Richmond club keeps Model A Fords running

Classic cars from the late 1920s still turn heads on Virginia roads.

The Old Dominion Model A Ford Club of Greater Richmond meets regularly to maintain these vehicles. Dennis Stone, the club president, said he enjoys seeing the reactions from passersby. He recalled a woman hanging out of a window to wave at their group. Stew Wolfe, the vice president, noted that the cars generate a lot of excitement, particularly among children when the members sound the air horn.

Henry Ford introduced the Model A as an upgrade to the Model T. Henry Nelson, the club secretary, pointed to a newspaper advertisement from December 1927 that promoted the new vehicle. Ford produced roughly five million of these cars between 1927 and 1931. Only a small fraction remains on the road today.

The vehicles lacked many modern amenities. Stone said most cars did not have radios, air conditioning, or power brakes. He described the driving experience as basic, noting that they were the cheapest cars available at the time.

Despite the lack of comfort, the Model A offered several innovations for its era. The cars featured an electric start instead of a hand crank. Nelson listed other standard equipment, including brakes on all four wheels, shock absorbers, and a dipstick for checking oil levels without getting under the car. The dashboards also included gauges that allowed drivers to monitor their speed.

The club members work together to keep these engines operational. They hold events where owners gather to share knowledge and drive the vehicles. The group aims to preserve the history of a car that was once the standard for everyday transportation.

Next steps for the club include continuing their regular meetings and planning future drives. Members will maintain their vehicles to ensure they remain roadworthy for upcoming gatherings.