Motorsport Debut for Oldest Ford Car in Australia
12 May, 2004
The 1903 Model A was just the 31st car to leave Henry Ford's first factory in Detroit and spent the next 86 years within a few hundred miles of where it was built.
In 1989 it was purchased by its current owner, Mr Francis Ransley, who then transported it halfway around the world to his home in Wynyard, Tasmania.
The Model A will join in the hill climb re-enactment as part of the RACV's centenary celebrations, giving Ford fans a rare opportunity to see the car in action.
Ford Australia has been a part of Australian motorsport for almost a century, so it is fitting to have one of the oldest Ford cars competing in this historic event.
The re-enactment will be staged at the original Burgundy Street, Heidelberg site and will feature approximately 20 pre-1904 cars and motorcycles.
The first hill climb was held on May 28th 1904, as part of a series of Hill Climb Contests organised by The Automobile Club of Victoria "in order to demonstrate the ease with which motors can climb even steep grades".
Mr Ransley will arrive in Melbourne with his Model A on Friday 21st May and will be available for interview and photo opportunities throughout the weekend.
Event details are:
RACV Centenary Hill Climb Re-enactment – Heidelberg 1904-2004
Sunday 23 May 2004
Program begins at 9.30am and runs until 2.30pm
Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria (Melways Ref. 31K4–32B4)
FORD MODEL A 1903 – 1904
SPECIFICATIONS
Body: Standard two-seater with sloping rear section over the engine for luggage and tools.
Optional two extra seats called the Tonneau, mounted on top of the rear section.
Top and glass side curtains - optional at extra cost.
Two kerosene lights - optional at extra cost.
Chassis: Twin angle irons with cross irons bolted to them to form a rigid chassis
Springs: Full elliptic front and rear
Wheelbase: 72-inches
Weight: 1,250 lbs
Engine: Two-cylinder, horizontally opposed, water-cooled four-stroke, rated at 8hp.
Mid-mounted under the seat.
Bore:. 4 inches
Stroke:. 4 inches
Transmission: 2-speed planetary gearbox mounted on the crankshaft then chain drive to an enclosed differential on the rear axle.
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