Richmond club keeps Model A Fords running
The Old Dominion Model A Ford Club maintains the vintage vehicles through local events and shared mechanical knowledge.
By Dominic Foster ·
Drivers in Greater Richmond can still hear the distinct sound of Model A Fords on public roads thanks to the Old Dominion Model A Ford Club. The group works to preserve the vehicles that Ford Motor Company produced in the late 1920s. Club members meet to maintain the cars and share driving experiences with the public.
Ford introduced the Model A in December 1927 as the successor to the Model T. Henry Nelson, the club secretary, noted that newspaper advertisements from that month promoted the arrival of the new vehicle. The Model A represented a significant upgrade in automotive design for its time. It remained in production until 1931.
During that four-year period, Ford manufactured approximately 5 million of these cars. Dennis Stone, the club president, explained that the vehicles were designed for basic transportation. Most models lacked radios, air conditioning, or power brakes. Stone described them as the cheapest cars on the market at the time.
Despite their low cost, the cars featured several mechanical innovations. The Model A included an electric start, eliminating the need for a hand crank. Nelson pointed out that the vehicles had brakes on all four wheels and shock absorbers. They also included a dipstick for checking oil levels without getting under the car. Instrument gauges allowed drivers to monitor their speed.
The club continues to operate these nearly century-old machines. Stew Wolfe, the club vice president, said the cars generate enthusiasm among onlookers. He noted that the distinctive ahooga horn creates a strong reaction, particularly from children. Wolfe described the experience as generating many smiles per mile.
Stone said the club enjoys the positive response from visitors. He recalled a recent event where a woman hanging out of a window waved at the drivers. The club uses these interactions to keep the legacy of the Model A visible. Members gather to ensure the engines continue to run for future generations.
The Old Dominion Model A Ford Club of Greater Richmond remains active in its mission. The group focuses on preserving the mechanical integrity of the vehicles. They also promote the history of the Model A through local events.
