T's in formation for big 100th Anniversary Rally 2008

As last issue's JUST CARS was going to press, the Ts were assembling in Echuca for their big 100th Anniversary Rally. Echuca was the hub for the CenTenary tour, that saw entrants take part in runs to Kyabram, Merrigum, Barham, Bendigo and Shepparton over the course of the week-long event. The first was at the Port of Echuca, around the ornamental lake. With all the owners dressed in period costume for this particular display, it made for an impressive sight, like stepping back in time! The second display for the day - which marked the official 100th birthday of the Model T - saw more than 200 Ts assemble on the Victoria Park oval to create the Victorian T Club's logo and the number '100'.

After aerial photos were taken (see image at top right), a special cake, featuring an image of Ray Smith's T truck from our October issue, was cut, and the assembled crowd joined in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" for the Model T's CenTenary. The Ts assembled for the Victoria Park display ran the gamut of years - one of the earliest present being a 1909 model - as well as colours. The "any colour, so long as it's black" statement certainly didn't apply, as there were all manner of bright and colourful Ts on display! There was a plethora of variants and body-styles amongst the assembled Ts, too. Everything from cut down speedsters to tow trucks, delivery vehicles, tourers and more.

While at the Echuca display, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Gary & Marilyn Amesbury, whose around Australia exploits we've covered in previous T-time features. They had nothing but good things to say about the trip and told JUST CARS they would do it again in a heartbeat if the opportunity came up - just maybe in a more modern car! Marilyn told us that everywhere they went, the locals were friendly and supportive, even coming in handy when the inevitable breakdowns happened! As well as the Amesbury's 1927 T camper, Richard Day's 1915 C cab also made the journey back to Echuca for the Centenary display.