1972 Dominion Elgin Crown Coupé
In 1972 Dominion completely overhauled the Elgin for what would turn out to be its last generation. Powered by an updated version of the Chinook 444 V8, it was Dominion’s first foray into fuel injection. The expensive and complicated system was well suited for a technological showcase on a luxury car, especially since Dominion didn’t have the prestigious image of pure luxury marques. This 444ci engine was tuned for smoothness with an output of 297 hp and 409 lb-ft. Other technological advancements in the construction were the monocoque body with semi trailing arm suspension, alloy wheels, and four wheel disc brakes,
Creature comforts included a standard four seat layout with front bucket seats (rear bench standard in the sedan, optional in the coupe, while front benches were optional for both), a newfangled 8-track player, and the most up to date safety features.
Dominion put in the effort for style with the Elgin, giving buyers a wide assortment of choices to option out their car to their liking. The exterior was available with or without a vinyl roof, available in complementary or contrasting colours to the wide assortment of metallic paints, as well as a few different wheel designs. For the interior, only the most comfortable of velours or leathers were available in a wide assortment of colours and patterns to suit any taste, also in complementary or contrasting colours to the paint.
With all that put into it, the Elgin still struggled to sell compared to established luxury marques but it was far from a failure. Dominion’s acquisition of Mont Royal and rebranding into Royal Canadian Motors a few years later is what truly gave them the luxury prestige they were missing.