This past weekend, Rolf & I visited the town of Cochrane (Alberta, Canada) just west of Calgary to see the “Cochrane Classics Car Club Show and Shine”.
Our neighbour Ross had entered his 1914 Model T Ford – ‘C’ cab. This is what it looks like. I especially like the leather diamond tuft seats.
This car is similar to the car Mr. Lyon drives in THE GHOST AND CHRISTIE MCFEE except Mr. Lyon’s car is a 1911 Model T.
Several readers have asked me if Mr. Lyon is a ghost, and I don’t know. But I do think there are several ghosts in that story, not just Christie’s ghost. At any rate, I never figured out if Mr. Lyon was a ghost or not, although I suppose, if he really was a ghost, he may have brought the car with him from 1911 – when the original town of Bandit Creek flooded.
Like most antique cars, Mr. Lyon’s car has had several modifications. For example, the buffalo wire wheels. Wire wheels were not available in 1911. And neither was the electric start conversion he added.
This is what it’s like driving a Model T on the highway in Alberta sunshine.
Ross provided us with some interesting Model T Facts. Did you know that in 1914, it took 93 minutes to assemble a car, with an 8 hour day at $5.00 per day? Back then, $5 a day was an excellent wage and it attracted the best workers.
Not only did Henry Ford provide good wages, he was an early promoter of the 8 hour day. Although Ross wonders if that was because of the better working conditions, or the fact that an 8 hour day allowed for 3 shifts to work in the factory.
And then there were the colours. Colours, other than black, were only available for the Model T in 1908 – 1912, and 1926 – 1927. Ford wrote that “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” Black – because it had the quickest drying time.
I don’t think Mr. Lyon liked black, because he had his 1911 Model T wearing a fresh coat of metallic red.
Have you got a favourite colour for your car?
Rather amazing what Ford accomplished in his life. He changed how we work and live. Plus, I’m a huge fan of his early designs. I love classic cars!
Yes, amazing. When you think about what was invented at the turn of THAT century, it rivals what is happening with computers nowadays.
They went from coal lamps to electricity, and from horse and buggy to cars. We simply go from Samsung S3 to S4.
I just wrote a short story set in 1913 where the characters drive at night in a Woods Electric Brougham. I would LOVE to be able to actually ride in a car of that vintage, to help get the details right. Too bad you don’t live closer…
😉
I’ll echo yours and Elizabeth’s sentiments on the phenomenal amount of change that happened during the last century. When I think about my grandparents (all born in the early 20’s) and every invention created since they were born, it kinda blows my mind. Especially when you point out, Suzanne, that some of the biggest changes in technology involve the latest phone upgrade. 🙂
Hey Liv! – if you ever come north to Calgary, I’ll arrange a ride for you 🙂
Yes Tami–
Phenomenal change. It’s kind of funny thinking of our grandparents in the middle of a historical setting.