The Smoky Mountain Model T Ford Club of East Tennessee is coming to the Crossville area Oct. 27-31 for their 2024 fall tour.
“There will be 32 of these vintage marvels driving around our area visiting the abundant sights and scenery that we have to offer,” said Richard Goelz, a Cumberland County resident and club member.
These cars are from 97-115 years old and have been restored by their owners. The tour headquarters will be the Holiday Inn Express on Peavine Rd., Crossville.
“You are welcome to look at the cars and talk to the drivers at any of their many stops or in the evenings,” Goelz said. “For some strange reason they have trouble passing an ice cream shop, and they do stop for fuel.”
Goelz and the club ask motorists in the area to be mindful of these cars and drivers as they travel on your daily routes.
“They will only be going about 35 mph and don’t have good brakes,” he added. “Remember, these cars were designed for dirt, mud and gravel roads where speed and stopping were not factors like they are today.”
Though the vintage vehicles will try to stay on backroads as much as possible, motorists may encounter them on main thoroughfares.
“If you are used to driving at high speeds they can be a surprise,” Goelz said. “They will pull over where they can to let traffic pass. We ask that you be patient! These are not hot rods and only have about 18 to 22 hp!”