The Oshawa Autofest was an exceptional event, featuring over a thousand unique vehicles spread across Lakeview Park. From hot rods to modern muscle, the two-day weekend event was a thrilling showcase of wild and spectacular rides. However, among the impressive array of cars, there was one that stood out not only as a one-of-a-kind gem but also as a significant piece of Canadian history.

Front of the Ferguson Super Sport

Starting in 1953, Avro Canada embarked on the ambitious journey of designing a cutting-edge jet-powered interceptor aircraft known as the CF-105 Arrow. This aircraft was intended to achieve incredible speeds of Mach 2 and become a timeless aviation marvel. Despite having a prototype in development and a dedicated team of engineers and production experts, the program came to an abrupt end in 1959, leading to the company's downfall just a few short years later. As Avro Canada faded into history, its former employees scattered into various new ventures and pursued different career paths.

Rear of the Ferguson Super Sport

Ross Ferguson, a former Avro employee, refused to let his aviation engineering expertise go to waste. He embarked on a new endeavour, channelling his skills into a fresh project. Having been one of the machinists responsible for the tooling of the Orenda turbojet engines, Ross transformed his previous career into a passion for instructing young minds as a machine shop class instructor. Meanwhile, in the confines of his home garage, he began crafting a unique sports car, unlike anything anyone had seen before. Over the course of nearly a decade, Mr. Ferguson meticulously constructed his one-of-a-kind sports car entirely from scratch. Finally, in 1967, his long-held vision became a reality.

The unique one off Ferguson Super Sport emblem

Ross Ferguson poured his heart and expertise into every aspect of this roadster, personally handcrafting and engineering each component. The chassis was meticulously constructed using a tubular frame design, while the drivetrain featured a Ford 289 V8 engine paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, ingeniously attached to a rear-mounted transaxle. Ross sculpted the body in fibreglass, meticulously shaping it around a wooden skeleton, which served as a template for creating the one-of-a-kind bodywork.

Inside of the Ferguson Super Sport

Recently, the remarkable history of Ross Ferguson and his Super Sport has begun to receive the recognition it truly deserves. The current owner, Chris, acquired this exceptional sports car from Ross's family after his passing. In addition to obtaining the Super Sport, Chris also received a treasure trove of photographs and a detailed account of its incredible history. Now, Chris is dedicated to sharing this captivating story with the rest of the world, ensuring that Ross Ferguson's legacy lives on.

Inside of the Ferguson Super Sport

While attending Oshawa's Autofest Nationals, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a world of thousands of classic cars, each one more unique than the last. Among them, one remarkable gem stood out: the 1967 Ferguson Super Sport. Crafted by Ross Ferguson, a former engineer involved in the Avro Arrow jet interceptor project, this car was a testament to his unwavering passion for speed and craftsmanship. Ross leveraged his skills to handcraft his dream sports car from the ground up. Today, the Ferguson Super Sport is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, thanks to its current owner, Chris, who is dedicated to sharing its fascinating history and story with anyone eager to learn more.

Inside of the Ferguson Super Sport

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics

The information in this article was supplied from both a quick conversation with Chris himself and from Nicholas Maronese personal account and article from Chris over at driving.ca, along with Wikipedia for information on the Avro Arrow project.
https://driving.ca/feature/the-ferguson-super-sport-was-a-homemade-sports-car-built-from-the-avro-arrows-ashes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-105_Arrow