Family auctions late pilot’s classic car collection

A retired Air Canada pilot’s collection of antique automobiles has sold at auction, including early Canadian-built cars and luxury British marques that reflected his lifelong passions for aviation and classic vehicles.

The late Roger Hadfield, who died in June 2025 at age 91, amassed a collection focused on pre-war models, particularly those from the 1920s. His sons, Phil, Dave, and Chris Hadfield, inherited his enthusiasm, with Chris becoming Canada’s most recognizable astronaut. The family recently auctioned off nine vehicles from Hadfield’s collection through Bring a Trailer, including three Ford Model Ts built in Canada between 1915 and 1927. These sold for between $8,200 and $12,000, alongside two McLaughlin-Buicks from 1918 and 1924, which also fetched similar prices.

The auctions followed an earlier sale in early October, hosted by RM Sotheby’s in Hershey, Pennsylvania. That event included Rolls-Royce models from 1924, 1935, 1949, 1957, and 1958, which ranged in value from $17,920 to $75,600, as well as a mid-1950s Bentley. Among the oldest vehicles sold were a 1908 International Harvester and a 1900-era “High-Wheeler” of unknown make, alongside pre-war models like a 1912 Hupmobile and a 1923 Ruggles.

Hadfield’s collection also included early Canadian-built cars, such as the McLaughlin-Buick, founded by Sam McLaughlin in 1918, the same year he established General Motors of Canada. The family’s decision to auction these vehicles marks the dispersal of a significant part of his legacy, blending automotive history with the broader Hadfield family’s contributions to aviation.

Unlike many classic car collectors who focus on a single era or brand, Hadfield’s collection spanned decades and continents. His preference for British luxury marques, particularly Rolls-Royce and Bentley, paired with his interest in early Canadian manufacturing created a unique blend of global and local automotive heritage. The sales highlight how personal collections often tell broader stories about the eras they represent.

The auctions closed on November 5, concluding a months-long process of selling off portions of Hadfield’s collection. The proceeds will likely support the family’s ongoing interests, though no details on their intended use have been disclosed.