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It could be a softball rec league, a school PTA group, a volunteer charity organization – people universally enjoy spending time pursuing a common interest.
Bill Lumsden, president of the Heart of Florida Model-A Restorers Club spends every first Saturday of the month – and occasionally a few times in between, pending a parade or cruise – getting together with 100 or so of his good buddies for a little R&R. Lumsden and his like-minded crew have an affinity for the Ford Model-A, the vehicle famously known for having made a Lady out of Lizzie. It’s a passion that isn’t done justice when labeled as a mere hobby – it’s a lifestyle.
What’s one of your earliest memories regarding collector vehicles?
I became interested in the collector car hobby as a young man of 18, primarily because they were just called "old cars" back then and they were all I could afford to drive. My first car was a 1932 Model-B Ford that I purchased for $200. At that time, back in 1948 (the car) was only 16 years old – that's like owning a 1995 car today. So it wasn't really that old.
When was it clear to you that you had a unique fascination for automobiles?
(In 1949) I purchased a 1923 Model-T for $25 to play with and have been interested in "old cars" ever since. A few years passed and I began to think about all the fun I had with that old Model T as a young man and decided to purchase another one. By this time it was 1965, so those old Model T's and A's were beginning to look old and you couldn't buy one for $25 anymore. I purchased a 1916 Model-T Touring, which is called a "brass car" because much of it was brass – the radiator, headlights, windshield frame, etc. After restoring it we drove it about 30 miles to the Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village in Detroit, MI, each year.
What type of vehicles have you added to your collection over the years?
I owned a number of cars: a 1923 Model T Roadster, 1929 Mercedes, 1931 Packard Touring, 1938 Buick Touring, 1952 MGTD, 1955 Mercedes Gullwing, 1929 Model A Ford Sport Coupe, 1960 MGA and a 1916 Model T Speedster. Of course, I had to build a facility to house them and enjoyed showing them all at various outings in Michigan. But finally it came time to seek a warmer climate and all the cars were sold before moving to Florida.
Any idea why you’ve gravitated to the Model-A?
I've been drawn to the Model-A for several reasons. It’s easy to work on, it's quite reliable and parts are readily available.
How does belonging to a club impact your love for collector vehicles?
I have found much satisfaction in belonging to the Heart of Florida Model-A Restorer's Club (HOFMARC). We like to think of ourselves as a group of friends who just happen also to own Model-A Fords. I've been privileged to serve as the president of the club for a couple years. (It) pays big dividends in fun times with new friends who soon become almost like family.
The HOFMARC is expecting another busy season this summer and will be canvassing the Lake County, FL area and beyond. To learn more about the organization, or to subscribe to its monthly newsletter, visit www.HOFMARC.com.
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