It is the car that cemented the love affair with the open road. After more than 100 years since they first rolled out of the factory, a dedicated group of enthusiasts takes the time to piece together Henry Ford’s most celebrated creations.
Members of the Foothills Model T Ford Club were through the valley last Friday evening. This was Dino-Tour 2 and they were on excursion through Central Alberta.
Vice president of the Club, Art Bent, explains that about 14 cars were at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, including Joe DeMott’s local Model T. The Club was on a four-day tour that began in Calgary, headed through Crossfield and then Carbon. After a night’s stay in the valley, they continued on to Stettler and Buffalo Lake before heading back to Calgary. He said the Club completed the first Dino-Tour about 14 years ago.
There was a wide selection of cars in Wayne last Friday night; from delivery trucks to touring cars and even racers.
One unique ride was long time member Robb Wolff’s Fairground Racer. He explains when the first generation of Model T were aging, young drivers would strip them down to the bare essentials and race them around the farmyard, and eventually at fairs.
Wolff explains that in 1941 a Lions Club-sponsored race was held at the Calgary Stampede Grounds to raise funds for War Orphans. It was a hit, partially due to the pari-mutuel betting. This race was staged for 10 years.
Wolff’s racer took parts from different vintages of Model T’s and even some farm components to make up his unique ride.
While the vehicles on the tour varied in years and from model to model, they all spark something universal in their owners.
“You go though life slowly and enjoy the scenery as you go,” said Wolff. “I think we all have a hunter-gatherer gene. You are always looking for parts, gathering, trying to make it better. With the Model T, these are the common man’s car, and the people in the club are just common guys. There are millionaires and paupers, you don’t know which is which.”
