How to test drive an antique car

January 11, 2010 3:56 PM

I want to see what it's like to drive a Ford Model T. How would I do that?

I am interested in machines, and in particular, antique cars. This is a hobby pursued solely from a distance, as I don't have the money, space or spousal agreement to actually own and maintain an antique car.

In the past, I've just rented or test-driven at the dealer cars I was interested in, just to see how they drove -- modern sportscars, trucks, that sort of thing.

Recently, however, I've wondered what it would be like to drive, and in particular, shift gears in a car like a Model T. Obviously, I can read about it on the Google, and I've done so, but I'd like to have the tactile experience of learning how the pedals and clutches work.

I was thinking about contacting a local club and seeing if any of the members would be interested in getting a free lunch or something in trade for an afternoon of showing me how their car works, telling me the old saw about the color options and ultimately letting me drive it, even just around the parking lot. Is this something lots of people do, or would it just be seen as weird or rude?

Any other ideas?

posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! to Travel & Transportation (11 answers total)

There are car driving clubs, where you can basically rent the type of car you want to drive, but that's generally for newer, sportier types of cars. However, if you go to a car show or connect with a car club, after hanging with the folks there and gaining some trust, I'd bet you'd be able to find an opportunity to drive one.

Otherwise, see if there's a museum of transportation near you or that you could travel to see. They may have driving demonstrations.
posted by xingcat at 4:00 PM on January 11, 2010

I was thinking about contacting a local club and seeing if any of the members would be interested in getting a free lunch or something in trade for an afternoon of showing me how their car works, telling me the old saw about the color options and ultimately letting me drive it, even just around the parking lot. Is this something lots of people do, or would it just be seen as weird or rude?

That's exactly what I would suggest. My dad was in a Model A club when I was a kid, and those people were always more than happy to share (and share and share) knowledge with outsiders, interested or not.

It's not certain that someone who has spent lots of time and money restoring a model T would let you drive one, but they'd almost certainly take you for a drive. I imagine the chances of your driving would increase with the quality of the bribe and your charm/trustworthiness.
posted by mudpuppie at 4:01 PM on January 11, 2010

Oh, and it occurs to me that the best way to sell the idea might be to say that you want the experience of riding IN a Model T, not driving one. You're likely to get more takers in the beginning, and might then be able to graduate to driving after a proper demonstration.
posted by mudpuppie at 4:03 PM on January 11, 2010

You can do this at Yosemite for $400 a day. But I suspect the better way is to go to antique car shows and chat up owners of Model Ts, pretty much as suggested by mudpup.
posted by beagle at 4:04 PM on January 11, 2010 [2 favorites]

if you ever come to North Dakota i can hook you up. Otherwise, car clubs are exactly what you're looking for.
posted by fake at 4:13 PM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Try the clubs, I'm sure there's a few lonely old men who would love to teach someone for a few bucks an hour:

http://www.mtfca.com/
http://www.modelt.org/
posted by wcfields at 4:31 PM on January 11, 2010

Nothing will replace being in the driver's seat, but I've always liked this video.
posted by The Deej at 4:51 PM on January 11, 2010

fake: "if you ever come to North Dakota i can hook you up. Otherwise, car clubs are exactly what you're looking for."


I just want to note that this sounds like the beginning of a great adventure. Some day I will take you up on this.
posted by Roman Graves at 5:00 PM on January 11, 2010

Maybe talk to these guys? Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque
posted by signalnine at 6:53 PM on January 11, 2010

Two things. I own an unusual car in that it was rare when it was made in 1975 and so gathers a decent amount of attention when I drive it now. I am a member of a local car club. I have allowed random folks to drive my car when asked nicely and who I think will appreciate it and take care of it. I am always in the passenger seat anyway. I know that our club and the other regional branches have outings where you can go look at the cars and where some members would let you take them for a spin. Your idea to contact a local Model T owners club is a great one. Go to their next event. Meet folks. They LOVE to show off their cars. Make friend. Ask nicely. Viola!

Second, My dad owned a 1927 Chevy when I was growing up. It was actually not that expensive to own. (Not suggesting you buy a Model T). First, driving it was much much harder than anything you drive today. Steering was hard, shifting a bitch and pickup was terrible. Also overheated a lot. My dad let all the neighborhood men drive the car. If the car is on the road and not strictly a show car, most owners will let you drive it if they get to know you a little or trust you.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:26 PM on January 11, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks for all of your advice -- it sounds like my plan to contact a local club (there are a couple) and offer to exchange lunch or something in exchange for at least a ride (if not an actual driving experience) could possibly work.

If it does, I'll see if I can circle back with photos of me triumphantly puttering around in a Model T!
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 10:37 AM on January 12, 2010