ASSINIBOIA — Rivalling displays in much larger centres, Assiniboia, a southern Saskatchewan community with a population near 2,400, boasts an impeccable car collection thanks to area residents’ donations.
Many car collections are only found through private owners and get an endless supply of media attention, however, the museum in Assiniboia holds this world class car collection thanks to James Farquar and other donors.
“The car collection came over time, many years ago,” Museum Co-ordinator Sally Svenson, says.
“It started with the donation of one car from an estate. Then, another few cars came from another estate. Then there were a few more coming from a couple more estates. The majority of the vehicles, in this collection though, are from the James Farquhar estate, including the water car, Amphicar.”
Overall, Svenson says there are about six estates that contributed to the museum display.
The Ampichar was manufactured in 1964 — a convertible that could operate on land as well as in the water. There may be 300 or less of these unique motor vehicles throughout the world, making this addition to Assiniboia’s Museum valuable. This car puts the capital “C” in cool.
The collection includes 17 cars. Cars, like clothing, can reflect the styles of their era.
“Visitors from across Canada and including South Africa, Germany, United States, Netherlands and many more countries have been impressed with the almost assembly line look on the vehicles. Each car receives great ratings, and we do appreciate each comment about the car collection in the Museum,” adds Svenson.
The oldest car is a 1916 Chalmers, which was built by a small company, manufacturing over three years. The newest vehicle on display is a 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid , which is the first generation of electric and gas car.
This collection has attracted special visitors. Svenson affirms that several car magazine writers have come from Kentucky, North Carolina, Germany and from across Canada. The car display has also attracted collectors, and car show enthusiasts.
While Svenson acknowledges their car collection is one of the attraction factors for the Assiniboia & District Historical Museum, several other attractions including the Prentice Safari Collection.
Want to see an early prelude to the era of muscle cars? This remarkable car collection includes a 1947 Chevy Fleet master.
Many of the automobiles on display not only provide an insightful look into the styles and tastes of the past, but showcase some of these classic cars in their original state.
The walk back in history on display at this small-town historical centre showcases Depression era, post-depression era and post-war wants and needs by vehicle manufacturers. Visitors can marvel at the large bench seats, lack of seatbelts or many safety devices of today for that matter, but still the look of luxury and promise.
While some maintain there isn’t anything to scoff at when someone customizes a classic car, the Assiniboia Museum showcases these cars as they were built, giving the visitor a sense of how things really were when they were in use for families, travelling businessmen and leisure use.
