All is not lost.

[Steve Jelf]

Occasionally we see an online lament about "Young folks just aren't interested anymore". The following question appeared this morning in one of the FB Model T groups: [/i]How should a Model T be driven? Driving a long way seems weird. Is it OK to drive on dirt roads?[/i]
In four hours this young man got 68 replies. I didn't see one negative comment.

Seventy years ago I had an interest in old stuff. Wagons, buggies, kerosene lamps, stereoscopes, and other relics from before my time were objects of fascination. As far as I knew I was the only kid in my school with such an interest. If there was anybody else, they didn't tell me. The fact is that folks who shared that interest were a tiny fraction of the general population, and those with an interest in old cars in particular were a tiny fraction of that tiny fraction, and those with a special interest in a particular make of old car were a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction. Thus it was, and thus it still is. We have always been, and continue to be, a tiny minority. But based on what I've seen, there are more of us, and will be more of us, than some people suspect. When I think of the under-thirty Model T guys I've met, I believe the pastime is in good hands.

[BobD]

Replied to wrong post. Removed.

[1925 Touring]

Mr. Jelf, I 100% agree.
As a more recent graduate of high school (2023), I know I was the only one in my class who was remotely interested in anything pre 1960s, be that cars, Model T's, memorabilia, etc.
Nobody else was really that interested in cars in general, besides a few who were more into 2005 diesel ram pickups with tinted windows, hood stack, and going 100mph through town.
I was the weirdo in the class who daydreamed through english class looking up Model T pictures, and drawing pictures in my notebook, seeing how many I could churn out by the end of period. I wsa known to look up more than a few pictures of model T's, off roaders, and wwii airplanes on my school issured Chromebook computer. I'd print off pictures of trucks and model ts in the library so id have something to build my lego models off of at home, where we didnt have internet.
I never had the opportunity to personally drive a T to school, but I got to be picked up in our 1925 a few times, and the looks we'd get were that of great suprise. One girl asked if our touring car was a tractor.. things like this go to show how much of a disconnect the general public has of antique vehicles. I've since started driving my own T, and I've had lots of questions ranging from wood wheels to if the car is from the 40s. Its not a bad thing, when is the last time that the average Model T person has paid much attention to a 2023 dodge muscle car or a tesla? Or do you know when they changed from aluminum to carbon fiber on a 2022 mustang? Differrent hobbies, different cars. At least some people recognise the hobby and the fact that I'm more than an inconvienence on the way to starbucks in the morning to get their $25 tripple latte coffee with extra cream and cinnamon.

