Driver: Kurt Penner
Co-driver: James Murphy
Car: 1965 Beaumont Sport Deluxe Convertible
Division: Targa 1
Country: Canada
Fan favourite Team Jellybean back for more Targa action
The Targa dream became a reality for Team Jellybean around 2021 when preparation for a very special 1966 Mustang belonging to James Murphy began. Dubbed “Unstabled”, this Mustang is poised to break out of any stable trying to contain it. In short form, it sports a handmade wide-body conversion to get some serious rubber in the fenders (and look cool), a complete custom chassis/suspension and 700 ponies under the hood. But we aren’t here to talk about that car. That conversation will be held soon though, as work continues to make it ready for Targa 2.
In the process of building this car, Kurt and his wife, Luona, got more and more interested in this epic race, and the decision was made to bring out their classic ’65 Beaumont convertible in 2024. The original plan had both cars being there, but many obstacles stood in the way of James’ Mustang making this event, so that plan didn’t materialize.
Team Jellybean’s Beaumont is a car with a lot of stories to tell. Originally acquired in 1994, the car received a cosmetic restoration and few mechanical upgrades. It then spent the next 30 years as a daily driver and road trip car every summer. This meant seeing about 320,000 km or nearly 200,000 miles all over Canada and the U.S.
The year 2024 saw the car get a bit of a transformation as the stock 14” wheels and hubcaps were swapped for 17” Forgelites and a proper set of tires. A rollbar was added, along with a set of proper seats and seatbelts. Add in a sticker package that is visible from a mile away, and the car was set for an unbelievable adventure: Driving from the west coast of Canada all the way to the east coast, participate in Targa, and then drive it back – 19,000 kms in under six weeks. That got us the “Spirit of Targa” award, which we are quite proud of. We also got another award, which saw us become the caretakers of Terry the Targa Puffin, but that’s another story.
So lets talk about 2025. Unfortunately, obstacles still stand in the way of Team Unstabled and their amazing ’66 Mustang, so the decision was made to join forces and come out with the Beaumont again, but this time step up to Targa 1 and see what the old ragtop can do there. James Murphy signed up as co driver, which will give him a better picture of what to expect when he does come for Targa 2. Meanwhile the Beaumont also needed to step up the game to compete. Speedtech front suspension went in to replace the stock stuff, and skid plates are being added (learned that lesson last year) as well as a bit of extra power.
James comes from a drag racing background, so Targa will be a new challenge in focus and endurance. He is well versed in pushing his limits and competing in a tough field, running a construction company that has won some of the top awards in his industry. He is no stranger to committing to a task and excelling at it.
Kurt is a lifetime car enthusiast who runs Jellybean Autocrafters, a shop that builds some pretty special rides. Jellybean Autocrafters is a show-winning performance car builder and restorer in Langley, British Columbia. His happy place is behind the wheel of a car on a twisty road, or in the shop shaping metal panels, but he is hoping not to have those two worlds come together at Targa.
Officially James will be tasked with giving orders, and Kurt’s job is to stay on the pavement this time. We are looking forward to stepping up to something a bit more competitive, see you all there!!
About the Car – 1965 Beaumont Sport Deluxe Convertible
The Beaumont is a Canadian built car, one of approximately 400 built as SD convertibles by General Motors. In 1964 and 1965, GM of Canada sold an “Acadian Beaumont” based on the Chevelle A-body platform. Beaumonts were sold at Pontiac-Buick Dealers primarily for the Canadian market.
While the Penners’ car appears mostly stock, Kurt did a number of upgrades such as disc brakes, quicker ratio steering and suspension mods to improve drivability and handling.
“This is one of our primary vehicles we use to demonstrate how reliable a classic car can be,” says Kurt.
Along the way and throughout Targa, people crowded around the car asking the couple questions about their adventure and signing the hood, which will be mounted at the Jellybean shop. The Penners and their car also attracted a lot of media attention such as this story on CBC TV: This Targa driver dipped his car’s wheels into the Pacific ocean | CBC.ca
“Targa has been one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done,” says Kurt. “The roads that we’re running, the scenery, the people of Newfoundland … everything is just unbelievable. It has been a fantastic experience.”
