Club Profile: Model A Ford -The George Washington Chapter, Inc.
People have coveted certain cars since the automobile was invented. Shortly after WWII, the buying and restoration of vintage vehicles became more pronounced. The Model A Ford was no exception. Produced between 1928 and 1931, it was a rugged car. Because new cars were scarce after the war, people sought out the Model A. They knew if they restored them and kept them in good condition, they would last a lifetime.
When the war ended, a bridge-tender at the Washington D.C. Memorial Bridge (it was a lift bridge at the time,) drove his 1931 Model A roadster to work each day. Willard Kidd parked his car near the bridge while on duty. It immediately caught the attention of other Model A Ford owners who stopped to talk to Willard about the cars they loved. The result was the founding of the Model A Club of America in 1949.
In 1957, another club was formed in Glendale, California. It was a branch of the Model A Restorer’s Club. The club and its magazine, The Restorer, quickly became popular.
The new Model A Ford Club of America began to accept other clubs as chapters. The Model A Club of America was the third club to join in 1958. It was called the Potomac Chapter.
Several members from the Potomac Chapter joined the Model A Ford owners from Fairfax, Va. in 1963 and the current club was born. The club is also the Mount Vernon Region of the Model A Restorer’s Club. Many members also belong to the Antique Automobile Club of America.
Events
Each year the 275 members of the club host Washington’s largest car show. Other activities include day tours, overnight tours, car games day, picnics, a country farm pig pickin’, a sandblasting day, which prepares parts for refinishing and repair, the Sully Plantation Father’s Day Car Show, a small parts overhaul day and a Christmas party.
Members
Anyone who is interested in the preservation and restoration of the Model A Ford is welcome to join the Club. Dues are $30.00 annually. Being the owner of a Model A Ford is not a requirement of membership.
Publications
Every member receives a copy of the club’s membership directory. A newsletter, The Ford Script, is published monthly.
Meeting Information
Each month, chapter meetings are held on the third Wednesday. The social meeting begins at 7:30 PM. The business meeting starts at 7:45 PM. Guests are always welcome. The Club encourages both members and guests who own Model A Fords to drive them to meetings.
Web site
Visit the Model A Ford- George Washington Chapter Inc. official Web site at www.gwcmodela.com .