Times change, and the hobby is changing too, for better or worse. Im sure that the hobby wasn't the same in the 1950s and 60s compared to the late 90s and 2000s. Forums and online activites are a lot larger portion of the hobby now than they were 30 years ago. Members age out, cars change hands, and new members come and go. Younger folks may have a slightly diferent view of the hobby than some older members, but the interest is there. It may take slightly different forms, but after all, this isnt the 60s anymore. You may not be able to walk into the barn and use N.O.S. parts to build a car from nothing, but there is still significant interest and financial support due to our wonderful vendors and members who use their time, energy and resources to dedicate to the hobby. You may not be able to buy a new radiator for $250 or an aluminum body centerdoor for 2k, but the munimum wage isn't $2 an hour anymore either. After all these cars are now almost all pushing 100 years old or more. And according to rough figures, there are still 50 to 80,000 roadworthy registered cars! Let that sink in, 50 THOUSAND CARS! I dont know 50,000 people let alone 100 year old cars! And thats only registered ones! There's potentially 300k Model Ts that are in the world total, from roadworthy ones, to grandpas 1918 touring in the back barn that the mice live in. Prices only go up, always have, and probably always will, but at least there are places to go to get 80% of parts to make a car. We dont have to make axles and bushings and windshield frames from drawings lile you would for a 1905 reo. Nothing stays the same, no matter how much we wish they would. As a hobby, we don't have to be on the cutting edge of technology. Most people who are truely passionate about the hobby, young or old, arent in it to drive a 4 wheeled plastic computer, but to revert back to seemingly simpler times, with friendlier people and better looking cars. At the same time, if we do not change a little, we really will be left in the dust. Word needs to get out about the true joy and passion that comes with this wonderful hobby. Magazines and newspapers arent the main streams of communication anymore, this forum is a great example. At the same time, we don't need to completely abandon traditional practuces either.
Younger people do have more to think about that just model T's. A house, a regular car, family, bills a career, an education, and a myriad of other things come to mind. We may not be able to devote all our time to working on the cars, or be able to go on all the tours, or attend all the meetings, but we sure would like to! Ive been fortunate enough to have a car of my own (my graduation present) and it has really taught me a lot. Mechanical and emotional, from managing real money, to being aware of my surroundings and striving to be a better driver, building relationships, and trying not to burn too many bridges along the way.
So don't get too discouraged to find that not every car enthuest is jumping up and down to get involved in the hobby, and some chapters may see numbers go up or down, but we can't isolate ourselves from the rest of the world and turn to doom and gloom thoughts of our cars getting scrapped to make a tesla battery either. It wont get us anywhere.
Younger Model T people such as myself have never been the majority of the population, or even the car community in general, and likely never will. But rest assured we will be here in some form or another for a few more years, albeit different than 60 years ago.


Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Happy T'ing!
Austin Farmer

Sorry for any spelling mistakes.

[JohnM]

5439415~2.jpg (6.69 KiB) Viewed 22146 times

[tdump]

Austin, you made my day reading that!
I was that weirdo kid myself in high school but it was more towards vintage electronics until i was out of college and had some tools.
seems the more tools i would get, the bigger my projects would get. But there is no Terex Titan in the yard, yet!

[dykker5502]

As usual Steve nails it. I've done the same observations. There are young people out there that will buy your cars once you are not here (but naybe not to the high price you think it's worth)

[TXGOAT2]

Young people often show interest in my old cars, and ask questions and take pictures with their ever-present Two-way Wrist TVs. How many of them might be interested in owning a T or other old car, or being in a position to indulge that interest, now or later, is open to question. As for me, I have from my youngest days been interested in old cars, old radios, old oilfield machinery, old houses, and more.

[Mark Nunn]

My niece recently graduated from college. Her daily driver since the age of 17 is a 1951 Packard 200 Deluxe. She drives it anywhere and often. She loves old cars. I suppose it's a family trait.

[jab35]

Steve, Austin:

Your words indicate wisdom well beyond your years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and good wishes for the new year, and years to come. Sincerely, jb

[Daisy Mae]

Well said Steve, Austin.
I myself caught the T bug early 60's when I was 7. I consider the 60/70's a heyday in T appreciation/restoration, certainly more of them visible then. But for my generation I too was the oddball. None of my peers had any interest, most of the focus in high school early 70's was 60's muscle.
In '81 at age 24 I got my first T, a 26 TT...took it down to every last bolt.

Owners of Model T's, A's etc have always been a minority since the 40's, and as is with all things antique, those who appreciate it, let alone own it, are a declining bunch. While I won't argue the point that there are those of us that still exist in the younger ranks, it is also true that culturally the young are moving away from ownership of things, and, cars in particular. In my generation it was a right of passage that everybody couldn't wait for...getting their license, or buying some beater car. That no longer holds true, the car culture itself is dying. Heck, multiple States have been trying for years to ban antique cars from the road, how much longer until that becomes a reality, where, who would want to keep something just to look at in their garage and not enjoy on the road?? Very few of the 'don't own things' culture I'd summize. Young folks still interested? I know that's true, my own grandkid has expressed as much at 10, and hangs with me in my shop. But yet I believe the sheer numbers are dropping. Just look at BAT or Hemmings...values, as well as overall interest across the spectrum is waning. As example, I purchased my Model A from a one owner family, where nobody in the large extended lineage had any interest in the car they'd owned since new. Where the cultural, political or population realities leads us is anyone's guess. But I choose to remain hopeful there will always be those like us who cherish the antiquaties and wish to enjoy being caretakers of history...I have to believe that, for my very thought is my stewardship was meant to be continued, especially given I have quite an eclectic collection to pass on!!!
Hopefully that is what will be, and those like you lends hope to the thought there will be those interested to inherit my 14 T, 29 A, 66 Mustang 'vert, 71 VW DuneBuggy, 78 VW bus,, 88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 01 Bullitt Mustang....(lord no I'm not bored in retirement! LOL)

