Rugby (automobile)
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The Rugby was a brand of automobiles assembled by the Durant Motors Company of New York City, New York (USA). Beside badges and right-hand drive for some models, the vehicle was identical to Durant's Star car, and was assigned to export markets by Durant Motors, due to the name Star being under copyright by the Star Motor Company in the British Commonwealth. The Rugby was built from 1923 (Star: 1922) and production ended in 1928 together with the Star. Star car 4 cyl ended Oct 1928 but 6 cyl Dec 31 1927. Name changed to Durant and all 4 cyl Durants exported carry the Rugby name to end of Durant line in Canada 1932.
Also, commercial cars were based on the Rugby. Very few Durant commercial vehicles were rebadged Rugby's and sold in the US for 1928. Commercial truck 6 cyl effective Jan 1 1928 were Rugby to end of 1933 at Dominion Motors in Leaside, 4 cyl effective Sept 5 and later to end of 1932 also Dominion Motors. Only remaining US plant in 1931 was Lansing which stopped Aug 1931. Leaside became totally Canadian owned and operated Jan 14 1931 to make whatever it wanted, they chose to continue the Durant into 1932 and Rugby 1933. Name of plant changed to Dominion Motors. REO was also built there 1932 and after. Aug 1931 Dominion made the Canadian Frontenac car Aug 1931 to end of 1933. All production stopped Dec 1933, charter was finally turned in 1944 ending the only all Canadian auto maker since.
Production of the Rugby is confirmed for the Durant plants:
- Elizabeth, New Jersey (Star and Rugby)
- Lansing, Michigan (Star and Rugby)
- Long Island City, New York (Star)
- Oakland, California (Star and Rugby)
- Leaside (Toronto), Canada (Star and Rugby)
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- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States
- Durant Motors
- Vintage vehicles
- Vintage auto stubs