In 1903, weakness in the
bicycle market prompted
Canada Cycle and Motor Co. (C.C.M.), a bicycle manufacturer, to acquire the assets of Canadian Motors Ltd., a failed automobile producer. Tommy Russell (1877–1940), C.C.M.'s new general manager, saw an opportunity to diversify his company's product line. From 1903 to 1905, C.C.M.'s new automobile division, named
Russell Motor Car Company with Russell serving as president, began production of electric-powered two-passenger
runabouts branded Ivanhoe. In 1905, the company produced its first "Model A" car with a two-cylinder gasoline engine. A larger "Model B", and a four-cylinder "Model C", arrived in 1906. A 40
horsepower touring car was introduced in 1907, with a more prestigious 50
horsepower model coming in 1908. The company began to experience difficulties with its
sleeve valve engines in 1913, sold as
Russell-Knights. A downturn in the high-end market, coupled with the commencement of the
First World War in 1914, resulted in Russell selling its automobile production business to the
American manufacturer
Willys-Overland Motors in 1916. Russell produced
munitions during the war, and manufactured automobile parts after the war ended. In 1938, the company changed its name to Russell Industries Limited, as it continued its shift away from the automobile industry, expanding into the manufacture of machine parts. The company continued to exist into the 1950s. == Gallery ==