Fossmobile, Canada’s First Gas-Powered Car, Reborn After 125 Years
Canada's first successful internal combustion, gasoline engine automobile, the Fossmobile created by Sherbrooke, Quebec-based mechanic and bicycle repairman George Foote Foss in 1897, turns 125 this year. A meticulously developed replica built by his grandson, Ron Foss, was unveiled on Wednesday night in Burlington, Ontario.
Never heard of the Fossmobile? Well, let’s refresh your memory.
- Also: Project Arrow: Future All-Canadian EV Gets More Public Funding
- Also: RM: A Canadian Success Story
In 1896, during a trip to Boston, George Foss discovered electrically driven broughams that were rented out for $4.00 an hour. Foss paid the fee, but unfortunately, after a ride of only half an hour, the batteries died. Returning to Sherbrooke, he decided to build an automobile with an internal combustion engine that would address this problem.
Only one copy of the Fossmobile was ever made. Foss turned down an offer to partner with Henry Ford, who went on to form the Ford Motor Company (what a mistake that was, in retrospect). He also refused financial backing to mass produce the Fossmobile because he was in his early twenties and didn’t want any debt.
Foss drove his car in and around Sherbrooke for four years. He later moved to Montreal where the car sat idle for a year before he sold it for $75 in 1902. Despite scouring the continent for many years, Ron Foss never managed to track his grandfather’s invention, so in 2019 he decided to recreate it as a tribute.
A Colossal Challenge
Since there were no original drawings or blueprints, the replica had to be based solely on detailed scrutiny of original Fossmobile photos, with the help of automotive historians and restauration experts. Ron Foss also refered to a 1901 Crestmobile he found in Boston that could have been inspired by the Fossmobile.
Naturally, he insisted on acquiring vintage parts from the era—including the engine, wooden body, chassis and wheels—replicating parts only when it was absolutely necessary. By the way, the single-cylinder engine driving the original Fossmobile produced a mere four horsepower.
The Foss family and Fossmobile Enterprises teamed up with Legendary Motorcar Company in Halton Hills, Ontario, which has a team of professional craftsmen dedicated to the restoration of vintage and classic automobiles. The late 1890s wood body restoration and custom fabrication of the seat was completed by Canadian Wood Craftsman in Chatsworth. To complement the old buggy look, seat cushions were hand-made by Custom Touch Upholstery in Burlington.
The refurbishing of the wheels, spokes and acquisition of period-correct tires were completed by Wolfe Worx in London, while the need for all-new custom elliptical leaf spring suspension was awarded to Dendoff Springs Limited in Surrey, B.C.
One of the biggest challenges was the tiller, a complex mechanical part that served multiple purposes including steering, acceleration and engine start.
What’s Next?
The whole project represents an investment of more than $75,000, a large part of which came from public donations and corporate sponsorships. The Fossmobile tribute is not operational, however, so you won’t see it on a road near you at any point in time.
Following a stop in Sherbrooke this summer, the car will be donated to the Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa. The museum’s curator, Alex Gates, said last night that it will be loaned to other organizations for various events in the future so that all Canadians can explore the Fossmobile from up close and learn about this key piece of our automotive history.