[Norman Kling]

I, however, was born in the middle of the Great Depression and remember Pearl Harbor day. When I was a boy people used to drive Model T's around all the time and if they could afford one, Model A's. There were still horses and wagons on the roads around Los Angeles. Our landlord died and we had to move out of the rental house, so for a while we lived in a cabin in the Big Santa Anita Canyon. There was no electricity there so we had kerosene lamps and a wood cook stove and also another wood stove to heat the cabin while not cooking. We had to go down to the stream which was in front of the cabin with buckets to get water for drinking and cooking. Only sound other than voices and the stream was a Victor talking machine which played 78 rpm records. We did a lot of reading and the adults played cards. My parents and I lived there with another couple who had two daughters. The men hiked to the road and drove into town to work and back in the evening. They got to a place on the trail where they would yodel and the women knew they were on the way so they started dinner. We went to my grandparents house on weekends and got to take our weekly baths. So anyway I got interested in old things at a young age. They were able to save enough to make a down payment on a house and we moved to Montrose which is near Glendale. Many Model T's and A's lasted until the 1950's because new cars were not sold to civilians during the war and there were waiting lists later when they were available. It was in Montrose where in my teens I met Walt Rosenthal who had a Model T. I got very interested but actually only bought my first one about 1989. I did have about 12 Model A's before that.
Norm

[John Codman]

The major issue as I see it, is that people cannot service or repair modern cars. When I was about Austin's age I fixed and or maintained my '55 Buick because I simply could not afford to pay someone else to. I remember changing the rear end/driveshaft (yup, same design as the Model T) in the street during a snowstorm. Not a huge snowstorm, but the white stuff was coming down. Can you picture a high school age person doing that today? It is refreshing to see the interest in a person Austin's age, but he was exposed to the affliction early. In a similar fashion I was exposed through my brother Frank's Model A rumbleseat Coupe. My brother Tom restored all of the wood on his '47 Plymouth woodie; that car just might have survived, it was way too nice to scrap and woodies didn't bring as much in a salvage yard as an all-steel sedan would have. I think that there will still be an interest in old cars years from now, but the people will likely enter the hobby for different reasons then a lot of us did.

[Steve Jelf]

If you're young and reading this discussion and wishing you could get involved, I can tell you that life comes in stages.You may be in a stage where life circumstances keep you on the sidelines. That's how things have been for many of us. I wasn't seriously infected by the Model T bug until I was 63, twenty years ago. Before that, limited finances and limited free time kept me out of the game. It was only after retirement that I had the free time to go off in a Model T for weeks at a time. It was one of the best things I've ever done. Hang in there. You don't yet know what the future holds.

[Daisy Mae]

True that John.
I think I was the last generation that had metal/wood shop offered in school. Fabrication skills are becoming a lost art in a throw away world...and where pretty much all the guys worked on cars as teens in my day, very few can even name most tools or know how to use them nowadays. We're already seeing the age out of those manufacturing parts. Heck, there used to be machine shops everywhere, or radiator shops...not any more. It really does become a question of numbers over time as to not only interest, but skills competency, parts, and a pool of experience/ knowledge to keep them going.
One thing is sure, change is constant.

