9 Classic Cars That Were Built In Canada
Canada has a long, storied history of building classic cars (and trucks!).
During the 1950s, commonly referred to as the birth of automobile culture in North America, Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors (along with some other obscure, defunct names in automobiles) began producing some of the most iconic car brands in the world.
This blog takes a look into the history of some of Canadian’s favourite classic cars and trucks.
Before We Get to the Good Stuff…
If you own classic cars, antique cars, or vintage cars, you have likely invested in restoring your vehicle and maintaining it.
This is why we partner with Hagerty to offer car insurance that is specific to antique and classic vehicles. Our insurance company is committed to supporting you with the best classic car insurance available in Guelph and the surrounding areas so that you can rest assured that your collector vehicles are fully protected.
Canadian-Made Classic Cars
1. Acadian Canso
The Acadian Canso was a General Motors car that was only produced in Canada. Production ran on the Canso from 1962-1971. The necessity for the Canso was due to the fact that Canadian Pontiac-Buick dealers wanted a compact car to sell in lieu of the Pontiac Tempest, which was unavailable in Canada.
2. Pontiac Grande Parisienne Sport Coupe
Built in Oshawa, Ontario, the Grande Parisienne was, in fact, grande. This boat-sized car was a top-of-the-line GM product in Canada and came with the most luxurious fabrics at the time. The Parisienne was, mechanically, identical to the Chevrolet Impala, just a bit more stylish.
3. Mercury M-100
The Mercury (Ford) M-100 began production in 1946 and it ran until 1968. It’s nearly identical American counterpart was the Ford F-Series truck. We’ve come to know this well as it’s continually Canada’s best-selling vehicle. Notice how much bigger trucks have gotten since the mid-20th century!
4. Fargo Trucks
According to an old timey magazine ad in Windsor, the Fargo was built in Canada by Chrysler and covered 98% of all hauling and delivery needs! Impressive claims from a brand that many people have never heard of. Fargo Motor Car Company was purchased by the Chrysler Corporation in 1928, and later, Chrysler absorbed Dodge at which point the Fargo badge was replaced with a Dodge badge.
5. Volvo 122
Assembled in Halifax, NS, the 122 was affectionately called the “Canadian”. If you can believe this, in 1959, Volvo Canada became the first car company to provide front seatbelts as a standard piece of equipment. The design of the Canadian heavily influenced cars like the Chrysler New Yorker (in the Canadian’s later models) and 300C…no kidding!
6. Ford Frontenac
There are few words that sound more Canadian than Frontenac, which might have had something to do with why Ford Canada introduced the Frontenac as a compact option for Mercury-Meteor dealerships across the country. This beautiful car was produced in Oakville, ON.
7. The Manic GT
The only way this ad could feel any more 1970s is if the model was wearing bell bottom jeans, the car was blasting Led Zeppelin, and it was featured beside the broadcast schedule for M*A*S*H in the TV guide. Produced in Quebec in Terrebonne and Granby, the two-door sports car was made by a company called Les Automobiles Manic. Its namesake vehicle was named after Quebec’s Manicouagan River.
8. Dodge Regent
Another beautiful vehicle to roll off the Dodge automobile lines in Windsor was the Regent. It was produced from 1951-1959 and came in both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. For all intents and purposes, the Regent was a Canadian-made Plymouth Cranbrook — but that’s okay because it was certifiably gorgeous, regardless of its similarities.
9. Pontiac Beaumont Cheetah
Referred to as a Canadian supercar, the Beaumont Cheetah was a cross between the Chevelle SS and a GTO. Their V-8 engines produced 450 horsepower to complement the strikingly good looks on this Oshawa, Ontario classic.
The Classic Car Tradition Continues Today
Classic cars are among the few pieces of history that you can actually partake in; you can literally drive history down Ontario’s picturesque roads and through our wonderful towns and cities.
Thankfully, the classic car culture is still alive and well, and that’s why The Ostic Group wants to make sure that your piece of four-wheeled history is properly insured. We work with Hagerty, the world’s largest provider of specialty insurance for collectible vehicles, to make sure your ride is protected.
To start your classic car quote, click here.