Canadian Vehicles

The Canadian Automotive Museum maintains the world's foremost collection of pre-War Canadian vehicles, including many rare Canadian marques.

Canadian Vehicles at the Canadian Automotive Museum

Prior to the First World War numerous small car companies appeared primarily in Ontario due their proximity to their American counterparts in Michigan and Ohio. Popular American brands were produced in Canadian factories in order to gain access to the market while avoiding import tariffs. By the 1920s the Canadian car industry had evolved far beyond its humble origins, but economic troubles during the Great Depression ultimately lead to the failure of all of Canada's independent automotive companies.

After the Second World War cars produced in Canada remained distinctively different than their American counterparts. The 1965 Autopact removed tariffs and allowed vehicles to cross between the United States and Canada, ultimately signalling the end to unique Canadian models. Since the 1960s several unique Canadian car concepts have been attempted, but none again successfully mass-produced.

Click on the image of a vehicle to learn more!