Russell Model L, 1908, Deluxe Touring Car

The "Russell" was the first mass-produced in Canada car with an engine and chassis built in Canada. Rather than evolving from a carriage-making company, the "Russell" was created by the Canada Cycle and Motor Company, popularly known as CCM. Named after Thomas Alexander Russell, later president of CCM, the first Model A appeared in 1905. It featured a front-mounted engine, shaft drive, rear hub brakes, a three-speed forward and one-speed reverse transmission. Several other "Russell" models were introduced and by 1908 cars with 50-hp engines were available. After the company acquired the manufacturing rights to the Knight sleeve-valve engine in 1910, it concentrated on luxury automobiles. The Model L was a more affordable car featuring a hand horn, brass side and tail lamps, acetylene headlamps and a 4-cylinder, 24-hp engine. It had an extra wide 56.5 inch wheel tread to avoid slipping into ruts left by horse-drawn carriages.