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Car of Century on parade
ModelTWEB
Hobart Akin poses by his classic Model T on Court Square in McMinnville on Monday. Akin is a member of the board of directors for the Model T Ford Club of America and has been participating in fall rides since 1996.
Hobart Akin has seen his share of countryside at 30 mph.The Knoxville resident is a member of the Model T Ford Club of America, a group that made its way through Warren County on Monday. There were 31 cars carrying 65 people in the convoy that traveled from Manchester to Falcon Rest for lunch.The Model T was produced from 1908 to 1927 and any person with a vehicle made during that time is eligible to join the club and participate in the annual fall ride. The vehicle needs to be in good running condition because the ride usually covers 100 miles a day.“Either that or they won’t make it,” said Akin, who has been participating in this five-day ride every year since 1996.Akin said average running speed during the ride is 30 mph, although he said some unmodified Model Ts can reach speeds of 50 mph.“Our biggest danger is having somebody run into the back of us when they’re topping a hill,” said Akin.