What is so special about springtime? As winter fades away the grass greens, leaves return to trees, baby animals are born and car auctions return. I have been teaching my youngest son to drive (with a manual transmission car for an extra challenge) so he will likely be the primary driver on my Hyundai Elantra for summer weekends. As a result I informed my wife that I am on the lookout for a reliable road trip vehicle for myself. She just rolled her eyes when I mentioned the non-running forty nine year old Datsun pickup at this auction that I identified as a good candidate. But let’s check out everything on offer during the auction preview before settling on something.
First in the line is a 1967 Pontiac Strato Chief station wagon with a manual transmission. This one is a very base specification car with a three on the tree as well as manual brakes and steering. The Strato Chief was the lowest trim level in Canada but retired as a nameplate by 1967 in the United States.
If this car was not so massive I would have been very interested in bidding on it but I just do not have enough garage space to house it while getting it going again. This, like most of the vehicles in the auction, was amazingly solid with almost no structural rust. It had a little bit of an accident dent at the rear but overall amazing, body wise for such an old family workhorse.
The interior was in scruffy but usable condition with a few mystery wires hanging down that every good project car needs.
We were the only ones checking out the cars early on Sunday morning so the owner was both talkative and helpful. Great for getting the low down on many of the vehicles but less so for snagging photos. So a few shots are from the auction site like this photo of the straight six engine. Like many Canadian specification Pontiacs this one runs Chevrolet mechanical bits. Look how much room there is in the engine bay with unrivalled access to all components.
Next up is the 1975 Datsun 620 pickup that I am very interested in bidding on. It appeared to be a solid survivor by the auction photos that were posted so I was eager to check it out in person.
As another oddity of the Canadian market Datsun sold these under the Sportruck (all one word) moniker.
The interior was very well preserved with only a layer of dust and some cracks in the dashboard to mark the nearly half century of time that had passed since it was new.
What is even more remarkable is this little trucklet had zero rust through and even had factory paint left in the wheel wells.
The engine compartment was complete and tidy looking. The auction site marked it as inoperable and unfortunately the engine seemed stuck. In talking with the owner he shared that the Datsun was his father’s and one day it had made all manner of odd noises before getting parked with a seized engine being the end result. This certainly put a damper on my bidding aspirations as that likely meant my thoughts of easily reviving it were too ambitious. But it does display the value of checking these out in person.
Given the amazing body condition I was still interested in this one as a project (which I do not really need) but it does not scratch my itch of having an interesting road trip car on the cheap this summer.
Apparently I somehow missed getting a front shot of this 1960 Chevrolet Apache so here is one from the auction catalogue. Again, it was amazingly solid body wise with some dents but a little rust. This one was missing an engine but retained its four speed manual gearbox. It does have the desirable step side box but is a heavier duty 3/4 ton model. A very nice truck and project, just not for me.
This 1974 Buick Apollo is another vehicle I had some interest in but was again billed as a non-runner. You just do not see this Chevrolet Nova sibling very often, especially in hatchback form.
The interior was pretty reasonable except for the sun-visors taken down for some reason perhaps to remedy the usual headliner woes.
The body was not perfect but decent.
From the auction photos the rear passenger side looked heavily bondo’d but it was actually done with the old school leading method.
Probably a bigger project than I would like but this is still a contender for a cheap classic car depending on price.
Next up is another interesting project in a 1964 Dodge Polara 440 coupe. The Polara part of the name on this model was only used in Canada. The 440 part does not refer to the engine displacement but is just a trim name. This car was equipped with a 318cid V8 and push button transmission.
The interior was actually pretty decent but had some evidence of mouse activity.
The Dodge had the vibe of sitting under a tree for several decades with plenty of moss. That said the body was, again, surprisingly solid despite this and it is likely a better project than it appears at first.
This one wins the award for the best bumper sticker. “Sex relieves tension”. The 1972 license plate is an obvious mismatch.
This is not for me, with a pile of revival work to be done. Feel free to make fun of me in the comments section if I come home with this one.
This 1974 Pontiac LeMans Sports Coupe is equipped with a non-running 400cid V8 engine and while I like it I probably will not be bidding on it either with the costs of tires, windshield and re-registering bringing it higher than I would like.
Not sure what happened here. Heat damage?
