Canada's oldest car, a
steam-powered buggy, was conceived by Henry Seth Taylor, a skilled
jeweller, watchmaker and inventor. He unveiled his new vehicle at a fair
in Stanstead, Quebec in 1867. Curious onlookers became sceptics when a
steam hose burst and both the inventor and invention were engulfed in
steam. Although the carriage had to be pushed home, history had been made.
This 15-mph vehicle became Canada's first self-propelled car and one of
the earliest steam cars in North America.
Taylor continued to demonstrate his steam buggy but the idea of
steam-powered carriages was not a popular one. It continued to be used as
the only option available until electric and internal combustion engines
appeared in the 1890s.Taylor's buggy soon crashed due to a slight
oversight - no brakes!
Townships Heritage
Canoe 2000
