy iron big-block up front encourages smooth inputs and measured corner entry, rewarding drivers who drive the torque rather than chase revs.

Braking, as delivered, was adequate but unsurprisingly the weak link if driven hard: 11-inch drums were standard, with power front discs a valuable option. Frequent spirited use benefits from the disc setup, high-friction linings, and meticulous adjustment of the rear drums. The Muncie 4-speed shifts with a positive, mechanical feel when linkage is in good order; the TH400’s firm, authoritative upshifts suit the engine’s broad torque curve.

Full performance specifications

Instrumented, Canada-specific road tests for the SD 396 are scarce. Contemporary testing of equivalently equipped Chevelle SS396s with the same engines provides a reliable proxy, and the Beaumont’s curb weights and gearing align closely.

Variant breakdown (1967–1969)

The SD 396 package sat atop the Beaumont hierarchy. Styling, safety equipment, and interior detailing followed the Chevelle’s annual cycle but kept the Canadian identity front and rear.

Note: SD 396 production totals were not consolidated in widely published sources. GM Vintage Vehicle Services (Canada) can issue build documentation by VIN that confirms original specifications and counts by configuration.

Ownership notes: maintenance, parts, restoration

• Mechanical parts: Excellent interchangeability with contemporary Chevelle SS396. Engine, gearbox, axle, suspension, steering, and brake components are widely supported.
• Trim and body: Exterior sheetmetal largely follows Chevelle forms, but the Beaumont-specific grille, taillamps, bezels, emblems, dash fascia, and interior trim are unique and more difficult to source. Budget time and funds to restore Canadian-market details correctly.
• Engine care: Use high-zinc (ZDDP) content oil for flat-tappet cam longevity. The big-block appreciates frequent cooling system service; radiators and clutch fans need to be in top condition to avoid heat soak and fuel percolation after hot shutdowns.
• Fuel and ignition: The 10.25:1 compression tunes are happiest on high-octane fuel. Maintain dwell, timing, and carb calibration; a properly tuned Quadrajet offers excellent manners and economy for the period.
• Brakes and tires: If originality allows, the factory front disc option is a worthwhile safety upgrade. Bias-ply appearance tires are correct; period-size radials improve grip and stopping distances.
• Chassis and bodywatch: Inspect the A-body’s typical rust zones—rear frame kick-ups, trunk drop-offs, lower fenders/quarters, cowl and windshield base. Rear suspension bushings and control arm brackets deserve attention on higher-output cars.
• Restoration difficulty: Driveline—straightforward. Trim—moderate to challenging due to Canadian-specific parts. Documentation through GM Vintage Vehicle Services is invaluable for provenance.

Cultural relevance and collector insight

For enthusiasts, the Beaumont SD 396 is the connoisseur’s Chevelle—a car that delivers the same muscle-era thrust with a distinctly Canadian accent. It carries regional cachet at shows north of the border and curiosity value in the United States, where many have never seen one in person. The SD 396’s identity—Chevrolet hardware under a Pontiac-badged Canadian shell—makes it a conversation piece without sacrificing usability or parts support.

Collector desirability has historically tracked the Chevelle SS396 but with a modest discount, narrowed when originality, documentation, and specification (correct engine/trans/axle, factory disc brakes, buckets/console, colors) align. Auction results have ranged from strong five-figure sales for honest drivers to six-figure outcomes for exceptional, documented restorations. Grass-roots drag racing lineage and the model’s short, well-defined production window add to its appeal.

FAQs

Did the Beaumont SD 396 use Pontiac engines?
No. Although sold by Pontiac–Buick dealers in Canada and wearing Pontiac-family branding, the Beaumont SD 396 used Chevrolet powertrains and A-body chassis components.

What horsepower ratings were available?
Period SD 396s mirror Chevrolet’s big-block offerings with a 325 hp (L35) base tune and an available 350 hp (L34), SAE gross. Factory documentation should be used to confirm the original build of an individual car.

Was a 375 hp (L78) version available on the Beaumont?
The 375 hp solid-lifter L78 was a Chevrolet offering in this era. For Beaumont, widely published Canadian sources consistently document the 325 and 350 hp tunes. Claims regarding specific 375 hp SD 396 builds should be verified through GM Vintage Vehicle Services documentation for the individual VIN.

Where were SD 396s built?
By GM of Canada, with production associated with the Oshawa, Ontario operations during this period.

How does a Beaumont SD 396 differ from a Chevelle SS396?
Mechanically they are closely aligned. The differences are primarily cosmetic and interior: unique Canadian grille and taillamps, badges (including the maple-leaf crest), SD scripts, and a Beaumont-specific dashboard and trim execution. Option content and driveline choices follow Chevrolet logic.

What are known problem areas?
Typical of big-block A-bodies: heat management, drum brake fade (on non-disc cars), rear suspension bush wear, cowl and frame rust, and the need for flat-tappet camshaft-friendly oil. Carburetor hot-soak can cause warm restarts to be cranky if the fuel and heat shields are not correct.

Are parts hard to find?
Mechanical parts are straightforward thanks to Chevelle commonality. Canadian-specific exterior and interior trim require patience or donor parts; reproduction support exists but is not as comprehensive as for Chevelle.

What documentation is available?
GM Vintage Vehicle Services (Canada) can provide build records for specific VINs, confirming original powertrain, color/trim, and production data—valuable for authentication.