Bell, Barrie (Canada) - AllCarIndex

The Barrie Carriage Company, based in Barrie, Ontario, was established in 1903 as a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages. In 1915, under the leadership of Simon Dyment, the company ventured into the automotive industry by assembling vehicles from the American BELL brand. The first automobiles were produced in 1916, initially utilizing entirely imported components. Over time, the company began to manufacture some parts locally, including upholstery and tops, while also incorporating Lycoming engines into their vehicles.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the production of Barrie cars faced significant challenges. The company produced between 20 and 40 vehicles before ceasing operations in May 1918. Factors contributing to the shutdown included poor workmanship, a lack of experienced staff, and shortages of materials due to World War I.