[TXGOAT2]

A lot of kids in the late 1960s rejected the idea of working for wages and owning property and individual responsibility. A great many of them wised up and have done very well in life, and some have certainly become avid "old car nuts".

[TXGOAT2]

Throw-away culture is a growing issue, and it has many downsides that affect far more than hobbyists. The way I see it, the diminished number of competent service shops and good wrecking yards makes it more important than ever NOT to scrap parts, even those in marginal condition or that seem, for now, to be plentiful.

[1925 Touring]

I can certainly understand the views of all the above comments. While it is true that there are less younger folks interested in Model Ts and antique vehicles, there are some. Many are in a position like Steve Jelf described above. They have interest, but many varying circumstances come before a Model T. I for one, would not have as much free time and money if I had not chosen the path that I have. If I had chosen to go to college and pay to learn, instead of being paid to learn, I would not be near as active in the club and hobby as I have. I have no tuition, and no rent, which is a HUGE factor that defines what I can and cannot do. I chose to work more in the G.A. side of aircraft, rather than going to the airlines, for varying reasons, but thats a whole different can of worms. Who knows, in 5 years I may not be able to do as much as I'd like, but I don't want that to hinder me now.
I have however, ran across many people where I work that have many talents and are for the most part willing to share what they know. We have a sheet metal guy that is wonderful
and has worked in the industry for many years. We work on airplanes that are for the most part 60 years and older. All of my coworkers are pretty much 35 years old or less. One of the boss's son is going to Automotive school and said they did drop a rear end out of an early 2000s pickup truck and fix the transmission in a few days in a snowstorm out in the parking lot of the college! So those types of things still do happen. For the past three or four weeks I have been in the garage without any heat, aside from a space heater pulling the rear end out, working on the motor on the T, and a whole list of other things after work. Its been averaging from 15 to 30 degrees.
One thing that I sincerely hope changes within the next 10 years is this throwaway world in which we live. Plastic car parts and poorly designed products with planned obsolescence built right into everything from houses to smartphones. It isn't our fault but the manufacturers fault in an attempt to make more money and have a guaranteed stream of customers. But it can definitely come around and bite everybody very fast which it is shown time and time again. If anybody follows John Deere you know exactly what I mean! The outlook of the general Joe Snow worker has changed a lot due to this since the beginning of the hobby, and when the Model Ts were made. And this can certainly be discouraging to some, which I can understand. Going from the 1930s depression mindset to the 'everything is disposable, and new and shiny is always better' IS bad.
Technology has woven its thorned thread into everything and its getting harder and harder to get away from it, and many people don't know any different! Im not trying to defend the reasoning, but highlighting a few of the causes that I can see on why there aren't as much interest in a very inviting hobby.
Being able to look at a car and listen to the motor to figure out whats wrong is a great part of the hobby, and is a big disconnect from a 2024 ford F 150, or any car made in the last 15 years.
While I have not been a member of the Mtfca/mtfci for that long, or have not read every article in hemmings for the past 30 years, I don't know what it was like back in the 'glory days' of the car hobby, other than what people tell me. High schoolers aren't hopping up many 55 chevys anymore. They're more into the Volkswagen jettas and diesel ram pickups. What I've seen, that is what some of the younger car enthuests turn to, because they are relatively cheap, and you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Someday a 2016 jetta may be todays 55 chevy. Something that they worked on in their youth and tore around town in the middle of the night may be the main staple at the cars and coffee in 2050. Its different than grandpa's or dad's 55 chevy that he built in shool, which by then may be the Model T of today. Not saying its wrong or right, but time marches on.
The same is happening in the aircraft indusrty. You can't go to davis monthan air force base anymore and pull a T 28 out of the boneyard and slap a new engine on it. You can't build a collection of P-51s, B-17s and B-25s like Paul Mantz did, without a practically an inexhaustable amount of money. Restroratios are in the millions and operating costs are through the roof for these airplanes. EAA pays 100k a month on insurance for the B 17 Aluminum Overcast, I heard at Oshkoah. While I don't think that its going to cost 5 million to restore a Model T, or 100k in insurance per month anytime soon, it wont get any cheaper.
If all we think of is 'the way it was' or 'we sure can't do X anymore' no hobby, including the T's, would look very inviting to anyone, young or old. As Daisy mae said, It really does become a question of numbers over time as to not only interest, but skills competency, parts, and a pool of experience/ knowledge to keep them going. And it's all of our jobs to share, consume, and pass on knowledge of days gone by.

