The new High Plains ìA’sî club is bringing enthusiasts and collectors of Ford’s classic Model A cars and trucks together in Falcon. The local club has received its charter from the Model A Ford Club of America, and represents about a dozen collectors from Eastern El Paso County.The Ford Model A was the second huge success for the Ford Motor Co. The Model A replaced the Model T. More than 4.8 million of the vehicles were built during its run, which started in 1927 and ended in 1931. About 250,000 Model A’s still exist in the United States in various levels of restoration, according to the MAFCA.The MAFCA has 280 chapters nationwide, and the new High Plains ìA’sî club in Falcon is one of six in Colorado. The 12 families represented so far in the Falcon club range from experienced and hard-core collectors to a youngster who doesn’t have a driverís license. ìOur youngest member is 11 years old and has a model A that he inherited from his grandfather,î said Mary Manley, club member. ìWhen we do stuff in the fields, he can drive it even though he can’t drive on the road yet.îMary and her husband, Bob Manley, vice president of the club, have owned about 20 Model A’s over the years. ìBob has had one since he was 16 years old, which is a long time ago,î Mary Manley said. ìWe just like the sound of them. They’re 40-horsepower four-cylinder cars. They average from 45-55 mph, that’s where they like to run.îLike collectors in many hobbies, the members’ passion for classic cars shows in their extensive collections. ìAs of right now, we have eight in our garages,î Manley said. ìMost people have one or two. We’re kind of an exception, sometimes not by choice. We also collect Chevy pickups, Thunderbirds and El Caminos. Other members have several other cars as well.îPeople interested in purchasing a Model A Ford can expect a modest initial investment, compared to some other brands and models. However, like many collectibles, the sky can be the limit. ìIf you buy one that’s not restored, they go from $5,000 and up,î Manley said. ìIf you buy a restored one, you can sometimes get them for $12,000; up to some that are advertised for $23,000.îClub members host picnics, card games and short road trips. ìWe have some of our tours like to Skyline Drive in Canyon City, out to the Paint Mines in Calhan or down to Bent’s Old Fort,î Manley said.The club meets the first Wednesday of each month at Falcon Fire Station No. 3 at 7030 Meridian Road at 7 p.m. For more information, call club president Tom Elliot at 719-332-7354.
