Ford fans flock to Spencer show

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | By Steve Huffman

shuffman@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — When Joe Strube bought his Ford Model T Touring Sedan in 1957, he paid a whopping $450 for the vehicle.

At the time, it wasn't a collector's car, just an old car.

Strube, 78, attended the All Ford Show at the N.C. Transportation Museum this past Saturday and laughed about how the value of the car (and its parts) had over the years accelerated.

"Last year, I paid $276 for a distributor for it," Strube said. "I never thought I'd see that day."

Fords of all makes and models rolled into Spencer for the annual show. There were Mustangs and Fairlanes, as well as Falcons and Galaxies. A long line of Model A and Model T Fords stretched out close to Salisbury Avenue.

Saturday's show was a celebration of all things Ford, so a special tribute was made to the Lincoln in celebration of the 200th anniversary of President Abraham's birth.

A year ago, the celebration concentrated on the Model T, since it was the 100th anniversary of its introduction.

Strube said he and his wife still drive their Model T on occasion, often driving the vehicle 100 miles in a single day.

"Henry Ford built them to drive," Strube said.

Jim Davis of High Point argued the point a bit. He trailered his Model T to Spencer, and said he doesn't drive it as often as Strube drives his.

"It seems like you drive it for 15 minutes, then have to work on it for an hour," Davis said.

But he admitted that it's all part of the fun. Accompanying him to Spencer was his son Wyatt, an eighth-grader.

Bob Hopkins works for the Transportation Museum and said the All Ford Show is one of the more popular events held on the grounds of the State Historic Site.

A Model T Depot Hack that belongs to Phil Brooks of Reidsville was voted Best of Show through a People's Choice selection process.

"Each year it gets bigger and bigger and better and better," Hopkins said of the All Ford Show.

He said volunteers — including members of the Eastern Star who served refreshments — make the show the success it is.