Happy T'ing!
Happy new year!
Austin Farmer

[Fordwright]

The excuse is always "cost." But it's obvious that they just want to soak you for parts.

[Pat Branigan Wisc]

Well said Steve! Thanks for posting.

[Steve Jelf]

Excellent, Austin. With more than eighty years of experience behind me I can add a little of what I've observed. Often I tell people that I was raised on a different planet, called the United States of America, 1950. Humans often consider the world of their childhood normal, and the changes that have happened since then not normal. When I go to a movie and there's just one feature, and no cartoon, I feel cheated. I should be able to turn on the radio any Saturday and hear William Conrad as Matt Dillon. $1.50 or more for a nickel candy bar? Outrageous! Some changes since the war are a plus, and some are definitely not.

[Will_Vanderburg]

I knew as early as 11 or 12 I liked Ts.

I seriously considered building one entirely out of wood in the eighth grade.

Got my first when I was 29. Was given my second one in 2019-2020.

I’ve driven cars from a 1909 Huppmobile to a 1978 highway patrol car. Buicks, Model As, Lincoln’s, Ford V8s, studebakers, but I’ll never own anything but Ts.

When someone gives you a Model T, you don’t say no whatever condition it’s in.

[Original Smith]

My start us about the same as Steve's. I've always like old stuff in general, especially old cars. I wasn't allowed to have an old car until I graduated from high school. That's when the fun began in the summer of 1960 with a 1926 Touring I bought for $500. I'm still at it sixty years later and four Model T's.

[keen25]

FDR was told that he would lose political support from his base located along the California coast if he did not intern the Japanese Americans under the lie that they would not be loyal citizens of the US. But It was just a plan to allow the competitors of the Japanese business to steal their assets.

[John kuehn]

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbour, The U. S. was forced to respond. When confronting evil we had to respond. Neville Chamberlin made a deal with Hiller and Winston Churchill came along to finally get Britain on a war footing to confront Hitler. The rest is History if people care to study it. As far as Japan is concerned they forced the U.S. to fight their aggression.
Only after the atomic bomb was dropped Japan learned the hard way to stop fighting.

It’s taken almost 100 years for the families to try to forgive Japan for Pearl Harbour. When it happened America didn’t know who to trust and most Americans wouldn’t have trusted them either. FDR didn’t want to go to war but if he didn’t there is no telling where we would be today. Leaders have to make decisions for everybody and that’s the decision he made.
Pacifists and people who don’t understand that you have to confront evil and the effects of it still don’t get it even today.

[TXGOAT2]

Japanese Americans were in a terrible situation following December 7. (But a lot better situation than most prisoners of the Imperial Japanese army!)

[Jones in Aiken SC]

Speaking of getting younger folks involved in Model T's, maybe we should consider willing our Model T's to a deserving and interested young person. Just give the car to 'em. After all, these old contraptions are not Duesenbergs or V16 Cadillacs. I know when I was 14 and wanting to restore my grandfather's 26 Coupe, I didn't know where to start nor did I have any money to do anything. Just a thought, although I know giving a car away is a foreign concept to many. But if you find a young fellow or gal who you are convinced is sufficiently "afflicted" with the Model T bug, why not?

[TXGOAT2]

I always mention to people who show interest in my car that there are Model Ts for sale in every condition from a pile of parts to restored cars that are as new, and that parts and specialized services are readily available. They are about the least expensive among hobby vehicles, and among the most rewarding, in that they are not yet so rare and precious that one cannot enjoy driving one. In many areas, some people can and do drive them on a daily basis.

