‘Beaut’ of a Beaumont visits base

Base Commander, Capt(N) Sam Sader gets behind the wheel of a unique 1968 Beaumont Convertible. He was joined by Base Chief, CPO1 Al Darragh and Rex Landis of Habitat for Humanity Kamloops. Landis was in town July 28 to help promote a raffle for the classic car that is being used as a fundraiser for the non-profit to support veterans. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Base Commander, Captain(N) Sam Sader slid behind the wheel of a $102,500 vintage Pontiac Beaumont convertible last week in support of a fundraising drive for veterans.

The 1968 eye-catching plum red classic car was brought to Victoria from the mainland by Rex Landis, a former navy officer and now Donations and Procurement Donations Co-ordinator for the Kamloops branch of Habitat For Humanity.

The restored car is the winning prize for this year’s Habitat For Humanity car raffle. Proceeds from ticket sales will support a few veteran-centric initiatives.

“I would like to win this car, it’s beautiful but the cause is even more beautiful,” said Capt(N) Sader. “It is so remarkable that we have former service members like Rex giving their time and energy to assist something that is so fundamentally critical to our veterans and seniors, which is affordable housing.”

Landis towed the car in a large trailer to Victoria to ensure a safe trip. During his week-long visit, he showcased it in Langley, Sidney, Saanich, Shawnigan Lake, Victoria, and Powell River to raise awareness of the raffle.

Given the car’s beauty factor and the cause of the auction, he hasn’t needed a sales pitch to convince people to buy one of the 50,000 raffle tickets.

“The response to the car and what we are doing has been amazing from everyone I have spoken with. I also have encountered many veterans and current serving members in my travels who are very enthusiastic about this car, impressed with Habitat for Humanity, and want to help out with what we are doing in any way they can.”

This Beaumont was specifically manufactured in Canada with only 47 ever made. Features include a 385 horse power engine, automatic transmission, new convertible top, dashboard and black leather upholstery, all courtesy Okanagan Valley classic car experts The Rust Brothers who are featured on the History Channel series Rust Valley Restorers.

“No wonder so many people exclaim ‘What a beaut’ when they see the car in person,” says Landis.

The draw for the winning raffle ticket will be held, Dec. 16 and live-streamed on Kamloops television station CFJC. For more information about the contest or to purchase tickets visit www.kamloopscarraffle.ca

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