American promoter and venture capitalist Malcolm Bricklin, seeking a factory site and financial backing for manufacture of a North American sports car, was approached in the mid-1970s by the New Brunswick government with loan guarantees of over $2,880,000 plus $500,000 for the purchase of a 51% interest in the company. Bricklin accepted the arrangement and the Bricklin Vehicle Corporation established manufacturing facilities in Saint John and Minto, New Brunswick.

Bricklin dealerships were established throughout the United States and Canada, but the venture failed. The cars had technical and design problems, especially their distinctive "gull-wing" door. The company was unable to join the Canada-US Automotive Agreement, which meant prohibitive duties would be charged. The company went into massive debt to the province, and in the end, only 2857 cars were made, most of which went to the United States. By 1978, the company had gone into receivership and all of its assets were frozen, then sold.