Tuesday, May 28, 2013

 Largest Model A Ford museum: Gilmore Car Museum sets world record

Hickory Corners, MI, USA -- Fashioned after a 1928 Ford dealership, the new Model A Ford Museum, located in southwest Michigan on the campus of the renowned Gilmore Car Museum – America's Signature Collection, display nearly 30 vehicles, cut-away engines and various memorabilia, setting the new world record for the Largest Model A Ford Museum, according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/ .

  Photo: Model A vehicles Fords on display at grand opening for the world's largest Model A Ford museum in a 12,000 sq. ft. building designed after a 1928 Ford dealership on the campus of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Mich. Photo: Matt Gade / AP ( enlarge photo )

 The Guinness world record for the largest parade of Mustang cars is 620 and was organized by Michael Bourassa (Canada) between St-Eulalie and Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the largest car mosaic, created with 460 Volkswagen cars in an event organized by Volkswagen do Brasil Indústria de Veículos Automotores Ltda at the Anhembi Parque in São Paulo, Brazil.

  "The Model A is a car that all can relate to," explains Michael Spezia, executive director of the Gilmore Car Museum.

  "It was an affordable and very popular automobile that has been owned and enjoyed by millions of people," Spezia continued."We are proud and honored to welcome the Model A Ford Museum to our historic campus."

  "The legendary Model A Ford has become an icon of Americana," says Stan Johnson, president of the Model A Ford Foundation, Inc. (MAFFI). "And the museum will preserve the car and the era."

  The Model A Ford Foundation, Inc. (MAFFI) was able to raise over $1 million dollars for the building project and completed the 12,000 sq. ft. museum in just under a year.

  Among the nearly 30 vehicles, cut-away engines and various memorabilia in the new museum, exhibit highlights include:

Thomas Edison's Model A. This was the very first Model A Ford completed, was driven off the assembly line by Henry Ford on October 21, 1927 and presented to inventor Thomas Edison. Here it will be exhibited for the first time in decades to the general public. In 1943, Edison's widow donated the car to the Henry Ford Museum, which has graciously loaned it to the Model A Ford Museum.

A rare 1930 Model A school bus. This vehicle originally served the El Monte, California school district. It was rescued and restored by a Model A club in Placerville, CA and shipped to the museum in time for its opening.

Authentic and unusual Model A Trucks. From an original United State Postal delivery truck to a unique dual powered-axle truck that was used in building the Hoover Dam and a tow truck that could be ordered with stylish sides and chrome siderails.

Original 1920s and 30s clothing. These period garments range from styles worn by school children, housewives, and workers, to a prized wedding dress.

Complete parts and service department. More like a time capsule, this display sports many brand new parts remaining in their original packaging or unopened crates from 80 years ago. The gas pumps located in front of the dealership still boasts only 18.5 cents a gallon!

  "The Model A is a consistent favorite among car collectors and is also one of the most recognized autos of all time," states Jay Follis of the Gilmore Car Museum. "For many it represents the antique car hobby itself."

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