I wish I knew more about these vehicles. This is the site that I used to visit:
http://www.rcaca.org/AFV-1935-Armd-Cars.htm
This is my version:
'In 1934, Ford and General Motors were each invited to build an experimental armoured car to undergo testing by the Permanent Force. The deal involved the government paying for the materials and chassis while the companies paid for the design work and assembly. In the end the government paid $2,500.00 compared to Ford and GM of Canada who each paid $9,000.00 to build their respective cars. The Ford differed from the Chevrolet in that it had dual wheels on the second and third axles, a V-8 gasoline engine as against the Chevrolet 6-cylinder, and the armour plating was welded rather than riveted and bolted. Both armoured cars had a maximum speed of 30 mph, and the Ford was able to do 8 m.p.h. in reverse. The Ford was registered in Ontario with 822 C and the Chevrolet 830 C. It was intended that each of the vehicles would be armed with the Vickers Mk. VI medium machine gun but these were delayed as the feed mechanisms were on the wrong side, having been originally designed by the British for right hand drive vehicles. The cars underwent testing at Camp Petawawa, Ontario with the Royal Canadian Dragoons where it was found that both performed satisfactorily. The ten-wheel Ford performed the best in off-road tests and the six-wheel Chevrolet excelled on roads. Orders for further cars failed to materialise because of budgetary limitations and the Ford experimental Armoured Car was shipped to Winnipeg, Manitoba for use by the Lord Strathcona’s Horse. The Chevrolet remained with the RCD Other than the handful of Carden-Loyd carriers obtained in 1931 these two armoured cars were the only armoured vehicle procurements by the PF until the acquisition of two British Vickers Mk. VI B Light Tanks in 1938. However many design features lent themselves to future developments.'
I have yet to find the DND file relating to them...perhaps Clive knows where it is in the NA?
Here is something from another file on the WD-pattern trucks:
'The first fateful meeting of the DND, GM of Canada and Ford Motor Company of Canada was held 15 December 1936. Carmichael and Campbell [of Ford adn GM of Canada] called upon the MGO Major-General Caldwell, with Colonel Carr and assistant being present. Campbell and Carmichael agreed to co-operate with the DND in regard to the development of ‘War Office pattern short wheelbase vehicles’, and agreed to pool resources to achieve this with minimum capital outlay. The ‘auto men’ reminded that they had expended in time and labour a sum equivalent to approximately C$8,500 in developing ‘the armoured car’ ... It was hoped that the DND did not require co-operation on the same financial basis'.
There is a photo of the Ford in WHEELS & TRACKS # 25, as well as of both cars as posted. I am seeking high-res or quality photos of the two cars please for suitable remuneration!!