Vancouver is a city where the automobile has had great influence.
While it was founded before cars were commonplace, the first vehicles arrived on local streets less than 15 years after the city's official birthday.
That means, as settlers cleared the land and organized the area, motorized vehicles were taken into account. In fact, one of the world's was created in Vancouver. And the city's fire department was one of the first to be motoroized.
Here are some other facts about Vancouver's motorized vehicles, automobiles and other similar contraptions.
1. The first motorized ambulance in Vancouver ran into a pedestrian, killing him
In 1909 Vancouver's first motorized ambulance arrived in the city. Eager for a test drive Charles Cocking took it out a spin.
That journey turned tragic when the ambulance hit an American tourist, immediately.
2. Canada's oldest Harley-Davidson dealership is in Vancouver
There are few brands as recognizable globally as Harley-Davidson and a Vancouver bicycle shop got in on the ground floor.
Started by Fred Deeley, (Trev was Fred's son who took over the business) has been selling the iconic motorbikes since 1917, when he started distributing the Milwaukee-based brand. At the time it wasn't too well-known, but that changed over the years, with the Deeley's along for the ride.
3. Almost two dozen cars were dumped in English Bay on purpose
The Austin A40 was a popular car in the 1940s and was sold across the U.K., Canada and other countries.
Fred Deeley (yes, the same one) was a massive distributor of the cars, and decided to hold a show of the popular car in Vancouver, bringing dozens of cars by sea to the city.
Not all of them made it.
After a fire broke out on the ship carrying the cars, a fireboat used salt water to douse the flames. That meant 22 of the cars were damaged by fire and water, leading Austin executives to decide to English Bay area after being stripped of parts and tires.
4. There used to be car races at Hastings Park
The Hastings Park racecourse has been used for horse races for over 100 years, and is a famous venue to watch thoroughbreds charge down a track.
However, for a period it was also , including the dirt course.
Races were held there once in a while between 1907 and 1927.
5. Metro Vancouver has a vintage truck museum
With trucks dating all the way back to 1914, the is tucked away in Cloverdale, a bit of a distance from the downtown core.
Along with the 109-year-old truck there are examples from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. There are also tools, gear, and other truck paraphernalia from B.C.'s past.
