Who Keeps the 13 Model Ts Running at Greenfield Village?
The fleet drives all day, and mechanics with degrees in antique restoration keep them in good order
One of the best experiences at Greenfield Village is taking a ride in a Ford Model T.
Cruising around in the vehicle that transformed American transportation and experiencing the village the same way our ancestors would have a century ago excites children and adults alike.
What many visitors don't realize is that keeping those cars on the road requires a skill set that has become increasingly rare.
Henry Ford maintains a fleet of 13 Ford Model Ts that regularly carry visitors throughout Greenfield Village. Some are original vehicles dating back to the 1910s and 1920s, while others were specially built by Ford Motor Company in 2001 as part of preparations for the company's centennial celebration.
Unlike many antique automobiles that stay parked in museums or tucked away in private collections, these cars remain a working part of the Greenfield Village experience.
They give rides nearly every day, travel thousands of miles around the village each year and require constant maintenance to keep them operational.
That responsibility falls to a very small team of mechanics dedicated to maintaining The Henry Ford's collection of historic vehicles.
The work includes inspecting, repairing and restoring not only the Model T fleet, but also the Model A cars and trucks you see driving around Greenfield Village doing everyday work.
It's a profession so specialized that many people in the field come from automotive restoration programs rather than traditional mechanic training.
Most of them went to McPherson College in Kansas, the only school in the country that offers a bachelor's degree in automotive restoration. Over the years, graduates from the program have gone on to work at The Henry Ford and other museums, restoration shops and historic collections across the country.
And there is no shortage of work.
The Model Ts at Greenfield Village are used daily, especially during the busy season, carrying visitors through the village from morning until night. The fleet is also used for private events, special programs and seasonal activities.
That level of use means these specialized mechanics are constantly performing inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs to keep the vehicles running smoothly.
The Henry Ford also relies on volunteers who help care for the fleet, assisting with everything from polishing vehicles to minor repairs and upkeep.
Together, they help preserve one of the most unique experiences available anywhere in Michigan.
