A Model T Milestone

The Ford Model T will celebrate its 100th birthday this year and the company is planning a year long celebration:

Celebrations will officially commence at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Amelia Island, Fla., March 7-9. Ford has many other regional events in the works for a year filled with celebrations, including a special Model T display at the West Coast's largest Ford enthusiast car show -- the Fabulous Fords Forever! event at Knott's Berry Farm Amusement Park in Anaheim, Calif., on April 20. In July, Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor of the Model T Ford Club of America's "T Party 2008" that will be held in Richmond, Ind.

The T Party in Indiana promises to be something special:

Ford Motor Company, with support from Ford Motor Company Fund, is the title sponsor for the "T Party 2008" celebration hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America, which plans to bring in close to 1,000 Model Ts for this significant milestone.

The "T Party 2008" will be held July 21-26 in Richmond, Ind., and is expected to be the largest gathering of Model Ts since they left the factory. The weeklong centennial celebration will draw more than 10,000 Model T owners and enthusiasts from around the world. More than 700 Model Ts are already registered for the event, including entries from England, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.

"The support and response we're receiving around the T Party has been phenomenal. The Model T Ford Club of America has been looking forward to celebrating this milestone for many years," said Jay Klehfoth, chief executive officer, Model T Ford Club of America. "We're thankful for Ford's support in helping bring this event alive to the thousands of Model T enthusiasts who will join us from around the world."

You can find more info on the T Party here.

We're also planning to incorporate the T's 100th birthday celebration into this year's Doughty 500. Details still need to be worked out, but expect to be seeing and hearing about it a lot on the tour. The T has come a long way baby.