VIDEO:Iconic Model T exhibition comes to Trafford Park (From Messenger Newspapers)

VIDEO:Iconic Model T exhibition comes to Trafford Park

3:07pm Friday 2nd September 2011 in News

THE iconic Model T Ford zoomed in to Trafford today to celebrate 100 years since the vehicles were first produced in Trafford Park.

Owners from across England and Wales drove their Model T Fords to Trafford Park Heritage Centre where 250 people including employees of the oldest Ford dealership, based in Oldham, were given a demonstration of how the cars worked.

Ten of the 42 cars at the event were produced in Trafford Park at Ford’s first British production site on First Avenue in 1911.

A plaque was presented by the Model T Ford Register of Great Britain commemorating the century and will be placed for all to see in the Heritage Centre.

Kevin Flanagan, from the Heritage Centre, said: “It was a brilliant day, a great turn out with owners coming from far and wide to celebrate with us.”

Messenger photographer Richard Holton was taken for a spin in a 1914 Model T Ford.

He said: "It was surprisingly comfortable, had very springy seats and there was a strong smell of petrol."

After the demonstration, speeches and presentation the cars were driven around the area before going to Buxton where a similar event and dinner will be held later today.

At 2pm Bernard Champness of the Manchester Industrial Architecture Group gave a talk on the Ford Factory.

Ford came to Trafford Park in 1911 and closed 20 years later when the site became too small to handle the rapid production of the car.