Classic Cars: Model A’s Cross US-Canada Borders

Yesterday’s drive marked the 5th day of the Model A Touring Club’s USCAN tour. So far, our Model A drivers have navigated the roads of 3 US states and crossed the border into British Columbia Canada. Driving from Washington to Idaho to Montana to BC in cars that are nearly 100 years old is brag-worthy for any car enthusiast. The fact that we are only on day 5 of 18 makes this trip bucket-list worthy indeed.

Model A’s in line to cross the Canadian border from Montana

The drivers participating on the tour are as diverse as the cars. Most of these Model A owners are mechanically-inclined and they all have the skill necessary to troubleshoot problems. Driving a Model A a long-distance is not easy. It requires strength, concentration, and mastery of all car functions. One interesting fact is that not all drivers are men. There are plenty of female Model A drivers. Terry, the female owner of “The Radio Flyer” has participated in most MATC tours. Another fun fact. All drivers participating on the tour qualify for senior discount at Denny’s.

Nearly all Model A’s on the trip will experience some type of problem during the tour. Most problems will be minor. Yesterday while driving the Kalispell to Radiant Hot Springs route, my husband Randy felt a change to the way the car drove. He thought there was a problem with the tire. He pulled over to the shoulder and discovered that the problem was not the tire. A sparkplug wire was loose and the problem was fixed in under 1 minute. These drivers are expert at identifying and fixing problems. Other problems will not be as easy to solve at roadside. That is where the trouble trailer comes in. The van in the picture below pulls a trailer that will rescue a Model A from the roadside. Tim, the trouble trailer driver is always on call to come to the rescue of a stranded Model A. This heroic role is necessary for a multi-day tour like this.

Model A’s and Trouble Trailer parked at the Village Social in Canal Flats, British Columbia.

Ford made Model A’s between the years of 1927 to 1931. They made an assortment of models for all walks of middle class life during the depression era. This variety of models are clear based on variety of Model A’s participating on the tour.