Ford Model A Convention

As you drive along roads across the U.P., it may seem like you are taking a trip to yesteryear.
Vintage Ford Model A cars have taken over many of the roads in Upper Michigan.
The Model A Ford Club of America is holding its 2012 national convention in Marquette this week.
Enthusiasts have gathered from 37 states to share their passion of the classic car.
A big draw for the convention is the connection that Ford has with the area.
Doug Oliver of the Superior A’s says Henry Ford owned mines, lumber mills and body plants in the Upper Peninsula which employed thousands of people.
He says although those operations are long gone, remnants of them can still be found in Michigamme, L’Anse, Big Bay and Iron Mountain, among other places.
The cars on display this week were built between 1928 and 1931.
Oliver says Ford Motor Company marketed the Model A as a common man’s car, which helped popularize the car even though it was only in production for just those four model years.
And the Model A was very popular in its day — Ford sold nearly 4.5 million of them.
There will even be a parade of Model A’s on Thursday, starting at 5 pm.
The cars will start off in Ishpeming and will head to Negaunee before making a loop back to Ishpeming.

Posted by: Mike Hoey