This week, over 100 Ford Model Ts, many of which are more than a century old, have been attracting attention across southwestern Ontario as car lovers from North America and even Australia gathered in London for the annual Model T Ford International Tour.
The participants have spent their week exploring towns like Dorchester, St. Marys, Stratford, and Glencoe as part of the Thames Valley Tour, named after this year’s host city. Each year, this international event takes place in a different location across North America.
On Thursday, 142 Model Ts filled up the parking lot at the Four Points by Sheraton in south London, where owners shared stories, compared their restorations, and got ready for another day on the road.
“They’ve restored all these cars, mostly themselves, and our goal is really to preserve their heritage and enjoy them while we can,” said tour chair Mark Schneider.
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The Ford Model-T was first introduced in 1908, the first mass-produced car that made ownership accessible to everyday people. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
The Ford Model T made its debut in 1908 and is often credited with making car ownership affordable for millions through mass production. The last Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1927.
For many owners, these cars mean much more than just collectibles.
Steve Shotwell from Rochester Hills, Mich., mentioned that his 1916 Model T was once owned by his grandfather before it left the family for over 25 years.
After locating it and buying it back again, the car became an important part of his life.
“This car has determined my life quite a bit,” he said. “I retired because of it; we travel the whole country with the car and just really enjoy life.”
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Steve Shotwell’s Model T belonged to his grandfather, he said. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
The friendships he’s formed through this hobby keep him coming back every year.
“Some of the dearest friends in the world” are fellow Model T owners, Shotwell shared.
Bob Newman from Ramara, Ont., got into this hobby thanks to his wife’s family. Fourteen years ago he bought a 1919 Model T Roadster and now joins tours with relatives who each drive their own vintage Fords.
He noted that reactions from people along their route add to the enjoyment.
“You get a ton of horn beeps; high fives; even bikers always give you the thumbs up,” he said.
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