[George House]

You go Gregory Jones of Aiken SC ! That’s exactly what I’ve always planned to do. I started this Model T journey at age 16 and am now 74. Was fortunate enough to have as a mentor a mechanic that worked for a Ford dealership in the 20’s. Kids nowadays need to be lucky enough to have one of us old geezer hobbiest close by to help with their newly gifted Model T. … Will it to a museum and it’ll most likely be ultimately sold off. Curators come and go and most want a higher salary. Where do you think that’ll come from ? So, who do you want to help; a curator or young Model T hobbiest ?… read my ‘signature’ below

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Will it to a museum and it’ll most likely be ultimately sold off. Curators come and go and most want a higher salary. Where do you think that’ll come from ?

Accredited museums that do such things are at risk of losing their accreditation. The sale of artifacts should never be for operating costs and salaries. Those proceeds are to be targeted for the acquisition of other artifacts, or the preservation of existing ones. I am not aware of the museum that I'm associated with, ever selling an item, but I am very aware of conversations where any such hypothetical sale would have very strict conditions as to how the proceeds are to be used... and not used.

To your point however, I fully agree with passing along our cars to deserving youth who show interest in our hobby. I much prefer to see these cars in use and appreciated, then to be sitting quietly in a museum. Still, museum cars serve a valuable purpose, and some should be preserved in their current state as remaining in use may cause them to deteriorate.

[George House]

And, according to the American Alliance of Museums, fewer than 10% of American museums are “accredited”.
Donor beware.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

And, according to the American Alliance of Museums, fewer than 10% of American museums are “accredited”.
Donor beware.

That's an interesting statistic, George. Thanks.

"Donor beware" is more like "donor be informed". There is most likely not a single museum that will promise to never sell a donated artifact, (unless they're lying). The ones you want to "beware of" are the ones who make such promises. What organization would want to be saddled with perpetual ownership of any given object?

[John kuehn]

I have 3 T’s and they will be going to my 2 son-in-law laws and my grandsons. Maybe as time passes they will get more interested in them as they know I have them on our property.
I’m hesitant for the T’s to go to a museum since the very word itself means something that’s ancient, came before or lost in the past. For the most part antique cars in a museum will just sit and not be used. And that’s not good for the hobby.
If they aren’t driven are being worked on to keep them going this will cause less interest.
A Model T is meant to be driven and on the road as long as we and other younger folks keep them moving, running and going. By doing that gives them more interest for people in the long run to pursue the hobby.

[frontyboy]

My 1st T was a home made model t tractor. Found it in a barn, in 1959, and the owner told me if I could get it running I could have it. With the help of my father we got it running. It ran so so but we drove it home about 3 miles.

It needed a valve job and coils adjusted. I did the work with my father guiding but making me doing the work. I learned how to drive a model t with this tractor.

I have owned and restored more brass era cars than I can remember. In the last 2 years I have bought and sold 2 brass model t's. also added a 1956 mark 2 Continental, and a month ago I just picked up a 1909 40hp Stoddard Dayton.

I love old cars, old collectables and old women, My latest girlfriend is younger than me, I'm 82 and she is 82 4 days younger than me. The point here is in high school of 700 students I was the only kid that was interested in old cars, and nearly 70 years later I still am.

frontyboy.

[TXGOAT2]

I don't think Ford could ever sell another 15 million Model Ts, but whenever I drive mine around people, which is often, it attracts interest from people of all sorts and all ages. It's unlikely that any great number of them are in a position to own a T, but a few might be. I try to communicate that there are still Model Ts available, as well as parts and specialized services for them, and they are not expensive buy, own, and operate compared to other antique vehicles.

[Fordwright]

I can visualize the feeling of excitement someone felt acquiring their first automobile, when all they had before was walking and horses. I can only imagine the feeling of pride and wellbeing from having this wonderful machine parked outside.

