Tin Lizzie lovers converged Monday, July 21, 2008, in Richmond, Indiana for the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Ford Model T. Billed by Ford as the largest gathering of Model Ts since they left the factory, the Centennial T Party celebrated the manufacturing of the first Model T in 1908 from the original Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan one hundred years ago. Fifteen million of the legendary vehicles were built from 1908 to 1927.

Hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America, nearly 800 Model T variations from 45 states and eight countries arrived at the Wayne County fairgrounds over the weekend, the farthest traveling from Australia by container, and then driving from the port of Los Angeles.

A field of campers, with period-correct trailers and tents next to their Model Ts, gave the appearance of a Grapes of Wrath experience. Outfitted in rugged outfits, celebrants tried to live they way they most likely would have were they driving across the country in the 1910s and twenties.

The garb ran the gamut from driving suits with long duster coats to beaded gowns with elaborate headpieces and lace gloves made popular during the flapper era.

Fans of the marque were treated to talks by Henry Ford’s great-grandson, Edsel Ford II, who introduced his son, Henry Ford III, to the crowd. Ford corporate historian and author Robert Kreipke described the early years of the T and the innovations that centered around the car that basically made what came to be known as a mobile society.

Ford took advantage of the T-Party to show off some future products. Standing amidst a technology display, Ford president of the Americas, Mark Fields, commented on the new Fiesta concept car. “It has global roots, but they all link back to the Model T,” he said.

Words and photos by Mark Elias