Head to the small town of Sharon, Wisconsin to experience some Model A history first-hand!
Model A history comes alive every summer in the small town of Sharon, near the southern border of Wisconsin. Model A Day transports you back to 1929 with music, games and lots of Model A’s!
Getting to Sharon, WI
Sharon is a small town with no public transportation, so you’ll have to drive. Transport times are for modern vehicles – your Model A may take a little longer to get you there!
- Rockford IL – 45 min drive
- Milwaukee WI – 60 min drive
- Madison WI – 70 min drive
- O’Hare Airport, Chicago – 75 min drive
What is a Model A?
The Model A was an automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan. It was introduced to the public in 1928 and was an instant success. 10 million people across the country turned out to see the new Ford as it toured cities. Police were called in to help direct traffic and manage the crowds who gathered to see the Model A.
At first, Ford couldn’t keep up with demand, but they quickly caught up. By mid-1929 the new assembly line at the Rouge plant was producing 9,000 Model A’s every day. But that’s not quite where our story begins…
Was the Model A the first automobile?
No. Automobiles were developed in France & Germany in the late 1800’s. Early pioneers have names you’ll surely recognize today; men like Wilhelm Maybach, Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.
Americans are not wont to be left behind. Sure enough, in 1893 the Duryea brothers, bicycle mechanics in Massachusetts, has designed the first successful gasoline automobile. They started selling their creations in 1896 and the American automobile industry was up and running.
Within 20 years, there were more than 480 companies selling automobiles! Henry Ford introduced his Model T in 1908 and William Durant founded General Motors.
Wait - the Model T came out in 1908? Why was the Model A named that if it came out twenty years later?
Henry Ford wanted to indicate that this new car was unlike any other and he was “start(ing) all over again with Model A”. The Model A was a complete redesign; no parts from the Model T were used in the design.
The 1929 Ford Model A wasn’t actually the first Ford Model A. Henry Ford sold his first “Model A” in 1903. It was replaced by the Model B in 1904 and others followed until the Model T in 1908. The Model T was revolutionary as the first car produced by assembly line. Mass production made it affordable to most families and sales took off. In fact, the Model T still ranks as the #8 Top Selling car of all time, according to an AutoGuide.com article from 2012!
Why was there a need for a new design?
The Model T was designed for functionality and affordability. By the 1920’s other manufacturers were designing larger, faster and more stylish cars. In addition, the Federal Highway Act of 1921 led to more growth in urban areas and better connectivity between cities, which meant transportation needs changed as well.
The Model A was designed for safety and comfort. Hydraulic shocks meant a much smoother ride, and as someone who has enjoyed many rides in a Model A I certainly appreciate that! The Model A could also top out of speeds of 65 miles an hour! Thankfully, I’ve never been in a Model A going 65 miles an hour…
Model A's today
Interest in Model A history is strong even today. The Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA) has more than 280 chapters around the country dedicated to the “restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the Ford Model A and AA cars and trucks”, which were produced from 1928 to 1931. I have to image in 2028 there will be a big party somewhere for the centennial celebration!
With all this attention on Model A’s, there are a number of events around the country every year celebrating these cars. I like to go because it does give you that Modern Day Time Traveler feeling of being transported back to the 1930’s. Model A Day in Sharon, Wisconsin is a perfect example!
Model A history comes alive in Sharon, WI!
Sharon is a quiet, small town but it is bustling during Model A Day! Dozens and dozens of Model A’s from all over drive in for the day and park up and down Main Street for viewing.
The town really gets into it, with costume contests and reenactors strolling about. Once I bought an apple from a little boy in knickers selling them for a nickel from a wooden wagon he was pulling around!
There’s usually music playing at the gazebo, games for kids and lots of food vendors set up. There’s also an arts & craft area for some fun shopping. Vendors also sell parts for Model A’s if you’re needing one! It’s a great place to get advice on restoring or repairing your antique car!
If you’ve never been to a car show, this is a pretty fun one to attend. Even if you’re not a big car buff it’s fun to walk around. You can walk right up to the cars, but do be sensitive to the antique nature of them. Don’t touch or lean against them. The owners tend to hang around nearby and love talking about their cars, so they’re usually pretty willing to open doors or rumble seats so you can get a closer look!
What's a roadtrip without a playlist?! Here are some tunes to set the right mood:
- Henry's Made a Lady out of Lizzie by Ernest Hare & Billy Jones
- Honk Honk (The Rumble Seat Song) by the Merry Macs
- Happy Feet by Jack Hylton & His Orchestra
- Sugar Foot Stomp by Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra
- When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along by Paul Whitman & His Orchestra
- My Wife is On a Diet by Harry Hudson (this one cracks me up!)
Looking for more? Other favorites from this era will help you build the best mix tape to get ready for Model A Day!
How do you drive a Model A?
Learning how to start and drive a Model A will certainly help you appreciate how far we’ve come. By comparison, my car today starts with the push of a single button!
There are other videos that are more technical, but this guy is just so excited driving a Model A I had to share it. He picks it up really well! I can’t believe his buddy let him drive it around alone to learn!
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