The Canadian Difference

(created 06-22-03)

This page is submitted by Roger L. Currie, who has observed a few differences between the Oakville, Ontario, Canada assembled full-size cars and those assembled in the Untied States.  After reviewing his observations and pictures in the registry, Roger's descriptions of those differences seem to hold true.  These differences can be seen in the Custom 500 2-Door Sedan (RN 727),   the Galaxie 500 2-Door Hardtop (RN 712)   and the Galaxie 500 XL 2-Door Hardtop (RN 1288). 

Here are Roger's observations.

Prior to the auto pact of 1965, many cars sold in Canada were also built there, due to trade barriers.  Virtually all Fords before 1966 and many, if not most '66's sold in Canada were built in Oakville, Ontario. Here's what I know so far, according to Canadian sales literature

Canadian Engines

240, 289,390-2V, 427-4&8V, 428 (352-4V & 390-4V Not Available)

Outside mirror-round type as opposed to trapezoid, also Safety-Convenience panel and speed control not available. Also, and I haven't verified this, I believe AC was unavailable in Canadian built cars until 1968. I am going by the Meteor brochures here, which, although they share Galaxie dashes and interiors, make no mention of AC in the options list. I have personally seen an AC equipped '66 LTD in Saskatoon, but I believe it was a US import. 

Another funny thing, is I believe all 7-liters were US built, every one I have seen in Canada had the pre-67 style trapezoid shaped remote mirror, while no Canadian built car I have seen ever did have the remote mirror. For a long time, I believed this mirror was included in the 7 liter package. Hence, I think no Canadian plant built a 7 liter.  Also, I have seen only one 352 '66 here, must have been imported. The fender flag color is blue, as opposed to red.

Manager's note: Of the 416 7-Litres in the 1966 Ford Full-Size Registry database, none were assembled in Canada.