Model A 101: Car connects club and career center

KANEVILLE, Ill. – Fox Valley Region of the Model A Restorers Club, Geneva, got together with students of the Auto Tech class at the Fox Valley Career Center, Kaneland High School to introduce the Model A Ford. Automotive classes are available to Juniors and Seniors from five area high schools and are held daily at Kaneland. Many students will continue their training at the community college level before going on to careers in the automotive field.

Instructors Clay Hansen and Paul Potvin teach five automotive sections daily and were on hand Oct. 24 to introduce Frank Nemechek of Fox Valley. Nemechek shared with the students a brief history of the early development of the automobile. He talked about Henry Ford, the early stages of the Ford Motor Company and the introduction of the Model A in 1928. Contrasting the simplicity of the Model A with today’s cars was a clear lesson in the need for today’s automotive technicians. The day of the shade tree mechanic has long since passed.

In keeping with the instructors 20-80 mix of “classroom” to “hands on,” students left the classroom for the shop and a closer look at the Model A Ford. On hand were eight Fox Valley Region members and five Model A’s. Students had the opportunity to see each car and talk, one on one, with the owners. Component part displays were also on exhibit for inspection and to give support to further discussion. The significance of the questions unmistakably point toward a high level of student interest and enthusiasm.

As with anything, however, there comes a time to lighten the moment and this was clearly accomplished with Model A rides for all who wanted one. A trip around the parking lot in a Model A Ford is perhaps the best illustration of just how far the automotive industry has advanced in a relatively short period in history.

For additional information on the Fox Valley Region of the Model A Restorers Club, visit www.foxvalleymarc.com. Founded in 1980, the Fox Valley Region of the Model A Restorer’s Club is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Model A Ford.

Ford fans should check out our newly revised Standard Catalog of Ford 1903-2002: 100 Years of History, Photos, Technical Data and Pricing!