Sweet Prime Minister Rides Through History
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock
With the election just around the corner, the topic of Canadian conversation is politics. While this is important, there’s always time for a quick trip down memory lane.
In honour of Canada’s distinguished history of democratically-elected leaders, let’s take a moment to reflect on our Prime Ministers and their sweet rides through time.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his Napier Open Car
Image Courtesy of Vancouver Archives (Public Domain)
Considered by many to be one of the best Prime Ministers, Sir Wilfrid Laurier came to power during a tumultuous time in Canada’s history. Laurier’s tenure as PM saw great change with the establishment of the Albertan and Saskatchewan provinces; large waves of immigration; and the beginnings of Canada’s identity apart from the British Empire.
Laurier is best known for his appearances in a Napier open car. Here is a picture of Laurier attending the opening of the Vancouver Exhibition at Hastings Park in 1910 in the Napier.
John Diefenbaker and his Oldsmobile 88
Image Courtesy of Alf van Beem (Public Domain)
John Diefenbaker was a Progressive Conservative hailing from the freshly minted province of Saskatchewan. He didn’t look like the Conservative we know today, he appointed the first female minister to his Cabinet; introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights; and recognized the rights of the Aboriginal and Inuit peoples to vote in elections.
He also eschewed the Cadillac favoured by past PMs and went with a more modest Oldsmobile 88.
Lester B Pearson and his Packard Super 8
Image Courtesy of Bull-Doser (Public Domain)
Lester B Pearson was a singularly distinguished individual. A Nobel Prize winner, Pearson was an airman, a diplomat, and a hockey player. He advanced the Canadian cause with his contributions of universal health care, the Canadian Pension Plan, and the Canadian flag.
Pearson and his family favoured a Packard Super 8 Touring for jaunts around town.
Pierre Trudeau and his Mercedes 300 SL
Image Courtesy of FotoSleuth (CC 2.0)
Pierre Trudeau had a panache that hasn’t been seen since his term as PM. “Reason before passion” was his personal motto and his contributions include the Official Languages Act – which recognized both English and French as Canada’s official languages – and a strong attempt to patriate a Canadian constitution.
Trudeau’s silver convertible Mercedes 300 SL has been kept in the family; Justin inherited the car after his father’s death.
Even our Prime Ministers would need coverage for their cars, shop around for the best insurance rate for your own sweet ride.