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The Gray-Dort Touring Car
Broadcast Date: Oct. 5, 2001
The Gray-Dort Motor Company produced thousands of motorized vehicles for customers in Canada until 1925. In this 2001 report from CBC-TV's Bob Steele, we learn about William Gray and his first car manufactured in Chatham, Ont.The Gray-Dort Touring Car
• The Gray-Dort was designed and built in Chatham, Ont. beginning in 1915. The components were made in the United States by the Dort Motor Company, while Gray made the body and accessories. Gray obtained the manufacturing rights to produce the Dort Model-11 in 1914.• By 1921, the Gray-Dort Company had over 800 employees at three different plants: sheet metal, body-building and assembly. They also had over 300 dealers across the country.
• Canadians responded well to the new automobile. The Gray-Dort was as popular as a Ford or Chevrolet, and priced below the McLaughlin-Buick.
• In 1924 the Dort Motor Company decided to cease production sending the Gray company into serious debt. Gray couldn't find a suitable partner to manufacture the chassis. Consequently, Gray had to close the business a year later. The company produced over 25,000 cars during its existence.
The Gray-Dort Touring Car
Medium: Television
Program: CBC News at Six
Broadcast Date: Oct. 5, 2001
Guest(s): Tanya Neave
Reporter: Bob Steele
Duration: 0:46
Last updated:
Dec. 20, 2011
The Gray-Dort Touring Car.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Dec. 20, 2011.
[Page consulted on Feb. 23, 2012.]