Info on a 'Canadian' Nova..

[JayR]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427.060</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't think that turning Chevelles into Beaumonts would be profitable. One issue would be the VIN. Beaumont VINs start with 7, Chevelles start with 1. Although Beaumonts are much rarer they don't usually bring much, if any, more than a comparable Chevelle.
James </div></div>

I agree. I don't know who would buy a U.S. built Chevelle turned into a Canadian Beaumont, but I guess it's happening. The biggest plus to the Beaumont is the availability of GM Canada Vintage Services documentation, something you'll never get for a Chevelle Beaumont. Documented Canadian cars are always worth more than a comparable U.S. car just for this paperwork alone. I don't know how the VIN situation you mention is being handled for these Chevelle Beaumonts. Beaumont cowl tags are also very different from same year U.S. Chevelles, both in format and content. I sincerely hope they aren't being changed.

Bob

[realzed]

The situation as I mentioned previously was quite a while back - I haven't attended Carlisle for going on 20 years now.. so that should give you some idea of the timeframe. And YES even back then obviously changing VINs and interiors and hidden numbers and sheet metal to make more of a profit was surely done.
Maybe it was even for a greater profit margin back then than it would be possible to get now for certain cars or brands..
My recollections of being in his shop and seeing a couple of the '67 cars that he was in fact working on are clear as was the hour or so long conversation about these and a couple of other cars he also had in there at the time (not Chevelles or Beaumonts in fact)sticks with me still - as does the memory of the beautiful black '67 SS I tried somewhat to pry loose from him to no avail..
He appeared to mostly enjoy the challenge of making a Beaumont that could stand scrutiny and in his own words.. You certainly wouldn't pay me what I can get for it down at Carlisle once its done and I show up with it as a Pontiac!