2005 T-Rex (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

To build a T-Rex, the company basically purchases Ninja ZX-12 sport bikes and cannibalizes 154 pieces off them. They outsource the construction of components such as the tubular frame and reinforced fiberlass body, and the assembly is done at the company's plant in Plessisville, Quebec. So few have been sold so far, that people have rarely seen any on the road, and the few who have probably never guessed this is a Canadian conception. The design of the T-Rex's body was shown to the world way back in 1994. However, its styling still seems fresh after 11 years.

Back then, the company was named Campagna after the founder, Daniel Campagna. A cash flow problem and creditors knocking on their doors forced them to shut down in October 2003 with 52 vehicles on order. They were bought out by T-Rex Vehicles Inc., who picked up where business left off in July 2004. Since then, they sold 111 vehicles, and a portion of them went to the United States. The company pointed out that of the 52 orders booked when Campagna closed, 42 were still willing to wait for their T-Rex 9 months later, which proves how exciting the product is.

My colleague Mathieu Germain straps up for the ride of his life--right before mine. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

When speaking sales numbers, they haven't been great. The first one was sold back in 1994, and the first one sold on U.S. soil was sold in 2001. However, it's not the product's fault, but rather the previous company's failure to meet delivery dates. In fact, it is quite the contrary, as the T-Rex company must answer countless emails to people begging to buy one or sell them in other countries. So, the potential is there, but T-Rex Vehicles prefers to concentrate on selling a few and respecting their production schedule, as well as making sure they can assemble more without sacrificing build quality.

As for future sales projections, company Chairman Michel Baril announced the planned opening of 5 new dealers across Canada. Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Halifax are the targeted cities, as John Scotti Automotive is selling the T-Rex in Montreal already and will assure the distribution of vehicles in Canada. Also, at least 10 new dealers in the United States in 2005 and 10 more in 2006 will should start selling the T-Rex.

T-Rex pilot René Lessard (right) and me (left), blasting down the highway, eyes wide open. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

One important step for T-Rex Vehicles is to obtain certification for the recently-created TWV/VTR vehicle class in Canada. The T-Rex has passed all the crash, seat belt, and fuel leak tests, and should gain this federal certification in the coming weeks, albeit with small changes to the exterior lighting on the vehicle. Once that is done, the company will then look to convince each province that an automobile driver's license is enough to drive the T-Rex, as you currently need a motorcycle permit to pilot one. They will also certify the T-Rex for sale in various countries across Europe as well as in Russia (one T-Rex has already been sold there for a market study).