[GarJen127]

I'm sixteen, and I'm proud to say that I love model t's and antiques in general. I've been told before that I am one of only a few teenagers who's still interested in these kinds of things. Can't wait to get my first T!

[Fordwright]

I don't think Ford could ever sell another 15 million Model Ts, but whenever I drive mine around people, which is often, it attracts interest from people of all sorts and all ages. It's unlikely that any great number of them are in a position to own a T, but a few might be. I try to communicate that there are still Model Ts available, as well as parts and specialized services for them, and they are not expensive buy, own, and operate compared to other antique vehicles.

Tesla has come close. 13.8 million cars as of 2023.

[Original Smith]

I have a 13 touring I bought when I was 18. I still have it. It has over 55,000 miles on it now. I bought it in 1961.

[Ed Baudoux]

Great post, Steve! The old farts continue to infect the kids. My version is, I had a Dad that was an old man my whole life. He was born in 1921, and I in 1965. My school classmates had dads that fought in Vietnam. My Dad and his brothers were drafted into WWII. Dad's parents where far from wealthy, and had 11 kids. He remembered going to the bank with his Aunt in 1929 to withdraw her money from the bank, and walking home with nothing. He watched his baby brother die of whooping cough in the living room. His Dad had the first automobile in the Baudoux family. It was a worn out depot hack that had been used by Black Brother's Dairy, to gather metal milk cans from local farms. Dad remembered his first ride in a new car at 6 years old. Someone came to pick up his dad to look at a job, and dad rode along. It was a dark green 1927 Fordor. After trade school and 4 years in WWII, dad built his auto repair garage on the outskirts of Saginaw Michigan. In 1960, two teenaged boys came by with a beat up 1927 Fordor. Dark green. Dad was able to talk them out of destroying it for $150.00. I still have the tax receipt. It was more than a week's profit for him, and he already had young kids at home, and a house payment. He was known to be extremely frugal, so this was a notable expenditure. The Ford sat in the back room of Leo's Garage for decades. I climbed all over it as soon as I could walk. Many people offered to buy it over the years, but he always declined. The car meant something to him that could not be put in words. I had a very different childhood than he did. He and Mom raised us 5 kids in a beautiful brick 3 bedroom ranch home that he built in a nice neighbor hood outside the city. Two blocks from the skating rink where they first met. Every penny came from his two-bay shop, and he was the only employee. In elementary school, our teacher asked us what out interests were, so she could pick out a book for us to write a report on. I was too embarrassed to say that my interest was Old Cars, so I put down " Old Things". She got me a book about the ship Ironsides . After Dad passed in 2009, and Mom in 2012, I enlisted the help of Don Booth, through this forum. Without him, the Fordor would still be setting in my garage untouched. These cars are special in so many ways. Hopefully I've infected our four kids with the Old Car Bug.

[John Codman]

Will it to a museum and it’ll most likely be ultimately sold off. Curators come and go and most want a higher salary. Where do you think that’ll come from ?

Accredited museums that do such things are at risk of losing their accreditation. The sale of artifacts should never be for operating costs and salaries. Those proceeds are to be targeted for the acquisition of other artifacts, or the preservation of existing ones. I am not aware of the museum that I'm associated with, ever selling an item, but I am very aware of conversations where any such hypothetical sale would have very strict conditions as to how the proceeds are to be used... and not used.

To your point however, I fully agree with passing along our cars to deserving youth who show interest in our hobby. I much prefer to see these cars in use and appreciated, then to be sitting quietly in a museum. Still, museum cars serve a valuable purpose, and some should be preserved in their current state as remaining in use may cause them to deteriorate.