The rest of the line up was categorized as running including this 1965 Ford F250 sporting a flat deck but also coming with the original box. The paintwork is well beyond the patina stage but structurally it was in not bad shape. This one was apparently in use until a few years ago around the farm.
The interior is not bad all things considered with a seat cover made out of what looked to be an old shower curtain.
This 1980 Pontiac Grand Prix had a poor paint job but looked otherwise solid. My wife hates these 80s GM two doors after having to drive her father’s related Oldsmobile Cutlass as a teenager.
It needed a windshield and tires at minimum plus that paint is a lost cause.
When was the last time you saw a two door early Volkswagen Jetta? This 1986 example is a diesel but not a turbo diesel like the front badge claims. The odometer indicated a low for a diesel 173k or so kms but the owner quickly stated that the real mileage was well over double that.
Stick shift and a reasonable interior but I do not claim to know much about diesels despite owning a Mercedes 220D briefly.
This 1991 Buick Regal had some paint issues but seemed ok otherwise. I suppose if it went really cheap I could take an interest but likely not. I do like the rims on these.
I have always liked mini trucks and this S10 appeared to be in reasonable shape. It was a fairly low trim level with a five speed manual transmission mated to the 2.2L four cylinder. The owner told us he used to drag this one around the field behind his big harvester in order to have a vehicle with him.
This 1996 Ford Mustang belonged to his son who had left home without it. It was a 3.8L V6 and automatic car. Fun fact; I have owned both four and eight cylinder Mustangs but never a six.
The owner and his brother used to drive these almost matching 1966 pickups to high school. One is a Chevrolet and the other a GMC. Both run and are very solid body wise but do not have functional brakes. They probably do not run well enough to drive home but certainly to get it onto a trailer.
The Chevrolet is a six cylinder with a manual floor shift transmission, the GMC is V8 with a column shift manual.
Same year, same color, same patina but different brand and grill styling.
Unsurprisingly the wood in the bed needs work.
The good thing about such a basic interior is there is not much to go wrong. One could likely get away with a deep clean and a new seat cover. I suspect these two trucks will go higher than my self imposed budget but we will see.
While I do not care all that much for the seemly endless supply of Chevelle SS cars (or clones) of this generation at car shows I do find this 1968 Beaumont Custom very appealing. Growing up I always thought the sedan variant looked like a poor styling afterthought compared to the two door model but time seems to have softened my opinion on that front. It is the Canadian variant (also exported to a few other markets like South Africa) which appeals to me as it makes it rather more unique. The owner mentioned this was an unfinished project car from his father so it has likely been off the road for a long time.
The owner stated this was a 283cid V8 backed by a two speed Powerglide but the fender call out badges indicated a 307. This was a very basic specification car indicated by the single engine belt. I got to start this one up and it ran ok after some help from a spray of starter fluid. It would likely benefit from a tune up at least.
While sold at Pontiac-Buick dealers and having a rather Pontiac inspired motif, Beaumont was a stand alone marque from 1966 to 1969.
While the exterior sheet metal was derived from the Chevrolet Chevelle, the dashboard was sourced from US Pontiac (GTO/LeMans/etc). The headliner and floor are a bit gross on this one but the door cards and dashboard are in reasonable shape. Some of the doors worked a bit better than others.
The paintwork is in tough shape but the body was not too horrible. All the rare trim was in place including the tail lights. I assume some of that trim indicates a vinyl roof at one point? I will place this one in the maybe category depending on price but I probably should pass on it.
There were a few GM square bodies which are hot these days but they were all on propane which I do not want to deal with.
While this group was heavy on the GM side there was a lone American independent up for grabs in this 1963 Rambler Ambassador 990 sedan. Like a lot of the other cars, the body was pretty solid but the interior was weathered and windshield cracked. And in need of tires. I missed a front shot of this one so this is another auction house photo. Hard to tell from this angle but the headlights were missing like the Buick. The Ed Anderson styling was all new for 1963 and was AMC’s attempt to move away from its staid image. In my opinion these are fine looking cars especially in top level 990 trim, and this one looks particularly sharp with the contrasting white roof.
Minus some nasty carpet this one might be ok with a deep clean.
The 327cid V8 is pretty complete minus a carburetor and air cleaner. I am unlikely to bid on this one as it is a bigger project than I am looking for.
