Model T goes from junkyard scrap to show car

Interlochen couple take first place at international meet

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
For Mark and Vicki Rogers of Interlochen, their cars are more than just a mode of transportation, they are a full time hobby - at least where their three Model T Fords are concerned.
"It all started about three years ago when we were guests at the Crankin T's of Michigan Model T Club chapter meeting. We were in the 1950 Ford pickup my husband had restored. Once we saw the T's we knew we had to have one," Vicki said.
It was that first Model T, a 1923 Roadster, that earned the Rogers a first place trophy at the Model T Ford Club International held in Frederick, Md. in July. More than 180 cars, dating from 1909 to 1927, arrived on trailers from across the nation to participate in the tour and judging.
"We love going to the tours, it's like being in a parade all the time," Vicki said.
This year's National Tour, aside from the judging, included touring drives throughout Maryland and into the hills of West Virginia, the Great Falls National Park and into southern Pennsylvania.
"We make a lot of stops, there is always an ice cream stop," said Vicki. "It's just a way for the local chapters to show people where they live."
While she loves touring with the Model T, Vicki admits that finding and restoring them is half the fun.
"Once we decided we wanted one, we set right out to find one," Vicki noted.
After an unsuccessful trip to Indiana, the Rogers finally found their "T" at a junkyard in Lapeer, Mich. In fact they found two, the only problem was they were both in pieces - many, many pieces.
With the help of some Crankin T's club members, Mark brought home fenders, motors, and pieces and parts whose purpose, no one was quite sure of. After all the sorting was through, two piles were left. One would become the 1923 Roadster, the other a 1925 Tudor. Since Vicki had always wanted a "convertible" the Roadster was restored first.
After four months of serious work, the car came off the assembly line for the second time in January 2000. Since then the 1925 Tudor has been restored and a '27 model is next in line.
While Vicki loves riding in the "T's" she leaves the driving to Mark.
"It isn't like driving a regular car, the gas is on the steering column and the brake and reverse are on the floor. I'll stick with being a passenger."