If you donate you're T (or anything else) to a certified non-profit organization, you often may take a tax deduction for it's value. If the museum used the money for operating expenses, You best check with a good tax accountant to see if that deduction is legal under IRS rules.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Great post, Steve! The old farts continue to infect the kids. My version is, I had a Dad that was an old man my whole life. He was born in 1921, and I in 1965. My school classmates had dads that fought in Vietnam. My Dad and his brothers were drafted into WWII. Dad's parents where far from wealthy, and had 11 kids. He remembered going to the bank with his Aunt in 1929 to withdraw her money from the bank, and walking home with nothing. He watched his baby brother die of whooping cough in the living room. His Dad had the first automobile in the Baudoux family. It was a worn out depot hack that had been used by Black Brother's Dairy, to gather metal milk cans from local farms. Dad remembered his first ride in a new car at 6 years old. Someone came to pick up his dad to look at a job, and dad rode along. It was a dark green 1927 Fordor. After trade school and 4 years in WWII, dad built his auto repair garage on the outskirts of Saginaw Michigan. In 1960, two teenaged boys came by with a beat up 1927 Fordor. Dark green. Dad was able to talk them out of destroying it for $150.00. I still have the tax receipt. It was more than a week's profit for him, and he already had young kids at home, and a house payment. He was known to be extremely frugal, so this was a notable expenditure. The Ford sat in the back room of Leo's Garage for decades. I climbed all over it as soon as I could walk. Many people offered to buy it over the years, but he always declined. The car meant something to him that could not be put in words. I had a very different childhood than he did. He and Mom raised us 5 kids in a beautiful brick 3 bedroom ranch home that he built in a nice neighbor hood outside the city. Two blocks from the skating rink where they first met. Every penny came from his two-bay shop, and he was the only employee. In elementary school, our teacher asked us what out interests were, so she could pick out a book for us to write a report on. I was too embarrassed to say that my interest was Old Cars, so I put down " Old Things". She got me a book about the ship Ironsides . After Dad passed in 2009, and Mom in 2012, I enlisted the help of Don Booth, through this forum. Without him, the Fordor would still be setting in my garage untouched. These cars are special in so many ways. Hopefully I've infected our four kids with the Old Car Bug.

Ed B, A truly wonderful story of what clearly was a wonderful human being. Thank you for sharing it.

[babychadwick]

Not only is it not lost but we are on the tip of a new revival.

As a single dad (Don't need to ask the wife for permission anymore which is good and bad) I have nurtured an interest which is a love for the old cars in my son (10 years old). When I was growing up there was the mtfca local chapters, aaca, and hcca keeping you busy with often a meeting or get together on average of once a month for a tour or meeting. This is non existent now as so much is online among other factors. Just what does a young adult "do" with a model T whether willed, bought, or even given? A parade or car show is about the only option as they are restricted to their speed unless you are lucky enough to live in rural america, but thats not where many live as its difficult to earn a living out there, most stay in the cities.

I know it sounds a little depressing to this point but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it isnt a train.
-Glamping- -boondocking-
If these words are new to you its a rapidly growing movement not really automobile related. Perhaps you have seen some of the travel trailers done in aluminum with whitewalls? The airstream being highly desired? Well that would be a solid indication of why these are becoming popular. Glamping is basically glamorous camping, canvas tents beds comfort. Boondocking is travelling where you are just stopping and pitching a tent on basically the side of the road. The cost of motels is primarily what is driving this and unlikely to change. In the cities people want to take a vacation but the cost is so high that these are affordable alternatives. Enter the model T or similar . . .

I have been to a few campgrounds when on tour, 100 to 200/night coupled with the event, gas, food, ect simply makes it too expensive. Instead we have old school tents (from doing rendezvous) and as they are comfortable I take one. Pulling into a campground unloading a model T, setting up a tent and staying in it definitely draws some attention. It is common to be asked by someone with 10 times invested parked on their space "how they can get into this" as it is so cool. Taking it to the next level is the back country boondocking while glamping-oh wait that sounds like motorcamping . . .

Getting out in the boonies off road, camping and seeing america the model T is a perfect tool and this will grow and grow fast. Its fun, its affordable and its desirable to younger people that may never have been in a model T.