Richmond club keeps nearly century-old Fords running with local meets

Dennis Stone, president of the Old Dominion Model A Ford Club of Greater Richmond, watches drivers pull into a meeting in Glen Allen, Virginia. The club gathers to maintain and drive Model A Fords, vehicles that Ford Motor Company produced between 1927 and 1931. Stone described the event as a source of joy for attendees, noting the visible smiles on faces as they arrive.

The Model A replaced the Model T as Ford's primary vehicle, marking a shift in automotive design. Henry Nelson, the club secretary, pointed to a newspaper advertisement from December 1927 that announced the new model's arrival. Ford manufactured roughly 5 million units during that four-year production window, though only a small percentage remain in existence today.

Stew Wolfe, the club's vice president, said the cars still generate excitement for people of all ages. He noted that onlookers react with particular enthusiasm when drivers use the ahooga horn, a sound that often delights children. Wolfe characterized the experience as one that produces a high number of smiles per mile for both drivers and spectators.

The vehicles lack modern conveniences. Stone said most models had no radios, air conditioning, or power brakes. He described the driving experience as bare-bones, reflecting the cars' position as some of the most affordable options on the market at the time of their release. Despite these limitations, the cars introduced features that were advanced for the late 1920s.

Nelson listed several standard innovations included in the Model A. The cars featured an electric start system rather than a hand crank, brakes on all four wheels, and shock absorbers. They also included a dipstick for checking oil levels without crawling underneath the vehicle and gauges inside the cabin to monitor speed.

The club operates in the Greater Richmond area, providing a network for owners of these classic vehicles. By keeping the engines running and organizing local drives, the group ensures that the Model A continues to appear on public roads nearly a century after its initial production. The next gathering allows members to share maintenance tips and enjoy the distinct character of the 1920s automobiles.