One car we did not see was this lovely 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 which was owned by the brother and his wife. It was apparently a cherished classic car they were reluctantly parting with after not using it enough. The auction photos showed it to be in very good condition and it was very likely well out of my price range. This one was located inside in the shop and given I was not a serious bidder we did not want to waste their time looking over it.
There was a selection of heavy trucks which we did not check out as I certainly do not have space for one of these. If you would like to browse the auction listings yourself they are here. I would welcome any comments, recommendations, or speculation on what I should bid on. I have not committed to buying one for sure but depending on price I am certainly interested in a number of them. Bidding wraps up on the 15th. Bring on springtime and the auctions!
The strippo Pontiac Wagon is so weird I’da hafta bought it
My dad bought a new Pontiac wagon every 3 years and kept them for six – we had the 1967 Catalina Safari but the Strato Chief was a Canadian model. 1966 was the last year for the Star Chief which added Executive to the name and dropped Star Chief part completely in 1967. 1970 was the last year for the Executive.
Interesting that they seem to have swapped out the grills between the ’60 and ’66 Chevy pickups. Lots of interesting choices here. I could see finding a later, more powerful engine for that Datsun. Lots of fun choices here. Good luck!
One of them as wearing a fender from a different truck. I think he mentioned an engine swap to or from the big grain truck as well. You use whatever you need to in order to keep the fleet running on the farm.
Make mine the Datsun, of which I would quietly slip a L20 into…
That Datsun sure is rare in that condition, but finding a replacement engine would be near impossible.
I’m taken with the 64 Polara or one of the 1966 pickup twins. What a great auction selection!
Any L-series four would fit, and those were sold in a huge variety of trucks and cars. One of the easier engines form that vintage to find.
I think an engine would be find-able here. Might take a month or two but they turn up every once and a while.
Some nice vehicles here but all are seriously time worn .
I don’t like big cars but the Pontiac wagon looks really interesting .
The Datsun 620 would likely be the cheapest to resurrect, engines are dirt cheap everywhere .
-Nate
I’d take one of the two Chevrolet pickups. Reasonably restored, they bring good money.
That is definitely a thing to consider. I likely would not fully restore but rather revive for the road before passing it onto to someone else to finish it off.
The Datsun has to be the best buy, simply because its body is remarkable. (The Beaumont is the best-looker as a shape, to these eyes). Given other things you’ve shown us here over the years, I’d say it’s very much within your capabilities to pull out the Datto engine and put in another. (Even old tanglefingers here has changed the head on this very engine in situ). Surely you’d be able to get one in North America fairly easily, though I notice DougD has said “impossible”, and Nate has said “dirt cheap and everywhere”, so what do I know!
Yes, I thought that funny too. But Nate lives in California and I live in Ontario Canada so it’s quite possible that we’re both right!
Ah, of course.
Well, we’ll get Nate to post him one, then!
I’m no expert on 1967 Pontiac cars, and certainly not the Canadian variants, but I have to believe that the wagon pictured first has absolutely ZERO options. “Don’t try to sell me anything extra, Gordy, I just want it the way it comes!”
I once owned a ’79 Chevy C-10 longbed that was similarly equipped without power steering (and the same engine as the Poncho!). That Pontiac wagon probably weighed more than my truck. It’s no joke when folks call it “Armstrong steering”!
Being a Canadian Pontiac, the optional automatic would have been a two-speed Powerglide. Much better off with the 3 speed manual imo. The car does have a factory-looking AM radio, which I think was still an option.
If these were all in running condition, I’d be excited about the Buick Apollo. Any Apollo would be exciting, but especially the hatchback. Sadly even Apollo himself would struggle with bringing that car back into good shape.
Another car that I find oddly intriguing here is the two-door Jetta. Looks like it would be a good road trip car, especially for folks who aren’t in a hurry.
But I think what you really need is one of those heavy trucks.
Datsun 620 all day long. It’s the only one here that almost surely will be worth more when you are done with it than it is today and it has bags of style. As others have mentioned the engines do exist at least south of your border, and even if not there should not be big issues fitting one from a 720 in its place or even another Datsun model (says I who have not done anything of the sort myself…).
Or don’t you still have that Austin? It would be fitting to use an Austin engine in a Datsun again….
A great walk and show though, there are few things more interesting than a day of time and a row or more of old cars to look at with the strong possibility of taking one home.
