Behind the Model T wheel
I drove the 1926 Model T Runabout with a pickup truck body. Believe me, this was no F-150 with an award-wining cabin! The most notable aspect of the cab was its diminutive size. It will accommodate two close friends, as in sitting closely together. And forget about legroom or climate control; the latter is at the whim of Mother Nature.
There's no airbag, shift paddles or audio controls affixed to the Model T's jumbo steering wheel. Despite the absence of power steering, the wheel was easily managed and steering inputs were quickly responded to making the Model T surprisingly agile at low speed. It felt somewhat go-cart-like and visceral in its responsiveness.
Thanks to its direct-drive mechanical linkage, feathering the throttle lever produced instant changes in engine rpm and vehicle speed- all within reason of course. Twenty horsepower a performance truck does not make.
Talking my way through
Adeptly driving a Model T requires tremendous concentration, at least for a neophyte such as I. There's no sitting back enjoying tunes loaded into Ford's sophisticated SYNC voice-activated in-car information and entertainment system.
The sequence of pedal pushing and lever sliding leads one to feel like an orchestra conductor leading a stage full of untrained musicians. My solution was to talk my way through the steps in a running 'Jay Leno' monologue as I maneuvered the Tin Lizzie around obstacles and humans of all form.
So what was learned
I've logged many miles in a restored 1947 Mercury powered by a flathead V8. The experience always leaves me appreciating the massive advancement found in today's automobiles over those postwar behemoths. My recent outing in a Model T has made me reconfigure my internal harddrive so to speak when it comes to automotive evolution.
The old Merc is a prince of a car compared to the torment inflicted behind the Model T's wheel. Yet the Model T holds undeniable charm. It's like an elderly relative that's spent a lifetime working hard and helping others yet isn't ready for the rocking chair. If there's a plank to nail or leak to mend, the Model T will be there with coveralls on and ready to lend a hand.
And the 2009 Flex? Well it's the sophisticated grandchild that's all about style, comfort, high tech and safety. I'm sure Henry Ford would be proud.
photo:Rob Rothwell
I drove the 1926 Model T Runabout with a pickup truck body. Believe me, this was no F-150 with an award-wining cabin! The most notable aspect of the cab was its diminutive size. It will accommodate two close friends, as in sitting closely together. And forget about legroom or climate control; the latter is at the whim of Mother Nature.
 |
| 1926 Model T Runabout |
There's no airbag, shift paddles or audio controls affixed to the Model T's jumbo steering wheel. Despite the absence of power steering, the wheel was easily managed and steering inputs were quickly responded to making the Model T surprisingly agile at low speed. It felt somewhat go-cart-like and visceral in its responsiveness.
Thanks to its direct-drive mechanical linkage, feathering the throttle lever produced instant changes in engine rpm and vehicle speed- all within reason of course. Twenty horsepower a performance truck does not make.
Talking my way through
Adeptly driving a Model T requires tremendous concentration, at least for a neophyte such as I. There's no sitting back enjoying tunes loaded into Ford's sophisticated SYNC voice-activated in-car information and entertainment system.
The sequence of pedal pushing and lever sliding leads one to feel like an orchestra conductor leading a stage full of untrained musicians. My solution was to talk my way through the steps in a running 'Jay Leno' monologue as I maneuvered the Tin Lizzie around obstacles and humans of all form.
So what was learned
I've logged many miles in a restored 1947 Mercury powered by a flathead V8. The experience always leaves me appreciating the massive advancement found in today's automobiles over those postwar behemoths. My recent outing in a Model T has made me reconfigure my internal harddrive so to speak when it comes to automotive evolution.
The old Merc is a prince of a car compared to the torment inflicted behind the Model T's wheel. Yet the Model T holds undeniable charm. It's like an elderly relative that's spent a lifetime working hard and helping others yet isn't ready for the rocking chair. If there's a plank to nail or leak to mend, the Model T will be there with coveralls on and ready to lend a hand.
And the 2009 Flex? Well it's the sophisticated grandchild that's all about style, comfort, high tech and safety. I'm sure Henry Ford would be proud.
 |
| 2009 Ford Flex |
photo:Rob Rothwell
Article Gallery