To many, the look is familiar, yet strange. The brand names are not commonly familiar: Acadian, Mayfair, Frontenac, Meteor, Monarch, Fargo, Laurentian, Beaumont. These names represent the cars once produced explicitly for Canada, and usually built in Canada, by the Detroit-based automakers. In their prime, from the end of World War II until the late 1960s — a period of real mechanical differences between Chevrolets and Pontiacs — the Canadianized cars openly borrowed parts and styling from their sister divisions. At one time common on Canadian roads, such cars have become largely forgotten historical footnotes.

This rare, Central Office Production Order (COPO) L79 Beaumont Sport Deluxe Coupe features a smart, racy appearance with its sleek, sculpted lines. Its clean, uncluttered styling has the look of action, and it delivers. The car was frame-off restored in 2004, and it is powered by the highest output engine offered in this line for 1965, this being a 327-cid, 350-hp V-8 L79 powerplant that is mated to a four-speed, floor-mounted transmission. The Acadian is finished in the same white exterior, red interior color combination that was used on the cover of the 1965 factory brochure, showing a rendering of a nearly identical car. Bucket seats and redline tires add appeal to its sporty nature.

The owner’s research shows that this uncommon musclecar was built in Oshawa Ontario, Canada. It was sold new in Chatham, Ontario at Lowes Motors. GM of Canada records register only 23 of these Acadian Beaumonts were built with the L79 (327-cid / 350-hp) option. Additionally it has power steering, under-dash tissue box, in-dash tachometer and headers. Although it is built on the American Chevelle platform, it is considered to be the “original Canadian GTO.” The owner’s further research indicates there are only six of the original 23 built that are known to exist. It is also said to have drag raced at St. Thomas Dragway in St. Thomas Ontario, Canada at a certain point in time.

This is a well-known car that has been featured at various times that include; the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance, Detroit Autorama, Canadian (Toronto) World of Wheels (twice), Orlando Festival of Speed, Niagra Falls (Canada) Classic Car Show, feature car at the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan, Muscle Car Invitational at Chattanooga, Tennesee, a four-page article in Muscle Car Enthusiast Magazine and a New York Times article that featured rare Canadian cars.