I still have the Austin but not the engine. It was not seized but would have taken a fortune to possibly revive. I gave it away to someone for parts. But Datsun and Austin certainly have a lot of shared heritage.
Most of these are in too rough shape for someone with my (lack of) skill level to fix up, and most wouldn’t be worth all that much even in good condition. The Beaumont probably pulls at me the hardest, as it’s not something most people have seen or even heard of in the States. There was also a brand called Acadian sold at Canadian Pontiac dealers around this time – a Chevy II/Nova with a Pontiac-ish grille, but like the Beaumont was a standalone brand.
I’ve seen both Ed Anderson and Dick Teague (or some combination of the two) credited for the 1963 Rambler Classic styling – which was it? In any case, it’s a very handsome car, perhaps AMC’s best-looking car design.
Ed Anderson.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1963-rambler-classic-660-ed-andersons-departing-farewell-is-a-classic-as-well-as-motor-trends-coty/
That’s who I thought. (text in posting should be corrected then).
Thanks. Text corrected.
The Pontiac wagon with the Chevy six is compelling to me, but then you’ve already done that.
I’m a bit partial to the pickups, as they are generally simpler and easier to work on, and there’s no back gross or nasty seat to deal with. The typical saddle blanket pickup seat cover works like a charm in them. The Ford has the advantage of a steel bed floor.
It’s a bit hard to tell where the paint and surface rust begin and end on the Apollo. That adds to its appeal.
The ’64 Dodge has its appeal to me, beyond just the bumper sticker.
Looking forward to what you end up with.
Wait; you got rid of both your TSX and the Z car for a Hyundai Elantra? David; you’re losing your edge. 🙂
The MX-5 is gone too. A casualty of having a wife who went back to university I guess. The Elantra is cheap and cheerful with a five speed manual.
You make a good point on the simplicity around the truck interiors. The Ford being a custom cab makes the interior a lot nicer than the GMs.
I don’t know if I’d agree with la673 above regarding the ’63 Rambler as the best AMC design ever (I’d have to give the nod to the Javelin and its AMX variant), but that Rambler does tug at the heartstrings. Best looking Rambler ever! (IMHO)
As to what to pick David, if you are looking for a reliable road trip car that’s comfortable, the ’91 Regal should be a good choice. Those 3800 engines are fairly bullet proof, although I have heard some folks complain about the intake manifolds being plastic and prone to failure. I never had that problem with either of mine. The ’97 GTP and the ’98 Regal had the supercharged version, which had a metal intake manifold.
I like that ’80 Grand Prix, but you said your wife won’t like that one. And what’s up with mesh on those those headlights? It’s as though that car is identifying as a ’53 Corvette!
The Buick Regal is likely the easy and smart choice … but I usually pick something a little less so.
Those mesh covers on the headlights were supposed to prevent rock chips on gravel roads. In theory.
Just an outstanding report David, thank you! Based upon your fantastic work, restoring your Pontiac Laurentian for the Great Beater Challenge, I am finding the ’68 Beaumont quite appealing. Perhaps, it might interest you in a near Pontiac again? I love the exclusivity of the Canadiana aspect, as well.
Absolutely love the variety, rarity, and oddball nature, of so many of these autos. Loving the pickups, and medium trucks, as well. I very much recall those Datsun Sportrucks as a kid. And their distinctive logo.
You have some tough choices to make, if you select something here. To me, nothing really jumps out as fully expressing your unique style.
I sincerely appreciated this very pleasant Thursday surprise! Thank you again David!
I’d be very interested in the ’68 Beaumont but if the bidding goes too high it would easy to get upside down on. Same on the Datsun, the online buyers won’t know it has a seized engine so may bidding might go higher I would like.
It is fun to see the Beaumont. My uncle had purchased a 62 Chevy II wagon new with a six and automatic, which I thought was a great choice. Unfortunately he died the following year, but my aunt kept it until 1968. Some how my teenaged cousins talked their mother into buying a pale yellow 2 door Beaumont SD 396 automatic. She was a fairly conservative woman and I can’t imagine that she would have chosen such a car, but my cousins certainly enjoyed it. I never got t drive it, but I was a passenger many times.
The damage to the rear bumper filler on the 74 LeMans was caused from a broken exhaust.Tailpipe misalignment forcing exhaust up in between the body and bumper.Interesting scallops on the hood.
That makes sense, thanks.