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This reader built up a Ford Model T and uses it as a daily drive to work

Johannesburg - Classic car enthusiast and chartered accountant, Paul Koski of Johannesburg is so passionate about his Ford Model T that it has become his daily mode of transport to and from work.

Koski and his friends built up a 1925 Model T from a base car and other bits and pieces that they found. 

Koski serves on the committees of the Vintage and Veteran Club and the Southern Africa Veteran and Vintage Association says he has two other Model T Fords – 1915 and 1919 models – that had been stored in a warehouse for about 15 years.

He says: "Driving a Model T Ford is an acquired art; it is not easy. But when you learn the idiosyncrasies of the planetary gear transmission system then driving one of these cars becomes most rewarding and gives a sense of great pleasure.

"Friends and I built up a 1925 Model T from a base car and other bits and pieces we found. We chose to give it a “paddy wagon” (prisoners’ transport) van body, with a suitably sign written. 

Watch Koski's story below:



"I am also in the fortunate position of having the privilege of caring for two other Model T Fords – 1915 and 1919 models – that had been stored in a warehouse for about 15 years before I got them back on the road. 

Koski says this situation has enabled him to become fairly proficient in driving these cars with their complicated transmission system.

"The accelerator is a lever on the steering column not on the floor. The three pedals on the floor do everything differently when compared to the modern car.  The pedal on the right is a brake pedal not an accelerator, while the centre pedal, normally a brake on a modern car, is a reverse gear. 

 



"The left pedal, usually the clutch on a modern car selects high and low speeds, thus driving and not concentrating can get you into trouble quickly,” explained Koski.

"I believe the special appeal of the Model T Ford comes from mastering the driving technique. Then, of course, it is amazing to be part of history when at the steering wheel of the car that put the world on wheels, with Henry Ford using a moving conveyor line to speed up production and thereby reduce the cost of the car."

Koski adds: "When I became interested in collecting classic cars, about 15 years ago, I started initially with comparatively late models – 1950’s and ‘60’s – but then switched my allegiance to much older models." 

He says his current collection includes a 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile and a 1909 Star, made in England.

" I see myelf as a “full-time apprentice” who does whatever restoration work i can in terms of his mechanical ability, but when I get stuck I call on the services of my friends, Brian Style and Tony Watson, both of whom are very skilled at working on these old cars."

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